Paper Feet Sandals Made from Recycled Billboards

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WJBK) - He's putting his best foot forward in a quest to kick start an entrepreneurial career. Jimmy Tomczak is the maker of Paper Feet. They're a new line of sandals made from recycled billboards.

Tomczak created his first-draft out of paper, but the product is now actually made of fiber reinforced vinyl that would have ended up in a landfill.

"For the same reason that the billboards are used for outdoor advertisement -- UV resistant, waterproof, tear proof, they're up there for months at a time, years at a time depending -- it's the same reason that they make great shoes," he said.

Tomczak is a 2010 graduate of the University of Michigan. He majored in neuroscience, but quickly turned his attention to the art and science of starting a business.

While he's at it, he's protecting the planet and making a functional fashion statement that's all made in Michigan.

"They get some looks. They're fashion forward in that sense, but this is all about … conscience consumption, creative reuse and the mindset that you can do something like a shoe that normally wouldn't be done," said Tomczak.

Now, you might be wondering, like I was, what's it really like to walk around in these vinyl shoes, so I tried on a pair and was surprised. They really are comfortable.

"The best way to describe it -- it's just like being barefoot. They can fold or role right up and you pull them out of your pocket and then you can just put them right on," Tomczak said.

He launched his first line of Paper Feet back in November. They're generating plenty of interest on the web. They sell for $30. Consider it an investment in a budding Michigan business.

He's also working on the next generation of Paper Feet.

To learn more or to order a pair, visit www.paper-feet.com.