Skylab Shoe

Sections of Skylab's flooring were composed of a triangular grid and the astronauts' shoes had a triangular cleat which would protrude through the floor and twist to lock. Once properly anchored, the astronaut could then exert force on objects without that pesky "equal but opposite reaction" from hindering him.

I found what appear to be an early prototype of the shoe and grid system. I failed to document the collection in which this was contained, but I'm pretty certain it was that of Leland F. Belew.

In addition to his work as a program manager, Belew authored or edited a number of Skylab-related publications, including Skylab: A Guidebook (EP-107) and Skylab, Our First Space Station. The latter publication includes some information and a photo of the Skylab shoe and grid system.

As noted, the shoe appears to be an early prototype, as the cleat differs from those actually worn in flight (scroll down to the tenth photo for a view of the bottom of the shoe).