8 strands in the toe plug, 12 strands in the heel.  More about getting rid of leftover string than comfort, but they were the most comfortable.  It can't make knots, so the toe plug needed a farstener.  This too proved easier than a bowline, since the toe plug needs adjustment.  Real pain to fabricate.

Tried adhering the reinforcers.  Sadly, these soles died after only 35 miles & adhering made the reinforcers wear out faster.  Because they were immobilized, all the rubbing was concentrated on the side facing the pavement.  The 1/16 string also broke in a few places.