Upcycle Your Old Shoes: A Quick Guide to a Stylish Makeover

Updated at: 04/06/2025

Tired of that overflowing shoe rack crammed with well-loved but worn-out footwear? Before you consign those old sneakers or boots to the landfill, consider this: a stylish second life awaits! Upcycling your old shoes isn't just a sustainable choice; it's a creative opportunity to transform tired treasures into unique, personalized fashion statements. Think vibrant new colours, added embellishments, or even repurposed into entirely new items! Giving your old shoes a makeover can save you money, reduce textile waste, and unleash your inner artist.

This quick guide will walk you through simple, effective techniques to breathe new life into your old shoes, transforming them from drab to fab. From cleaning and prepping your chosen footwear to adding creative elements and sealing the deal with a protective finish, we'll provide you with the step-by-step process for a successful upcycling project, no matter your skill level. Get ready to rediscover the style potential hiding in your shoe closet!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Old shoes
  • Fabric (matching your outfit)
  • Scissors
  • Needle and thread
Safety Guidelines
  • Always prioritize safety when using sharp tools like scissors or knives. Cut away from yourself and use a cutting mat if necessary.
  • If working with adhesives, ensure adequate ventilation and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Wear gloves if recommended.
  • Before starting any major alteration, consider the condition of the shoes. If the material is severely worn or damaged, upcycling may not be feasible or safe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shoe

    • Remove the existing strap or buckle from your old shoe.
    Remove the existing strap or buckle from your old shoe.
    Prepare the Shoe

  2. Cut and Prepare the Fabric

    • Cut a strip of fabric (approximately 3 inches wide and 72-80 inches long) that matches your outfit.
    • Finish the edges of the fabric strip using a rolled hem to prevent fraying.
    Finish the edges of the fabric strip using a rolled hem to prevent fraying.Finish the edges of the fabric strip using a rolled hem to prevent fraying.
    Cut and Prepare the Fabric

  3. Thread the Fabric

    • Thread the fabric strip through the shoe, ensuring both ends are even.
    • Lace up the fabric strip, creating a new lace-up look. You may need to use scissors to help thread the strip through tighter parts of the shoe.
    Lace up the fabric strip, creating a new lace-up look. You may need to use scissors to help thread the strip through tighter parts of the shoe.Lace up the fabric strip, creating a new lace-up look. You may need to use scissors to help thread the strip through tighter parts of the shoe.
    Thread the Fabric

  4. Finish and Style

    • Tighten the back of the lacing for a secure and stylish fit.
    Tighten the back of the lacing for a secure and stylish fit.
    Finish and Style

Read more: DIY Reversible Baby Slippers: Easy Sewing Tutorial

Tips

  • Choose a fabric that complements your outfit for a cohesive look.
  • A rolled hem provides a professional finish and prevents unraveling.
  • Use scissors to help guide the fabric through the shoe if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Material Compatibility

Reason: Using glues or paints unsuitable for the shoe material (leather, canvas, etc.) can lead to damage, discoloration, or peeling.
Solution: Always choose adhesives and paints specifically designed for the shoe's material type.

2. Insufficient Preparation

Reason: Not cleaning and prepping the shoes properly (removing dirt, scuffs, and old finishes) results in an uneven final product and poor adhesion.
Solution: Thoroughly clean and lightly sand the shoe surface before applying any new materials or paint.

FAQs

What kind of shoes are best for upcycling?
Canvas sneakers, boots made of leather or sturdy fabric, and even some sandals are great candidates for upcycling. Avoid shoes with significant structural damage or severely worn soles, as these might be too difficult to repair effectively.