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Upcycle Shoes with One of these Genius Ideas

Learn how to upcycle shoes using these 15+ fun tutorials. Revamp your entire footwear collection and make it perfect without spending a ton of money!

Over 15 Ways to Upcycle Shoes

Oh, the sweet (and slightly musty) smell of old shoes! There’s something almost magical about stumbling upon a forgotten pair at the back of the closet, isn’t there? They’ve been there for so long, quietly existing, waiting for the day they’ll either see the light of day or meet their end in a trash bin.

But hold up – don’t toss them out just yet! Why? Because we’re about to embark on a fantastic journey of transformation, where those old soles (pun intended) get a second chance to strut their stuff.

I’m going to show you some great ways to upcycle shoes.

Because let’s face it, we all have that pair of shoes. You know the ones I’m talking about: they’ve been with you through thick and thin, partied hard, maybe even witnessed a few fashion crimes (neon laces, anyone?).

And just when you think their journey has come to an end, along comes the cooler weather, and with it, a brilliant excuse to dive into your shoe collection for a little game of “What’s hot and what’s not.”

But before you get all Marie Kondo on your footwear, I have a proposition that might just tickle your fancy. Instead of bidding farewell to your once-beloved kicks, how about we give them a makeover so fabulous, they’ll be begging for a night out?

I’ve scoured the earth (okay, maybe just the internet) and gathered over 15 jaw-dropping, show-stopping, utterly fabulous ways to breathe new life into your old shoes.

From dyeing and painting to the art of decoupage, there’s a technique for every level of crafter to transform their tired loafers into the talk of the town.

So, lace up (or glue on, or paint over—whatever floats your boat) and let’s dive into this treasure trove of ideas.

Keep scrolling, because this is one adventure you won’t want to miss. And who knows? You might just end up with a brand-new pair of shoes without spending a dime.

1
How to make canvas shoes

Floral Iron On

Learn how to apply a pretty floral pattern to canvas shoes using iron ons! It's way easier than you think.
Get the Tutorial
2
justpaintitblog.com

Acrylic Paint & Marker

Cheap white slip on sneakers become really cool with this tutorial. I love that she shows the steps in detail so even if you don't have any artistic ability, you can paint these shoes!
Get the Tutorial
3
modpodgerocksblog.com

Mod Podge and Glitter

Instead of throwing away an old pair of kicks, learn how to revamp them with Mod Podge and glitter in this decoupage shoes project!
Get the Tutorial
4
crochet-flower-shoe-clips-flip-flops
juliemeasures.com

Add Crochet Flowers

Get the free pattern for making these adorable flowers! Julie shows what the look like on flip flops, heels and flats.
Get the Tutorial
5
www.dreamalittlebigger.com

Gold Paint

I love the idea of taking an old pair of tennis shoes and making them over with bright metallic paint.
Get the Tutorial
6
heatherednest.com

Add Fringe

Would you believe that these sandals were created using a grass skirt from the dollar store?
Get the Tutorial
7
Neon stitched shoes
www.papernstitchblog.com

Paint Pen

Use a paint pen to add simple accents to an old pair of flats.
Get the Tutorial
8
www.abeautifulmess.com

Floral Accents

Give a pair of boots a new look by adding just a little bit of fabric (it makes a big difference!).
Get the Tutorial
9
theproperblog.com

Ombre Effect

If you want to do something a little different on your kicks, try an ombre effect. Lexy uses spray paint and it works great!
Get the Tutorial
10
www.trinketsinbloom.com

Ribbon & Buckles

These designer inspired puritan flats are easy to make with ribbon and buckles.
Get the Tutorial
11
www.housewifeeclectic.com

Spray Paint

I had no idea you could spray paint boots! This is opening up a whole new world to me. What a great way to upcycle shoes or boots.
Get the Tutorial
12
hiphome.blogspot.com

DIY Hoot Owl Toms

Front of your Toms a little beat up? Turning them into cute characters is fun! In fact I'd probably do this to a brand new pair.
Get the Tutorial
13
www.dreamalittlebigger.com

Dyed Suede

This a great idea for making over suede shoes when you want a different color – just dye them.
Get the Tutorial
14
Mod Podge fabric covered shoes
tikkido.com

Decoupage

Overhaul a pair of boots with a little Mod Podge and fabric. If you want to upcycle shoes with a cute pattern, this will be your go-to!
Get the Tutorial
15
Simple-and-Sweet-Oxfords
flamingotoes.com

Leather & Ribbon

These beautiful oxfords were inspired by a designer pair – and were really easy to make with leather scraps and ribbon.
Get the Tutorial
16
makezine.com

Doily

If you really want to make a statement, consider adding doilies to wedges with Mod Podge.
Get the Tutorial

Are you ready to upcycle shoes? Me too! Which tutorial are you going to try?? I’d love for you to check out these other tutorials as well:

brittan

Tuesday 19th of November 2013

Thanks for including me in this wrap up! so appreciated! xo

/Brittan of What She Would Have Worn