6 shoe makeover ideas

If you own a stack of old, worn-out, or out-of-fashion shoes, you can revive them with easy DIY ideas. Think of turning your tired flip-flops into wedgy summer wear or wrapping fabric around your plain boots to match your expensive coat. Whatever shoes you have, you can recycle readily available materials to transform and make them trendy again. Here are six shoe makeover ideas you can try today:

Embellish Your Old Pumps

Did you know you can add sparkle, crystals, or beads to your heels and proudly wear them to a wedding party? The easiest way to do this is by applying glue on the plain areas on your heels. Then, sprinkle the beads or stones on your heels and give them time to stick to the glue. We suggest using multicoloured or black crystals on white or brightly coloured shoes.

Upgrade Your Plain Canvas Slip-On Sneakers

Most canvas sneakers retail in plain colours, making them dull for some people. You can upgrade them by customising their look to reflect a fashion statement. Collect recycled fabric, glue, paintbrush, and shears. Cut the fabric to cover the front panel of the sneakers. Use the paintbrush to distribute the glue on the front panel. Opt for fast-drying glue to get great results. Next, position the fabric diagonally before gluing it down on the shoes. Repeat the process until you cover the entire upper section of the shoes. Use the shears to cut the edges of the fabric.

Dye Your Leather Shoes

Apply leather dye to your shoes to darken or revive their color, eliminate light spots, even out blemishes, or permanently opt for a different shade. You will need quality leather dye, a soft cloth or sponge, a bowl, and water. Start by cleaning your shoes to remove dust, mud, and debris. Next, apply a leather stripper to get rid of polish and finishes. Now rub the leather conditioner to soften the leather and improve its appearance. Apply a thin layer of the leather dye and leave it for at least 30 minutes to dry. Repeat the dye application to build color and achieve the concentration you want. Leave the shoes to dry for another 6 hours allowing the dye to cure. Finally, polish the leather with quality leather cream to rehydrate the material and get them shining again.

Watercolour Your Sneakers

Do you love artwork? If so, use watercolours to paint or draw unique art designs on your sneakers. You can apply as many colours as you like to create a unique aesthetic design. For example, we suggest painting stripes parallel to the shoe’s contours. Ensure you use alternating tape to block colour when painting multicoloured stripes. Likewise, add your name, initials, or unique logo to customise the footwear. Watercolours attain a translucent look that dries fast and is easy to clean. And they are excellent when doing shoe makeovers for kids or any outgoing person.

Create Height Adjustable Leather Boots 

If you own knee-high leather boots, you can slice the leather vertically into two sections up to the ankle level. Then, add a zipper to the cut section and a buckle at the heel area to convert your shoes into height-adjustable boots. Properly wear your adjustable leather boots by unzipping and folding the upper section outwards. Then fasten the clip to hold the upper section down at your desired height. Other makeover ideas for your boots include trimming the upper part to an ankle length and using the cut section to create a matching purse or sling bag.

Add a Neon Trim to Your Sports Shoes

Are you a casual runner and jogger who practices outdoors early in the morning or late in the evening? If so, add a neon trim to your running shoes and lacing to improve visibility. Running on the sidewalk in the dark puts you at risk of collision with cars, cyclists, and other pedestrians. Then, dip your laces in a luminous color. Also, use a paintbrush to apply the bright shade to the trims of your shoes. Alternatively, add a glowing fabric string to the edges of your shoes.

As you decide on the best way to give a second life to your old shoes, keep your DIY simple and affordable by using readily available materials. Check for the latest trends and ensure the makeover makes your shoes fashionable again. And always refer to the shoe user manual to avoid compromising its structural construction.