We all have at least one pair of shoes tucked away in the back of a closet that could use a refresh. I certainly do—several, in fact—just waiting for the right DIY idea. Good news: there are a dozen smart, doable ways to remake old shoes and give them new life.
Gather those neglected shoes and get ready for a transformation. From simple embellishments and textile paint to dyeing leather or crocheting your own espadrilles, there’s a technique to suit almost every skill level and style. Below are 12 creative DIY approaches to revamp worn footwear and make something uniquely yours.
12 DIY Ways to Give Your Old Shoes a Makeover
1. Platform espadrilles: These elevated espadrilles are a standout DIY—perfect if you want a trendy, handcrafted result. Follow the step-by-step tutorial on Fabrica de Imaginacion.
2. Dye leather: One of the easiest ways to rejuvenate tired leather shoes is to dye them. The process is straightforward and can make a pair look brand new. Learn how to dye leather shoes like a pro.
3. Paint splatter sneakers: A fun, artsy option is paint splatter. This playful look can turn plain leather or canvas shoes into a statement piece—expect compliments whenever you wear them.
4. Raffia pom-pom sandals: Add a summery, boho touch with raffia and pom-poms. This cheerful embellishment is ideal for warm-weather sandals and brings lots of texture and color.
5. Crochet sandals: Believe it or not, you can crochet decorative uppers or even full sandals. Crochet adds a handmade, delicate finish that’s surprisingly durable and stylish.
6. Airbrushed fades and gradients: If you want subtle, professional-looking color transitions, try airbrushing. An airbrush gun lets you create soft fades and custom shading that completely change the shoe’s vibe.
7. Painted polka dots: For a quick, high-impact refresh, use a pencil or small brush to paint polka dots on sneakers. It’s a fast, charming way to personalize casual shoes in under five minutes.
8. Painted fringe sandals: Add color to fringe details with fabric or leather paint. A little paint transforms a simple fringe sandal into a lively, attention-grabbing pair.
9. Fabric-covered flats: Turn an inexpensive pair of basic sandals into custom fabric flats in about an hour. Covering straps or the entire upper with patterned fabric gives your shoes a fresh, coordinated look.
10. Embroidery accents: Skip paint and use embroidery floss to stitch patterns directly onto canvas or fabric shoes. Needle-and-thread techniques open up endless pattern options and create a richly textured surface.
11. Leopard-print oxfords: Create a realistic leopard-print using paint markers. With careful dotting and shading, printed oxfords can look like a designer pair—without the expense.
12. Abstract color blocks: Paint bold, abstract shapes on plain sneakers for a modern, graphic update. Color blocking is versatile and can be tailored to any palette for a truly unique pair.
Which makeover speaks to you most? More importantly, do you have a pair of shoes in the back of your closet that are ready for an overhaul? With so many techniques—from dyeing and painting to fabric, crochet, and embroidery—there’s a DIY shoe refresh for every taste and skill level.