Nothing ruins a fresh outfit like a pair of crummy shoes.
Whether you’re a crazy sneaker person (you know the type) or just a casual shoe owner, you’ve run into instances where you’ve had to toss old shoes because they weren’t cutting it.
But did you know that you can DIY shoes to give them a fresh new look?
Keep reading to find out more.
Give Them a Thorough Wash
The first thing you have to do to freshen up your shoes is give them a thorough wash.
Depending on the material your shoes are made out of, that process may look different.
Regular canvas shoes clean up with some mild detergent and cool water in the normal cycle.
You should air dry them in an area that isn’t hit with direct sunlight.
Make sure you spot clean the dirtier parts that a general wash may not get out.
Don’t dry them until you’re happy with the condition of the shoes, because once they’re dry, the stains are locked in.
Leather shoes are a little different. When cleaning leather shoes, mix warm water and dish soap and use it to dampen a soft cloth.
Wring the cloth out thoroughly before wiping the shoes down.
Use another cloth to get rid of the soap and then dry them with a towel.
Hit Them With Conditioner
One step you can’t forget when cleaning up leather shoes is to condition the leather.
A good leather conditioner will protect them from stains and debris.
It’ll also add a nice shine to the shoes so they look brand new in no time.
A great DIY shoe trick is to make your own leather conditioner.
Mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts linseed oil and apply the mixture to leather. Let it sit for 15 minutes and buff out with a soft cloth.
Dyeing Leather
If your shoe’s leather needs an overhaul altogether, you could always consider dyeing them.
Only dye your shoes if you’re comfortable with the knowledge that it may not turn out how you expect.
Dye can be unpredictable.
You’ll start by preparing and deglazing the leather. Once the leather looks dull, you can brush on leather paint.
Once dry, you’ll use an acrylic or wax finish to shine them up.
Once they’re done, you’ll be looking at new shoes.
Discover the Glory of Shoe Goo
If you don’t have time to look for a good shoe repair shop but your shoes need some patching, shoe goo may help.
It’s a substance that goes on clear and hardens to a rubbery finish.
You can use it to patch holes, tears, sole damage, and even repair heels.
Of course, nothing will replace a trip to the shoe repair shop, but in a pinch, this can work as a solid DIY shoe trick.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
If you’ve got a pair of canvas shoes that could use a little color, you could always give them a fresh coat of paint.
This is especially good if you’ve got a pair of old sneakers around. Grab some quality acrylic paint, a pencil, and some sealant.
Follow the steps we listed above to give your old sneakers a much-needed cleaning.
Once they’re dry, you can trace out the design you want and paint it on.
Once you’re satisfied with the look of your shoes, spray them with a sealant to protect the finish, and you’re good to go!
This is a great way to repurpose your shoes for any outfit.
It’s Okay to Embellish a Little
If paint isn’t your thing, grab some embroidery thread and a needle. You could try to embroider a long-lasting design on your shoes.
Not only will this freshen up your shoes in general, but embroidered shoes are also a huge trend at the moment.
Embroidery isn’t your forte? That’s alright, you could also try some Swarovski crystals, jewels, or other small beads and trinkets.
There’s no end to the list of things you can glue on your shoes to give them a new look. Decora fashion is all the rage in Japan.
Let the White Shine
It’s the bane of all sneaker fan’s existence: you wore your white shoes one time and they’re already looking dingy.
Cotton canvas shoes absorb dirt easily.
But just because they look a little dull doesn’t mean you can’t get back their white shine.
If a machine washing doesn’t do the trick, you can try to hand wash them with baking soda.
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in water with 1/2 tablespoon of peroxide until it creates a paste.
Brush the mixture on with a toothbrush until the loose dirt is gone and the paste is worked in. Then, apply a second coat with a brush.
Sit your shoes in the sun until the paste is dry and flaking off and brush off the excess paste.
If that doesn’t work, you could always try to hand wash them with bleach.
But remember that bleach will break down the fibers over time, so going with baking soda first is a better idea.
Freshen Up Your Lace Game
One simple way to get your old sneakers looking new again is by switching up your laces!
Sometimes all it takes is a colorful pair of laces to give your shoes a completely new look.
If you’ve got leather shoes that look great but are missing something, try finding new laces that make a statement or contrast your shoe.
DIY Shoes: Repurpose Your Shoes!
Now that you know how to DIY shoes for a fresh look, you can get started on freshening up your closet!
It doesn’t take much to give your old shoes a new life.
Not only is this better on your budget, but it’s also better for the planet! For more fun life tips and tricks, keep reading!