9 Surprisingly Cool Things You Can Do With Your Gross Old Shoes
Old shoes have a way of multiplying. They get shoved into closets, tossed into trunks, or kicked under beds once they’re too worn, too smelly, or too unfashionable to keep wearing. But before you bag them up for the landfill, there are many clever, functional, and genuinely practical second lives those beat-up sneakers, boots, sandals, and stilettos can live.
Redesign Canvas Shoes Into Something Wearable Again
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Canvas sneakers often lose their appeal long before they lose their structure. Instead of replacing them outright, you can refresh them by drawing patterns, adding patches, or painting the fabric. The approach is straightforward and doesn’t require artistic training. More importantly, it gives you control over the final look, which can extend the shoe’s life without compromising comfort.
Rebuild Sandals With Reused Fabrics
If the base of a sandal is still sturdy but the straps are stretched or frayed, a simple reconstruction can turn them into something entirely new. By using material from an old T-shirt or a discarded pair of jeans, you can create wraparound or lace-up straps. This method works especially well for people who enjoy fabric crafts or sewing, and it allows you to produce a customized style rather than discarding the shoes altogether.
Create Easy Espadrilles From Platform Flip-Flops
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Chunky flip-flops often fall out of regular use, but their solid soles make them ideal foundations for homemade espadrilles. By wrapping the sides with fabric and securing it carefully, you can create a lightweight summer shoe without the need for stitching or specialized tools. The finished product is functional, and the materials are inexpensive.
Repurpose Old Shoes as Decorative Garden Planters
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Footwear of almost any style—dress shoes, sneakers, rain boots, and even high heels—can be turned into small planters. You’ll need drainage holes and potting soil, but the concept is simple: shoes act as vessels for succulents, herbs, or compact flowers. Gardeners often appreciate these planters because they add color and personality, and they can be moved easily if you want to redesign your outdoor space.
Improve Winter Traction With Modified Running Shoes
Athletic shoes that are no longer suitable for distance running may still perform well in winter weather. Adding small hex-head screws to the soles creates reliable traction for icy sidewalks. The modification requires only a screwdriver, and the screws are inexpensive. This technique is widely used among winter runners who prefer a low-cost alternative to specialized cleated footwear.
Turn a Baby Shoe Into a Keepsake Pincushion
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Baby shoes are often kept for sentimental reasons, though they rarely serve a practical purpose later on. Converting one into a pincushion solves that dilemma. The process involves filling the interior with fabric and stuffing to allow the pins to stay securely in place. This repurposing method preserves the memory associated with the shoe while giving it a clear, functional role.
Convert Old Boots Into Weighted Doorstops
Worn boots can be useful around the home when filled with sand, gravel, or dried beans. The added weight provides them with the stability needed to hold a door open in frequently used spaces, such as mudrooms, garages, or greenhouses. Tall boots often feature decorative elements, while shorter boots blend more seamlessly into utilitarian areas. Since the interior filler is removable or replaceable, you can adjust the weight as needed.
Make Garden Stepping Stones Using Old Shoe Soles
When footwear is beyond repair, but the soles remain intact, you can incorporate them into your garden as stepping stones. After cleaning and painting them, place the soles in soil or gravel pathways. The tread patterns create visual texture, and the rocks are sturdy enough for light foot traffic. Families with young children often enjoy this project because it adds an element of playfulness to outdoor areas.
Refresh Sandals With Interchangeable Charms
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For shoes that only need a minor update, decorative charms offer an easy improvement. Rather than gluing embellishments directly to the straps, attach them to small pin-style brooches. This allows you to remove or swap them as seasons or outfits change.
When Upcycling Isn’t Suitable, Choose Recycling
Some shoes reach a point where repair or repurposing isn’t realistic. Programs run by Nike, Converse, TerraCycle, and GotSneakers accept footwear for recycling into new products. This ensures that even heavily worn shoes avoid landfills and contribute to a more sustainable waste cycle.