From Footwear Fossils to Fashion Statements: DIY Tips for Shoe Makeovers

Photo by Xeniya Kovaleva

I know I’m not alone in having shoes in my closet that haven’t seen the light of day in ages, slowly inching closer and closer to becoming Footwear Fossils. Before you donate or toss them to make room for new pairs, why not tap into your creative side and have a DIY session to turn those shoes into something new?

I’ve done this before, and it not only resulted in really cute shoes but also made for a fun night with my girlfriends. From crafting budget-friendly costume shoes to revamping old sneakers, the possibilities are endless. In this blog, I’m excited to share some hacks, tricks, and tips for transforming those Footwear Fossils into everyday wearables.

Let’s kick things off by discussing those orchid shoes that had everyone fangirling on social media—including me! These beauties are from Manolo Blahnik’s: The Sororité Collection and have an average resale price of around $500. Now, don’t get me wrong, they’re absolutely stunning, but do I really want to splurge $500 on shoes I’ll only wear occasionally? Instead, why not rummage through our closets for heels that don’t see much daylight? By giving them a makeover, we can create something fresh and exciting, ensuring they get more wear than ever before and avoid their dreaded fate of becoming Footwear Fossils.

In the video above, TikTok user Marina Marchant-Dest showcases her creative approach to upcycling a pair of thrifted starry heels into stunning orchid shoes inspired by Manolo Blahnik. With just three affordable products, she achieves this stylish transformation for a total cost of $25-$35. Not only does this project offer a drastic decrease in price compared to the original shoes, but it also promotes the eco-friendly practice of upcycling footwear. It’s a win-win!

In another TikTok video shared by user Cherienesss, she takes a pair of stunning silver shoes and elevates them by adding a silver starfish and some threading to the front. The result? A completely redesigned look that left me gasping in awe at the final product—they’re truly stunning! While I understand that not everyone may fancy the starfish, the video showcases how easy it is to personalize heels with different accessories. This environmentally and wallet-friendly alternative to buying new pairs of heels is a game-changer.

One last upcycle that I had to share was posted by TikTok user Metéa Rose. She demonstrates how to thread new life into outdated shoes and give them a trendy makeover. Taking a pair of valley flats that were all the rage back in 2014, she simply added cording and thread to transform their aesthetic completely. With just a small change, she creates a beautiful, dainty pair of shoes that leave me feeling envious and eager to try!