13 Creative Things to Do With Old Shoes

You can transform old shoes into fun and practical items by creating planters, birdhouses, and unique artwork. You can also make storage solutions like jewelry holders, and wall art. Other useful ideas for old shoes are to convert them into pet beds, key holders, and bookends.

Explore creative things to do with old shoes by continuing to read and discover these innovative ideas.

#1 13 Creative Ideas for Upcycling Old Shoes

Looking for fresh ways to reuse old shoes? Check out these 13 creative ideas to upcycle them. From DIY planters to unique home decorations, these projects can give your old shoes a new purpose.

1. Turn Them into Planters

To transform old shoes into charming planters, clean and dry the shoes first. Then add drainage holes in the bottom.

Next, you can fill them with soil and plant your favorite small plants, like succulents or herbs. This easy project not only recycles your shoes but also adds a touch of greenery to your home.

2. Create Shoe Birdhouses

To turn old shoes into cute birdhouses, start by cleaning and drying the shoes. Later on, cut a small hole in the shoe’s toe area for birds to enter. Attach a perch below the hole using a stick or dowel.

You can secure the shoe to a wooden base or directly to a tree. Decorate it with paint or natural elements. Then, place your new birdhouse in a quiet, sheltered spot to attract feathered friends.

3. Transform Shoes into Unique Artwork

Get creative by turning old shoes into one-of-a-kind art pieces. You can paint the shoes in bright colors or patterns to make them stand out. Next, add embellishments like beads, glitter, or fabric for extra flair.

You can also use shoes as canvases for sculptures or wall decorations. For example, you can create a colorful shoe mosaic or a quirky shoe centerpiece.

4. Make Shoe Storage Solutions

Repurpose old shoes for practical storage solutions by using old shoes to organize small items. Start by cleaning the shoes and removing any laces. For small items, place them directly inside the shoes or attach the shoes to a board or wall.

You can also use larger shoes as bins for toys. Label each shoe to keep things organized and easily accessible.

5. Craft Shoe-Based Jewelry Holders

Turn old shoes into stylish jewelry holders by placing them upright to hold necklaces or bracelets. For flats, lay them down and use the inside to store rings and earrings.

You can add hooks or small containers inside the shoes for more organized storage. Then, decorate the shoes with paint or fabric to match your room. 

6. Fashion Shoe Wall Art

Create eye-catching wall art by arranging old shoes in a pattern on a large piece of canvas or wooden board. Next, secure them with glue or screws. 

Paint or decorate the shoes to match your desired look. For a unique touch, add embellishments like fabric, beads, or glitter. After finishing the project, you can hang your finished art piece on a wall using hooks or nails.

7. Convert Shoes into Pet Beds

Turn large shoes into cozy pet beds by lining the inside with soft fabric or foam. If the shoe is open, try to create a cushion with a removable, washable cover.

Secure the fabric with glue or sew it in place. Place the shoes in a quiet spot where your pet likes to rest. You can also add a few soft blankets or cushions for extra comfort. 

8. Design Shoe-Themed Key Holders

Make functional and stylish key holders from old shoes by attaching small hooks or nails near the toe or heel to hold keys. Secure the hooks with strong glue or by screwing them in.

Paint or decorate the shoe to match your style. Next, mount the shoe on a wall or hang it near your entryway. 

9. Create Shoe-Bookends

For unique bookends using old shoes, choose shoes with a sturdy, flat base. Attach heavy objects like bricks or stones inside the shoes to keep them stable.

Secure the objects with glue or place them inside a fabric pouch. Next, decorate the shoes and place them on your bookshelf to support your books.

10. Turn Old Shoes Into Unique Garden Sculptures

Start by cleaning and drying the shoes. Then, arrange them in creative ways, such as forming a flower bed border or creating a playful garden path.

You can also stack shoes or make a fun sculpture or garden tower. Paint or decorate the shoes to match your garden’s theme. Just secure the shoes with stakes or heavy objects to keep them in place. 

11. Fashion Shoe Candle Holders

You can transform old shoes into candle holders by cutting a hole in the shoe’s toe area to fit a candle holder or cup. Secure the candle holder inside the shoe using glue or adhesive. 

For safety, make sure the candle holder fits snugly and won’t tip over. Decorate the shoe with paint, fabric, or beads and place it on a heat-resistant surface.

12. Turn Shoes into Unique Furniture Accents

Add a creative touch to your furniture by using old shoes as accents. Start by preparing and attaching shoes to the sides or top of a wooden table or chair using strong glue. Use shoes as drawer pulls by attaching them to the front of cabinets or drawers.

Paint or cover the shoes with fabric to match your furniture. For an eye-catching look, arrange a group of shoes on a shelf or as a base for a lamp. 

13. Make Shoe-Based Toys and Crafts for Kids

You can also turn old shoes into fun crafts and toys for kids. For a simple project, turn shoes into playhouses by decorating them with paint and stickers. Use large shoes as bases for toy car tracks or puppet theaters.

You can also make shoe-shaped stamps by cutting designs into the soles and dipping them in paint. For safety, ensure all edges are smooth and use non-toxic materials.

#2 The Advantages of Upcycling Old Shoes and How Junk Removal Companies Can Assist

Upcycling old shoes offers several benefits. It helps reduce waste and lessens environmental impact by keeping shoes out of landfills. This process also saves money by repurposing items you already have through creative projects. Plus, upcycling encourages DIY activities and creativity.

Junk removal companies like EZ CleanUp can help by removing a huge amount of old shoes or materials you no longer need. They ensure that items are disposed of properly and may even help with recycling or donation. This service simplifies the cleanup process, so you can focus on your upcycling projects while they handle the clutter.

#3 Tips for Upcycling Old Shoes

• Advice from Experts – Consult DIY and upcycling guides for creative ideas and techniques. Look for tutorials and examples to inspire your projects.
• Choosing Materials – Select durable materials like strong glue, paints, and fabrics. For stability, use sturdy shoes and reinforce them with additional support if needed.
• Best Practices – Clean and prepare shoes properly before starting. Test paints and adhesives on a small area first. Ensure all edges are smooth and safe, especially if the project will be used frequently.

#4 FAQs

#5 The Bottom Line – Upcycling Old Shoes and When to Get Help

Upcycling old shoes offers many benefits, like reducing waste, saving money, and encouraging creativity. You can transform shoes into planters, birdhouses, artwork, and more. These projects not only add a unique touch to your home but also make good use of items you already have.

Try these creative ideas and enjoy the satisfaction of DIY projects. If you need help with removing a bulk of unwanted items or clutter, consider using services like EZ CleanUp. Contact us to assist you with junk removal and make the process easy and efficient.