Your old shoes don't have to end up in the trash! Check how to use them
An average Polish woman's wardrobe has 17 pairs of shoes, and over half of Poles buy 3 pairs of new shoes a year. Regardless of whether you are more or less conservative in this matter, your footwear wears out over time or you simply stop liking it. Fortunately, such shoes do not have to end up in the trash bin. We advise you what to do with them to give them a second life.
Give your shoes a second life
The average Polish woman has as many as 17 pairs of shoes in her collection. High heels for special occasions, sandals for summer, sneakers for every day, snow boots for frosty days, ballet flats for the office... In many cases, it's hard to count them on one hand!
Some are so comfortable and universal that you wear them almost every day. Such frequent use means that the shoes wear out quickly and require replacement with new ones. On the other hand, some choices are completely wrong and the shoes end up at the bottom of the closet. A similar fate awaits sky-high stilettos, which are a real torture to wear.
Depending on how worn out your shoes are, there are plenty of ways to give them a second life. In our guide, we have collected the most interesting of them.
Act in harmony with nature and focus on zero-waste
Omnipresent consumerism is taking a huge toll on our planet. If you want to live in harmony with nature, act in rhythm zero-waste. What is it about?
Instead of throwing it away, try to repair it or find another owner. If an item is well-used, you can still avoid waste. All you need to do is get creative and apply what you have to a completely new role.
Although it is more intuitive in the case of old clothes (e.g. using a used T-shirt as a dishcloth), many people think that shoes are not so lucky. Nothing could be further from the truth! It turns out that the shoes lying at the bottom of the closet are not as useless as it may seem.
Are you looking for proven ideas to reuse? You've come to the right place! Let's get started!
Use the help of a shoemaker
If the problem is an improper fit or a scratched heel, you can successfully seek help from a specialist. Find a shoemaker's shop nearby and take your shoes to a qualified person who will solve your problem in the blink of an eye for a small fee.
This option will work well when you are dealing with shoes that are too tight, damaged heels or heels, or a broken zipper. The shoemaker can even dye the shoes or polish them so that they will look like new.
Put your shoes in good hands
If your shoes are in good condition, do not have any holes, and the sole does not come away from the upper, the shoes are still usable. Instead of throwing them into the trash bin, you can put them in good hands and make someone else happy.
After your new high heels made your feet bleed, did you promise yourself you would never wear them again? Instead of hiding them deep in the closet, give them to your sister or friend. They will certainly be happy with such a gift.
Do your loved ones wear a different size? Throw the shoes into the used clothing bin or donate them to a charity. You can also find someone in need with the same foot size on your own. For this purpose, social media, for example, will prove useful. Search for a recycling group in your area, post an ad and that's it!
Remember to clean your shoes thoroughly before giving them away. After all, someone else will be wearing them!
Put your shoes on sale
Do you no longer like an expensive pair of shoes or simply don't match any of the clothes in your wardrobe? If the shoes are in good condition and cost a fortune, you can successfully put them up for sale.
Use sales platforms or auction portals. This way, you will not lose money, and your shoes will gain a new owner who will love them at first sight.
Use your shoes in a completely different form
You have certainly seen a lot of ideas on the Internet to make something from nothing at a low cost and at the same time reduce the generation of waste. A vase from an old bottle, a house for cats from unnecessary cardboard, a fancy decoration from wine corks...
What if we could use shoes in a completely different form? How about a garden pot made of old Wellington boots? Or a coat hanger made of old, colorful high heels? Attach the shank to the wooden board and you're done! You can also make a bookend out of impressive shoes.
As you can see, creativity is the key to success! If the appearance of your worn shoe attracts attention, you can certainly create original accessories for your home or garden. If not, use at least some of them. The laces can be used as a keychain or as a gift bow. Worn out soles of children's shoes can create a garden path for your children.
Remember that there are no limits to DIY projects. Act unconventionally and creatively. Take the initiative and use used shoes to show the world your unique artistic vision.
Consider the landfill as a last resort!
For the most part, shoes are made of plastic or similar materials. Non-biodegradable plastics are one of the worst enemies of the natural environment!
Therefore, treat the landfill as a last resort and use our tips to give a second life to your unwanted shoes. See how simple it is?