Expert consulted: 
It can be hard to part with your favourite shoes, even if they’re worn out, dingy or not really wearable anymore. For instance, I have a pair of black Vans that I’ve kept for nearly a decade. The canvas is fraying, the soles are practically worn through and they definitely don’t provide the support they once did. And yet, I can’t bring myself to toss them. That’s why I tapped experts for tips on how to repurpose old shoes. Amanda Constantine, home & apparel reviews analyst at the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, also offered tips on how to maintain and repair shoes so they last longer.
Shoes that are still in good condition can often be donated to local aid organisations or charity shops. But if your shoes are truly no longer wearable, that doesn’t mean they’re destined for the bin. Old shoes can be upcycled into helpful household items, such as umbrella stands or planters, rather than tossed in a landfill.
Below, learn more about how to repair or repurpose your worn-out shoes.
1. Know which shoes are worth repairing
Not all shoes are created equal when it comes to repairs. ‘Athletic shoes aren’t worth the repair,’ says Amanda. ‘They’re designed specifically to aid with performance in a certain activity and have more concrete lifespans to help avoid injury.’
Leather shoes, however, are a different story. ‘Leather is a high-quality, durable material that can last a long time with the proper maintenance,’ she explains. Whether boots, flats or loafers, leather footwear is ideal for professional repair.
2. Replace heels and soles before it’s too late
The key to keeping leather shoes going? Don’t wait too long to fix them. ‘It’s important to replace or repair the heels and soles of leather shoes when you notice they’re wearing down, becoming uneven, or losing traction,’ Amanda advises.
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Catching wear early can prevent more extensive (and expensive) damage down the line. A simple sole replacement can add years to your favourite boots or dress shoes.
3. Clean your shoes regularly
‘The best way to extend the life of your shoes is simply upkeep,’ says Amanda. ‘It’s easy to kick your shoes off and forget about them when you walk through the door, but a little maintenance when you get home can help them to last longer.’
Make it a habit to remove mud and debris after each wear. In winter, pay special attention to salt, which can corrode leather. A quick wipe-down takes seconds but can significantly extend your shoes’ lifespan.
Here are 6 steps to cleaning suede shoes and boots for guidance.
4. Give them a creative makeover
Before you give up on shoes that are structurally sound but looking tired, consider a DIY refresh. Canvas trainers can be transformed with fabric paint or markers. Scuffed leather shoes can get new life with shoe cream or polish in a fresh colour. Try adding ribbon laces, swapping out shoelaces for bold patterns or using fabric patches to cover worn spots. Sometimes all a pair needs is a little creative update to feel brand new again.
Check out how to clean white trainers if you want a fresh canvas.
5. Turn trainers into quirky planters
Old canvas trainers make surprisingly charming planters for small succulents or herbs. Drill a few drainage holes in the sole, fill with potting soil and plant your greenery. They’re perfect for windowsills or outdoor spaces and add a playful touch to any garden. Just make sure the shoes are clean before filling them. (You can use the tips from above!)
6. Use boots as umbrella holders
Tall boots — especially rubber rain boots or sturdy work boots — work perfectly as umbrella holders near your entryway. Place them upright by the door and slide umbrellas inside. They can also organise gardening tools, knitting needles or even firewood kindling. The sturdier the boot, the better it works.
You could also reuse old flower pots as umbrella stands.
7. Create unique bookends from heavy shoes
Heavier shoes like boots, oxfords or clogs make excellent bookends. Clean them thoroughly, stuff them with newspaper or fabric to help them hold their shape and place them on either end of your shelf. For extra stability, add a small weight inside like stones or sand.
8. Repurpose shoe soles as door stoppers
The rubber soles from old trainers or work boots have great grip and weight, perfect for door stoppers. Cut the sole away from the base of the shoe, clean it well and place it under doors that need propping. The textured rubber prevents slipping better than most store-bought stoppers.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
