Mod Podge Shoes
Posted by Ashley 
184 Comments
My husband jokes every time I get the bottle of Mod Podge out that I’m going to Mod Podge fabric to our computer keys or Mod Podge our kids clothing to their bodies. Hey, don’t tempt me. I know, I may go a little overboard with this stuff…….but I just had to try it on some shoes. Originally, I saw the idea on a site my sister showed me. And the lady Mod Podged starburst wrappers to some shoes. It was cute…….but I wanted to try fabric.
And using some of my favorite fabric. (from Hobby Lobby……which can only be purchased in their stores, not online. Bummer.)
How fun would these be if you matched them to a cute skirt you’ve made? …….Or just wear them with some jeans. So colorful and fun.
Anyway, this is my first time applying fabric to shoes with Mod Podge and I am in no way claiming that this will last on here forever. I imagine it will do pretty well though. However, don’t wear the shoes out in wet weather unless you buy some sort of sealant that will waterproof the shoes.
Edited To Add: Emilee left a comment and mentioned outdoor Mod Podge… Sure enough, I found some online here. (I’m sure you can find it many places.) But this variety is supposed to be water resistant. Perfect for this project. Thanks Emilee!
Do you want to try it out yourself?
Grab a pair of your old flats or buy a nice inexpensive/clearance pair to try it out on. What the heck, these were only a couple of dollars at Wal-Mart. Worth the experiment.
(I cut the bows off.)
Just lay a piece of fabric over the shoe, big enough to cover the entire thing.
Trim around the edges, just so there’s not tons hanging over the edge.
Then make a slit up the back, almost to the top of the scoop in your shoe.
Apply some Mod Podge to the toe of the shoe. Use plenty of it.
Lay your fabric on top of your shoe and stretch it to the contours of the shoe. You want as little puckering as possible along the sole.
And remember, it’s okay if there is fabric hanging over the edge. We’ll take care of that later.
Continue on down the shoe, applying plenty of Mod Podge and pulling the fabric tight as you smooth it down.
As you get to the heel of the shoe, lay one side flat and cut straight up the back. Apply your Mod Podge and smooth out your fabric.
Then fold over the other piece but make sure there’s enough extra to fold over the end and then smooth down, keeping the raw end tucked under.
Then trim the fabric along the curve of the shoe, leaving about a 1/2 inch of fabric.
Then make some slits along the curve of the shoe to make it easier to tuck under the fabric.
Apply Mod Podge to the under side and tuck the fabric under nice and tight.
And then continue tucking along the sides and heel of the shoe.
Now, using an Exacto Knife/Utility Knife (with a really sharp blade), trim off the excess fabric……right next to the sole.
And then cover the entire shoe with a nice thick coat of Mod Podge.
Allow to dry completely.
Related posts:
Felt Hair Clips
Re-Pursposing: Boy's T-Shirts, Part I
Framed Easter Egg
Craft Room, Part 3 (dry erase picture frame)
Matching 'Dolly & Me' Skirts
Wow, way cute. :) I may have to try this one!
Dani
craftrookie.blogspot.com
What a fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing this with me. I have to try it now.
omg I am doing this today. I have some shoes that need it!!!
and I bet you could tear off the fabric when you get tired of it (or it gets dirty!) and start over. this is a GREAT idea Ash! I love your modpodge obsession!!!
These are so cute! Thanks for sharing this!
You are my hero. LOVE IT. I linked to you here: http://www.momsbyheart.net/2009/08/mod-podge-shoes.html
Those are seriously so cute! Thanks for sharing all of your awesome ideas :)
I love this idea – thanks for sharing it with us!
No way! I love those!!!! Is there anything you can't do?! -Kelsee
Cute idea. I could see try this for halloween costumes – when you can't find the perfect coloured shoe.
CUTE!!!!!! Oh the things you can do with an older pair of shoes. Thanks for this idea!! He I can do this with a pair of pumps I don't wear anymore!!!!
That is super cute! I am going to have to try to find some cute fabric and try that! I am sad we don't have a hobby lobby where I live :(!
Awesome idea, they turned out great!
Olá!
Interessante, mas gostaria de saber como manter a higiene da sapatilha depois da reciclagem?
This is by far the coolest and most unique idea I've seen in a while! Thanks for sharing!
Shut up!! That is WAAAY too cute!! I have some shoes that have gotten really worn that I can totally do this to. Is your fabric holding up pretty well? Thanks for sharing!!
I NEVER would have thought of that!!! They turned out great!!!
Lynette
getyourcrafton.blogspot.com
Family Fun (maybe?) did this on kids' shoes with tissue paper. Yours are absolutely darling (I like the fabric much better), but they used Outdoor Mod Podge. Maybe that would help them hold up better? I love your shoes.
Great idea, and the final product looks fantastic!
Well, it's official. Now I've seen everything!
Totally cute and I have a pair of flats that are just begging for this treatment. Do I dare?
so cute. I love that fabric too. Mod Podge has a special place in my heart too.
cute!
This takes the creativity cake!
GENIOUS!!!! I can't stand it – gotta go make me some. First gotta think up the perfect outfit to match them to!
AHHHH!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that is just insane (in a good way!)…wouldn't that be cool for bridemaids shoes? especially on little girls.
you are a GENIUS!!!! now I NEED to find a pair of shoes to do this to!!!
You're so clever! I don't know how you come up with these things! Love them!!
This is an amazing idea. I freakin love it. How can people be so talented. It mind boggling. YOu need to have your own TV show girl. Way to go. I am so glad that i foung your blog. Thanks to Brittneys Cake World. I need to sponser you and have a giveaway (or how ever that works). I would love to have you linked to my blog. I just started my little home buisness making jewelry. i would love to sponser you and giveaway some jewelry, necklaces, bangle bracelet, beaded watches etc. Something fun and different. I just can't get over some of your ideas. Your amazing. The shoes are killer. Keep up the good work. You have def inspired me to try something new. I love that you have the step by step pictures. Sorry for the novel, haha. I am just so amazed at your talent.
Love, Rachael
http://rachaelcookcrafts.blogspot.com
http://rcook_27@hotmail.com
Fabulous! I love your fabric choice. So, so cute!
Yea!! They turned out so cute. Did you finish those in one day? I don't remember seeing them when I was visiting.
Oh my! Nice! Great creative eye. I think I am willing to try this one with an old pair of red and white striped flats from Old Navy. So fun! Thanks!
so cute, i am definitely going to have to try that one. thanks for sharing your awesome ideas.
Another great idea I never would have thought of! I think I have the perfect pair of shoes to try this with, thanks for sharing!
Wow, I am always amazed (and never surprised) at what you can do with a little fabric and some glue!!
Fantabulous!!! These are great!
i never, in a million years, would have thought of this. the shoes look so cool. way to go!
i never, in a million years, would have thought of this. the shoes look so cool. way to go!
WOW, who would have thought?!!! Such a cute idea! I love that fabric too, made a pleated purse and wallet to match, lined in awesome orange. I might have to try this, then I'd have a whole set :)
Are you KIDDING me?! This is the BEST thing i've EVER seen! I love shoes, crafts, and of course Mod-Podge!!!! I like someone's comment about ripping off the fabric as you get sick of it and starting over. I NEED to add this to my growing list of projects. THANKS!!!
I love your blog – I have commented several times and have been so inspired by you!
I am doing an awesome giveaway – check it out at http://www.viettiview.blogspot.com
Everyone is welcome to enter!!
That is just so darn stinkin' CUTE. I love it!
So so so adorable!
seriously you are fabulous!!!
These are amazing! I'm definitley trying these!!
wow sooooo cute and so fun!!!
Very cute and I love that fabric too! It totally matches the skirt I made from your Lily Skirt Pattern! I wrote about your new idea for shoes here- http://whitesatinribbon.blogspot.com/
Thanks again!
Alaina
So cute!
Are you serious!?! Holy cow I love this. Now I've got to find some cheap shoes and cute fabric!
I was inspired by your shoes and made some for a little girl, but with a few twists! Check them out on my blog :)
-Heather
http://www.crafteegyrl.wordpress.com
That is a totally awesome idea! Thanks for sharing it!
WOLFIE
Could you be any cuter or more creative? I say "NO"! You are above and beyond so awesome at these projects. Truly a talent!
Whoa…that is fantastic! SOO many possibilities. I'm going to be scouring the shops for shoes to mod podge. Thanks so much! I'll be linking as well.
So awesome!! Linked to your post here
What a fantastic idea! Okay, now I have to resort the 'donate' pile I just put together b/c I'm pretty sure there's a pair of shoes in there that this would work on!!
oh wow…. I may have to try this.
omg i am so in love with this idea.
Now, i have a few questions since as a shoe lover I simply must try this. I have never used modge podge before though as a crafter I know it is used for decoupaging. So, does it make the shoes hard? Are they difficult to walk in? For instance, I have a tendency to roll my feet in flats as an ex marching band geek. Will I still be able to do this or are they too stiff? also, do they appear shiny or is my eye tricking me?
I linked to this post in my Friday Favorites this morning. So cute!
~Lanie
http://www.dothisallday.com
So cute! I'm going to link this on my blog if that's okay. I would have never thought you could do it with mod podge! Thanks!
I love all the things you can do with Modge Podge. Shoes!!!! I can't want try this one. I just have the perfect dress that needed the perfect shoes and now it just got easier! Thanks!!!
HOORAH!!! A week ago, I was Googling for a tute on recovering shoes… and that is EXACTLY what you have blogged!!! You must've sensed my desperation! I love them and now that I know what to do, I am off to recover my own shoes! I'm a beginner at Re-fashioning and blogging, but some of my own bitsies are on my own blog… DEFINATELY will be coming here for inspiration more often though! Thank you!!!
Becca……I noticed your question wondering if the shoes get stiff. So far so good. I'm not sure if you'll roll your feet int hem or not. It may depend on how stiff the shoe you use is to begin with. Also, they're not really shiny. Could be that I took the picture the moment they seemed dry. They weren't completely dry. Whoops.
And for everyone else. I'm SO glad you are enjoying this idea. Have at it……and make some darling new shoes!
So glad to have found your blog. I tried this recently on a pair of pumps, and they never got finished! With your help, I have almost finished my new pair in one sitting!! Off to go find Outdoor Modpodge.
Take Care! Kat
Adorable! I have that fabric too and love it. Made a dress out of it that ended up way too big so I've been meaning to repurpose it somehow because I love it so much!
I can't wait to try this!
My friend just showed me your blog last night and I've been drooling over it ever since! These shoes are so awesome…I'm definitely trying this! I'm thinking that these would make PERFECT Christmas presents for my sisters!
You have combined two favorites: modge podge and shoes – brilliant!!!
Oh my gosh WICKED AWESOME! ;o)
I love these! I've already bought a pair of flats, (from Walmart too!) and some super cute fabric! But what type of Mod Podge did you use? Thank you!
Erin
Erin,
I used the regular 'ol matte variety but was worried about them getting wet. So if you check out the post near the top, I added a link to some outdoor mod podge that would probably hold up better. Good link and let me know how it goes!
Ashley
Hahahaha…..I meant good luck, not good link!!
Hot dog! That's the kind I already have, I just wanted to make sure. I did see the part about the outdoor kind, and I may go out and get that too. That means I have to go to a craft store though, darn the luck! : ) Thanks, Ashley! I love your blog, and I appreciate your help! Have a great day!
I SO want to do this! LOVE how they turned out—So cute. Thanks for the idea!
I just asked my sister yesterday how to do this. So thanks for the tutorial because she didn't know. :) Going to try it with my work shoes. They are boring old black leather.
I love this idea! This would make great gifts too! Thanks for the tute!
Wow! So cute!
Shannon
does it get crunchy and what happens when you walk in them? stand up? great idea! love it.
I'm totally impressed right now. You just gave me a reason to buy ugly clearance shoes! Fun! :)
Can't wait to try this! I have a secret love affair Mod Podge :)
I did this last night and let them dry and this morning my shoes were STIFF! The inside part with Mod Podge on them was really hard too. Any suggestions??? Thanks!
Hmmmmm…….I never wore the shoes. I gave them to my sister, so I never got a feel for them. (They were too small for me.) But if they're too stiff, I wonder if wearing them would loosen them up. Or maybe using the fabric Mod Podge would work better. Or hmmmm……what if you mod podged under the fabric and then only mod podged around the edges on the outside. Maybe using less mod podge would make it less stiff. Sorry, I hope that helps a bit.
I covered a pair of pumps years ago with fabric to match my dress. I used Arlene's Tacky Glue and only put it underneath and not on top. It worked very well and did not get stiff. I grew tired of the dress before the shoes wore out. It's a great idea!
This is GREAT! I so want to try this…thanks for sharing:-)
Thanks so much for the great idea! You were so brave to try this out for the rest of us!!! I love my "new" shoes that I got to make using your wonderful idea! I wrote about it on my blog!
How did you keep the inside from being too stiff? Mine felt sharp when I put them on and couldn't walk in them. What's the trick to making them comfy?
There is a comment from Debbie just a few commenters above yours and she mentioned using Arlene's Tacky Glue underneath the fabric and not on top. She said it kept hers from getting stiff. May be worth a try! Thanks Debbie!!! :)
super..I like it.
It's so cute and simple and charming and brillant idea.. i must try it as soon as possible..
i love it!!!
http://www.efsercinoglu.com
As promised, here is the link to the post I put up!
http://lavieencheap.blogspot.com/2010/03/okay-this-may-be-coolest-thing-ever.htmlcm
Such a great idea!!! I have never used modpodge, but I am going to have to get some now. I have boats for feet and all the cute shoes are normally in smaller sizes…now it doesn't matter!! I can make them look however I want!! Thanks so much!
Just love this concept. Maybe you could tacky glue a thin piece of seam binding on the inside over the stiff edges. Another possibility would be to NOT glue to the inside, but use coordinating seam binding on the inside edge of the shoe (using a tacky glue that doesn't get stiff). Now I'm going to have to experiment
This is one clever idea of refashioning your old flats. Thank you for sharing! :) I have to try this. I have to buy me some materials first. :) Amazing!
I love this idea! I just came across your page the other day, I hope you don't mind I linked to it :)
Great Post! I linked to it today :)
This is such a great idea. I think it would be a great way to have matching shoes for Prom. It is coming up this weekend for us. Better get busy!!!
really, truly incredible. never woulda known those were made with modge. pretty awesome. so happy to discover you over on the mother huddle today! am a new fan of yours.
Visiting from the mother huddle…
So SUPA cute! I've also seen mod podge shoes at Ooops, I craft My Pants Off" but forgot that I had wanted to try it out – love your choice of fabric!!
http://www.oopsicraftmypants.net/2009/09/mod-podge-monday-shoes.html
Wow, that is amazing! Even me, just a beginning Beginner ;) can do this! I can't wait to try it!
Wonderful!!!!!!!
I have a pair of sandals with a wide strap over the foot that I'll be trying this on…so cute!
I had a real tough time getting my fabric to stick to the shoe… even though I used tons of modge podge. I had to use a ton, and then I just left it over night hoping that maybe when it dried it'd stick to the shoe. It pretty much did, but it's hard as a rock I had to use so much of the stuff. Doesn't even bend at the toe when I walk. Any suggestions on how to get it to stick better so I don't need to use as much modge podge?
So awesome! Thanks for sharing. Finally got around to making my own and linked you at mysweetry-pie.blogspot.com. Love the new "look" of your site. Really appreciate all your great ideas! Take care!!
OMG! I just came across to this today! My daughter said she has some old flats I can work with! Thanks so much for sharing!
AMAZING!!!!!I really want to make some shoes now :D
Wow awesome idea!!!
Oh. My. Gosh. I have the perfect pair of flats that I could use for this. Awesome. Thank you!
What a GREAT idea, thanks for sharing.
I'm in love with this project! GREAT idea :D I am sooo trying this out. If it turns out well (fingers crossed) I will post on my blog and link back to ya!
Kellie @ Dime Store Decor
n-i-c-e!!! it's gonna be my amazing Solution for big spending money buting shoes for my little childern. i think even it's gonna be great activity for Creation hour, they gonna Design there shoes. thanx!!!
I couldn't get the modpodge to stick to the shoe or the fabric. I sat there and kept it pressed and it would just pop right up once I let it go. I was using regular fabric and a leather flat. This project did not turn out good for me
Stephanie Lee,
So sorry it didn't work out for you. Bummer. Maybe it was the leather that was too smooth?? I would try roughing it up a bit with sand paper and then try it again. Also, be sure that you are using plenty of mod podge. It will dry clear so don't worry about it looking messy while you're doing it. Hope that helps for next time!
Ashley
Love it! Thanks for this great Shoes tutorial!
what a great idea! those look wonderful. I love how Mod-Podge is so versatile. I used it recently mixed with glitter to make Glitter Heels like the ones I've been ogling in the stores!
OH MY GOODNESS! This is the coolest thing I've ever seen! I cannot wait to try it out! Thank you SO much for sharing!
Jessica @ http://myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com/
Very creative and fun! I tried this with some funky scrap fabric I had on a pair of flimsy, vinyl shoes. It worked OK but I had a cheap exacto knife so the edges were frayed and caused the fabric to tear off. So bummed out, but I'm going to try it again with a sturdier shoe from Walmart. So, I purchased the same Hobby Lobby fabric you used today-was 30% off and couldn't pass it up! Thanks for sharing. Your pictures and instructions made it quite easy to follow.
Ok I have to have you come visit my site. I attempted this…… lets just say you need to come see!!
http://bestpartofbelieveis.blogspot.com/2011/02/mod-podge-shoes-epic-fail.html
Oh I am grateful I linked to you so that people could see how it's REALLY done!! LOL
~ Nikki
These are adorable!! Have you ever done this to a pair of heels? I am thinking of mod podging the same fabric of my bridesmaid dresses to my shoes… what do you think?
I love these! I am however wondering how flexible mod podge is.. I have some flats that are fake leather and after washing them the top colored layer peeled off. So now I want to try covering them with another fabric. But like I said the flats are fabric and not very stiff. Will the mod podge bend or will it make the flats very stiff? Thank you so much :)
I followed you directions in making fabric covered flats.. only I didn't use mod podge… check them out>> http://yelenasnest.blogspot.com/2011/04/lovely-pair-of-flats.html#more
Ok so it’s been a while since you posted this. I would like to know how long the shoes held up.
just started using Mod Podge and am going to have to try this…Walmart is just up the road!
I have a 5 year old princess that will love you forever for this!! Cheap shoes for her (AND ME) and modge podge just went on my list!! I already have some darling fabric!
I also love that they are not identical. That makes it more unique. You could use excess fabric for a bow or a button to add a little pizazz (especially for the princesses)….I can’t wait to try this.
I ALSO love it’s a one sit project….it doesn’t seem like (other then drying) it will take long at all.
You are one smart cookie!!! Thank you so sew much for jogging my memory!!! Years ago my mother enrolled me in a shoe covering class at a local fabric shop…with thye aid of that class I covered shoes for myself and my 2 yr old DD…I made clothes and then covered shoes to match. Years later whe Dd was a teen and in dance classes I pulled out my memory and my book purchased at the class and began covering her tap and jazz shoes…soon I was covering dance shoes for entire groups,,,and when star wars was so popular I even covered tap shoes and turned them into BOOTS…your tutorial was exactly on….boy what memories!!! I used Barge’s cement for the shoe part and it was really toxic….and I used some kind of acetate liquid to be applied to the sole with an eye dropper to loosen the sole in order tuck the fabric in between the sole and the shoe body. So now I am wanting yo make a teen granddaughter a pair of knee high boots for a costume….Thanks to your tute I think I can do it now….lost the book looonnnggg ago!
Thank you so sew much!
I actually did the exact same thing to the shoes my mother wore to my wedding! We could not find a pair of shoes that matched her dress for my wedding, and she had already picked out her dress – a rental from a formal wear rental shop, so there was no way to alter the dress to just any pair of shoes. I purchased a pair of ballet flats from Target for $11 , and a pretty ivory table runner for $1 from Dollar Tree! The only thing I did differently, was that I used Tacky Glue, and only around the edges.inside and around the base, so as to preserve the “satin-like” look and feel of the fabric (it was polyester).I recommend using tacky glue if you want to do the same.
Great idea :D Love your fabric choice too!!
Imagine doing these for a little girl in some kind of princessy fabric. Or even modpodge and glitter. I’ve seen those glitter shoes for little princess feet in the stores and they are SOOOO expensive!
I totally love this!! Next time my daughter goes to throw out her old flats from boredom–I can just redo them!! Great idea!!
I found these on Pinterest.com and I loved them! I just wanted to comment and show you the pic of the ones I did today :) Thanks SO much for this!
http://tinypic.com/r/1495bsy/5
did these hold up well?
OMG! thank you for this!!!!!!! I’m thinking I MUST try it at once!
I never knew until today that there are so many different types of Mod Podge, now I know where to go to get the other 10 types out there. I was just thinking of the endless possibilities of this idea …..Easter shoes, specialized wedding shoes, etc. I may never throw away another pair of shoes again!
Wow! these are really cute…..and the possibilities endless!
This is such a creative idea to rejuvenate an old pair of flats!! can’t wait to try it!
Totally clever…………….
awesome! im from the Philippines, it’s my first time to hear MODPODGE..i want to try but i don’t think if they are available here :c
Hi, Ria-Philippines, yes there’s a mod podge in Deovir, Sm North Edsa, i bought mine there.
oh! are you a filipino? i dont know deovir sm north edsa. thank you
Such a cute idea! I will definitely have to try this!
I love this idea! It’s sooo cute. Do you think it would work on an old pair of suede flats? Would the Mod Podge stick to it?
Wow that is way cute! and a creative way to dress up old shoes!
Just wondering, doesn’t this make the shoes stiff, and crinkly? Does it tend to crack as you flex your foot walking?
I am dying to try it on some pumps but it seems like it wouldn’t be very ‘wearable”. Is it more flexible than I am imagining?
LOVE this idea! Do you know what the fabric you used was called? I can’t find it on Hobby Lobby’s website.
Thanks!
Very cute…
Cute . . . cute . . . cute.
This is such a cool idea love it :)
You have totally inspired me to take an old pair of shoes that I haven’t worn and give them new life! I’m in LOVE with that green fabric and am now desperate for Hobby Lobby to build a store near me! You should totally enter this project in Craftbaby’s ‘Upcycle Challenge’! http://www.craftbaby.com/contests/3/upcycle-it-sweeps
A friend and I did this last week, it worked wonderfully on flats and heels! Now we’re doing it for the bridesmaids in my sister’s wedding to wear-all of her flowers are fabric and now everything matches perfectly. Thank you!
Shaking my head at how clever and cute this is! Love it!
Wow!!! I think I just found a new love. I will definitely be trying this. Thanks for sharing this.
What kind of mod podge should i use for this? outdoor or regular? matt or glossy? I’m going to be making everyone i know shoes for birthday presents now!!!
This is so cute, and so simple too! What a great idea!
I can’t wait to try this out! I have about 400 pairs of shoes that I’m bored with, so I’m going to be experimenting a lot. Is it advisable to use Elmer’s glue and water instead of Mod Podge? I ran out and don’t want to run to the store… This is just me being lazy, but hey, It’s always good to know!
I just tried this with four different pairs of shoes. it’s a great project to use that old tshirt or skirt that you just love, but it no longer fits. turned out super cute!
You could also run a bead of fabric paint around the edge of the sole to help hold the fabric down and add a line of contrast color.
I absolutely love this idea! I never thought about making something like this and with so many pretty fabrics around the possibilities are endless!!!
This does not work. I tried it and it was a mess. :(
wow ! i love this !
this project does not work at all ~
You should sell these.
Lovely so Creaative
I love this idea. I’m not sure I’d ever do this….but I sure love this!
Hey, I know a thing or two about accessorizing shoes, whether it’s covering them in glitters or painting them, but I have to say, this is a great idea. I love it
http://comfortb.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Make-Flower-Shoe-Clips
They look awsome. I have a question.
do you use regular mate modge podge or fabric modge podge.
I want to try it, but i just don’t know what modge podge use.
could you guide me on this one please?
thank you very much.
greetings from mexico. (:
Wow!This site is really amazing. I love the idea of recycling your old pair of doll shoes. I’ll have this for my next project. Thanks for sharing ! <3 <3 ,3
I just wanted to let you know that I included your awesome tutorial in a DIY summer post today on my blog! I love Mod Podge and can’t wait to try these out!
http://www.natashalh.com/summer-tutorial-round-up-mod-podge-felt-and-more/