Replacing the insole of old sandals

There are never too many summer shoes, just like any other, in principle. But it is in the summer that each of us spends more and more time outside the home and is often on the move. Sometimes our flip-flops, sandals and ballet shoes simply cannot withstand the increased load, so they are sent to the landfill ahead of schedule. But why not give them a second chance? After all, shoes can always be “treated”, after which you can wear them with pleasure again. What's so bad about these sandals?

At first glance, you can’t tell that these shoes have undergone a major overhaul. Bright and stylish sandals look quite new, but in fact they have already been “running” a lot throughout last season.

So how can you bring such shabby shoes back to life?
First, you need to choose the fabric for finishing the straps. It must be elastic (it is better to use stretch), because another quality of the material will not allow the finish to take the desired shape. Secondly, you should test it for strength (rub it with something or just give it a good beating and stretch it). Only after this will you see how the material carries the load. For example, in this case, the selected fabric is very rubbed off the face, and its shiny surface simply crumbles.But the reverse side showed itself well; moreover, it has a rich color and smooth structure.

In addition to the fabric of the desired color, you should also choose the material for the insoles. It must be durable, because a soft structure (fabric, for example) can easily be damaged and stained. It is better to take matte PVC film, which is usually used for suspended ceilings. It will be easier to keep it clean and intact.
Also prepare shoe glue, polymer contact glue for leather, thin openwork braid in the color of the insole (2-3 meters), thread No. 30 plus a sewing needle, ballpoint pen and scissors.

First, start working on the inner lining of the shoes, creating durable insoles for them. Remember that to cover the left sandal, you need to trace the right one and vice versa, and always on the wrong side of the PVC (then turning the cut insole over, you will get the correct part in a mirror image).


The insole should be cut with a hem allowance, otherwise it will ride up when walking. Lubricate the inside of the shoe with contact glue and insert a new insole there.

Carefully trim off the excess, freeing up the junction of the straps with the sole.


Already now (against the background of the new insole) it is clearly visible that the upper part is badly faded and worn out.

Now you need to give the insole time to dry and work on the upper partitions of the sandals. Unsuitable ones should be replaced, the rest should be covered with fabric.



For finishing the elastic, you should prepare the fabric with a small margin, because when put on, it should stretch without obstacles. Sew this piece only along the edges, leaving the center free.


Next, finish the sole by gluing the edges of the insole with shoe glue.

It should set quickly and firmly, so you won’t have to wait long.

All that remains is to hide this uneven cut with braid.It can also be used to decorate sandals by gluing small fragments to the straps.


This is how you get new sandals from old ones! Of course, it is not recommended to wear them in rainy weather, but they will cope with everything else. And if you work in a bank, office, store or any other place where you don’t need to move a lot, then such removable shoes will simply become irreplaceable. It lasts indoors for a very long time and will always look neat.