How to Easily Makeover your Birkenstocks!

Isn’t it aggravating that once your shoes finally feel really comfortable they might look somewhat shabby?! Instead of trashing your well loved Birkenstocks or other shoes why not make them super amazing again?! Let’s look at the magic of how to easily makeover you Birkenstocks (or other shoes) – is it just paint?!

Can you Paint shoes?

Let me tell you; there really isn’t much I won’t paint! I have even painted furniture! The technology that is in paint is improving all the time! I love to use it to renew or up-cycle almost anything! Yes, there are great options of paint choices nowadays!

These Geode Chairs are the same as the day I finished them! You’d expect that art on the wall to last so why not the on the fabric? I especially love designs that are somewhat forgiving than too contrived as that makes it much less stressful! Most people think they can not paint but it is because they choose such detailed images – just keep it easy and you can’t go wrong!

What types of Shoes can you paint?

These are my well worn sandals that they have taken shape to my feet but the rubber soles are still good.. These old Birkenstocks are suede-on-cork footbed Birkenstocks with a felt lined vinyl (vegan leather) upper strap. Often the footbed gets soiled, full of dirt & dust and discoloured but it can be scrubbed. The problem is they never really lighten up to original condition! Feel free to use a mild soap and scrub (old toothbrush works well) as best you can! Generally the straps last well and don’t need repair.

Any paint (acrylic or otherwise) likes to have a well prepared surface to adhere to; that’s the key to longevity.

How to prepare the leather:

I will be using a great performing product; Angelus Leather paint on these tired sandals. This brand does have a preparation product to deglaze and prepare for the paint. In a pinch you can also use acetone. Acetone (acetone nail polish remover on a cotton ball or rag) will remove the finish off almost anything (so be careful spillage on your tables) which makes the surface less slick. Most leathers & vinyl have a colour layer as well as a finish layer. This will also get rid of grease/grime buildup. If you see colour on your rag when scrubbing with the acetone it is removing the top layer.

How to get the best adhesion:

Just as with any painting project a bit of scuffing also helps! Use a high grit (200 – 400 grit) sandpaper to scratch the surface – the rougher the surface the better! You can also round out any edges that may be cracked or aggravating your feet.

What is the best Paint for shoes & leather?

I have used this Angelus brand of paint for many projects and have seen it last perfectly! This paint has high pigment content. It even lasted so well on a plastic suitcase through my trip in Europe!

This paint comes in many colours as well as metallics. I have used many paints in my decades of art and this paint has great coverage for an acrylic paint without being too thick and goopy.

Choosing your Designs:

I often hear people say that they do not have the talent to ‘paint’. The key is that not all designs need to be very detailed and difficult to paint! I love designs that are simple and free-hand; no fussy planning needed! It should be fun, not stressful to paint! Perhaps it can just be a random mix of colours, or flowers, or even just dots! Some of the simplest designs end up being the best! Woman’s fashion has much ‘non-pattern’ design faves.

A favourite expression from college art class; ‘Keep it simple stupid’!

The suede footbed is rough to prevent slipping with wet feet so I keep from painting the full surface. Adding some animal print inspired designs makes the look less grimy and dirty.

Adding some Gold Bling:

I may have been obsessed with geodes so it’s an easy decorative design to paint – just squiggly lines! Use a thin paint brush and the contrast or blend colour fo your choice. Lately I have been somewhat noticing that brass colour is everywhere!

I used a Brass version Rustoleum Shimmer paint for the simple linework. It is a bit difficult to find so I suggest the Angelus 18K Gold as another option.

Protecting the Cork platform:

The cork footbed also gets a beating and may be dull, possibly also starting to crumble. As a protectant from more moisture and crumbling the best Acrylic medium I use is Liquitex Gloss Medium. It is waterproof once dry and also quick flexible. It is a better quality as it’s artist’s grade.

Angelus also makes various finishers for the top coat that help protect from wear and scratches. It depends on the look that you would like; shiny (gloss) or Matt (dull). The purses that I have painted with Angelus paint and finisher have not shown any failure after carrying for years! I am impressed!

My beloved Birks are now living a new life! Let’s start a trend of funky footwear!

So what do you think of my metallic Birkenstocks? It is mostly the uppers that are visible, but why not make these flip flops something you admire.

Take any of your shoes that have seen better days to a new level!

If, you think the uppers are not worth saving, there are also ways to reuse the footbeds. Yes, I do appreciate my feet and therefore make kind and comfy footwear! These are Eco Printed slippers made with an old virgin wool blanket on a re-used footbed! Walk on…