I need help! What do I do with my sneakers?!

[Beldarna]

I have these sneakers that wont last another season. The sole is wore thin enough so I feel every gravel underneath when I walk. They both have large holes in the back between the sole and heel and stones and whatnot has come in through them which makes walking uncomfortable at times. They're clearly not waterproof anymore and washing them is out of the question as I fear the dirt is what holds the rest of them together. I know this was the last season I would wear them.

Normally when shoes break I throw them away and move on with life. I also have a thing for shoes and have more than what is considered healthy according to my boyfriend who has three pairs total including all seasons of the year.

But these shoes are special! I bought them 9 years ago and it was one of those moment when I went against what everybody else thought and grewed a couple of inches because of it. They are dead gorgeous and I have not seen any like them since. Also, they are so comfy and perfect for my tiny feet. It's a match made in heaven and I have always chosen these against any new ones I've bought afterwards. They're so much me and my absolute favorites and I love them dearly.

So what do I do? Throwing them away feels like throwing away a friend. I have no place to display them and if I keep them in the closet I know I'll be gluing and ductaping them next summer just so I can wear them.. I considered hanging them on a hook in the ceiling in my ponyroom so I get to see them everytime I walk in there, but again, they're dirty and I wont wash them for fear they'll break. I am at such a loss! Help!

Here they are when they were newly bought. See how nice they are? Aaargh, why didn't I buy multiple pairs of them! Why don't they do them anymore!!
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[Duenia]

Have you considered carefully taking them apart and using the pieces to create something special?

[melodys_angel]

I bet you can go somewhere and they can repair the soles for you ^^

[Honeycomb]

They are really gorgeous!
Coming from someone who hates shoes, that means a lot.
But I have no idea how to save them! Have you been to a shoemaker?

[Raindrop]

I often take photos of objects with sentimental value that would be impractical to store, so I can make a scrapbook page to remind me of why they are special to me without having the guilt and clutter of trying to find a place to put them.  If you are not able to get the shoes repaired, it might be good to let them go and start a journey with a new pair.  I know it is hard to let go of shoes you really like .

[ponyqueen]

I know a guy in Hanoi who'll fix 'em up good.

Really, a street shoe repair guy (read: scam artist) took my sandals to put a couple stitches in the straps ($2 per shoe. Sure what the heck). Then while I picked out a couple postcards nearby (wearing some temporary plastic flip flops), he GLUED NEW SOLES directly onto my sandals and tried to charge me $40! We got into a fight, I took my shoes back & refused to pay into his scam... but I digress...

The point is, you can glue new soles on the shoes. Fabric can be patched. Waterproof spray-on coating exists. Get new insole inserts.

I say fix them and keep wearing them! 

[Galactica]

You can resole them- just take them to a shoe repair place. Not a big deal.

I've done that with expensive shoes.

Post Merge: September 09, 2016, 02:28:13 PM

Also, Vans makes a cute zebra print high top right now.  Not the same exact but aesthetic is similar...

[ghouldilocks]

Have them bronzed 

In all seriousness, though, I ditto looking into having them resoled. 

[Sukey]

Search on eBay for an unworn pair!  It's possible!

[joce]

I have baby shoes on stuffed animals. Maybe stick them on a large stuffie and then throw a hat on it lol! I get attached to shoes and that's why my mud room is so stuffed!

[Beldarna]

Taking them to a shoemaker is a no unfortunaly. On the pic above they're brand new. Nowadays they resemble the above pic but that's all. With the holes (I can put two fingers through them) and fringes in the fabric and the different materials the cost would be too much.

I do have pics of them and I usually do that too, Raindrop, but it don't feel enough..

duenia, I LOVE that idea! I have no idea of what or if I'm crafty enough for it, but it sounds like a great solution. I wonder if patting them down with a damp cloth is enough to clean them up before..

I also like the idea of bronzing them though, lol.

[shadowlark]

Turn them into little flower pots! Just get a plastic bag to put the dirt in so it doesn't come out the holes, fill with dirt and plant some flowers!

[Duenia]

I thought you might. It's what helps me when I get attached something. I have a lot of pajamas that I've been wearing for like 10 years, that I've grown pretty attached to. They are set to become little throw pillows since they've pretty much become unwearable.

[kaoskat]

I really have no clue how to help but those are cute shoes!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Yeah, you should be able to craft them onto something - like a journal cover maybe?  Laptop case?

Get a seam ripper and properly take out all the padding and see what you've got as far as fabric goes.