Sneaker upcycling: This ingenious trick for less than 5 euros gives “old” sneakers a trendy update

You have yours old sneakers Have you had enough, are they no longer “in trend” or do they not look as good as they did at first? Don’t worry, because from now on you can solve all these (supposed) fashion problems with one very simple Sneaker upcycling remedy. Because the principle of repairing clothes or giving them a new look with a DIY can also be applied very well to the subject of shoes. The fashion pros on TikTok show us how it’s done, and we’re already very excited about the super simple trick.

Ingenious sneaker trick: It’s so easy to give your sneaker a trendy update

With this ingenious trick, several trends meet: the “Adidas Samba”, which is probably THE most popular cult sneaker at the moment, and the fashion trend ballet core. And with two very simple steps you can also give your “old” sneakers an update. To do this, you first remove the shoelaces and replace them with a satin gift ribbon. You then thread it carefully (and above all neatly) and give your shoe a completely new look. The ribbons in pastel colors such as light pink are particularly popular. This is where the ballet-inspired trend comes into play, giving sporty (mostly androgynous) sneakers a playful touch. Appropriately, the hack is known on TikTok as the “ribbon trick”.

3 reasons why the sneaker trick is so awesome

1. It costs (almost) nothing: Most of us will have gift ribbons lying around at home. Apart from Christmas and the like, they are rarely used, so the sneaker trick is the perfect opportunity to finally minimize supplies. If you don’t have a ribbon at home, you’re sure to find one from your parents or you can order the satin ribbons cheaply from a drugstore, a haberdashery store or online.
2. Upcycle or repair instead of throwing away: Instead of discarding “old” shoes straight away, give them a new lease of life with this simple DIY. You can also use the upcycling project to thoroughly clean your sneakers and/or repair broken areas. Promise, then they will look (almost) like new. And taking care of things you own and keeping them longer by upgrading them is one of the easiest ways to be sustainable.
3. Trend Factor: Let’s face it – we all love cool fashion trends. And especially if they are accessible and free. Since sneaker upcycling is based on two trendy trends, we are of course up to date. And some might remember that the Puma brand once had a model with very similar laces. So the idea isn’t entirely new, just that from now on it can be applied (quite individually) to each of your sneakers.

You can find even more inspiration for “ribbon sneaker upcycling” here:

1. White sneakers + pink ribbon

2. Black sneakers + ribbon of the same color

3. Red sneakers + pink ribbon