Recovered Denim Sandals

I love the comfort of Birkenstock sandals and their knock-off counterparts, but just when my my feet create a good mold in the cork soles, the suede covering the instep begins to curl at the edges and the leather straps look tired and dirty. My closet is littered with several pairs of these sandals and I just can't seem to throw them away. I finally decided to try a sandal makeover and recovered a pair using old denim jeans. They turned out better than I could have imagined and I am hoping they will survive another season.

Things You Will Need:

Birkenstock sandals or a knock-off
Old blue jeans
Scissors
Marking pen
Ruler
Craft glue
Clothespins
E6000

Step 1
Cut off a leg from a pair of old blue jeans, just below the pockets. Cut the leg open along the inseam to provide you with the fabric needed for recovering your sandals.

Step 2
Measure the length and width of one sandal and add an inch to each measurement. Cut two rectangles from the denim using these measurements.

Step 3
Apply a smooth layer of craft glue over the top surface of each sandal's insole. You could use a paintbrush for this step, but I found my fingers were much more effective.

Step 4
Center the denim rectangles over the insoles. Press and smooth the denim until it has molded into the shape of the insole. Press the denim firmly around the edges of the insole. Allow the glue to dry. Using the edges of the sole as your guide, cut off the excess denim.

Step 5
If the straps of your sandals have buckles (most of them do), unbuckle the straps. One side of the straps will have the adjusting holes in it and the other has the buckle. The buckles on all of the sandals I have are attached with a loop. This loop is similar to canvas or webbing and is stitched to the strap. Using a seam ripper, remove the stitching holding the loops.

Step 6
Place the loops out flat on your denim fabric and trace around them. Cut out the rectangles and set them aside.

Step 7
Apply a smooth layer of craft glue over the top surface of each strap. Place a scrap of denim over each strap. Press and smooth the denim flat. If needed, use clothespins to hold the denim in place until dry.

Step 8
Use a seam ripper to poke a hole in the center of each denim buckle rectangle. Insert the arm clasp on each buckle through the hole in the rectangle. Thread the denim loop on either side of the center bar on the buckles. Fold the loop in half with the short ends together. Apply E6000 between the short ends. Allow the glue to dry. Place the buckles back in the same place on the sandal strap where they were removed from. You will be able to see the stitching holes from the other side of the strap. Apply E6000 between the buckle loop and the strap. Allow the glue to dry.

Note: For best results, allow the E6000 to thicken between the denim for about 30 minutes before your press the connection tightly together. This will allow the glue to soak into the denim fibers while leaving a bit on top to connect the fabric together.

Step 9
Using a leather hole punch (a hammer and nail can also be used), punch holes through the other strap. The placement of the holes can be seen from the other side of the strap.

Re-buckle the straps and they are ready to wear.

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