How To Update Boots for Autumn

by Karen Blanchard
9 October 2012

snake skin boots

I bought these years ago from the old Foley & Corinna boutique on Stanton street.  I stopped wearing them after a few years and gave them a makeover.

Here’s what I did….


1. Layout out plastic outdoors and get some black latex paint.

snake skin boots

2. Use masking tape to protect the areas that you don’t want painted. I covered the soles and the heel.

How To DIY boots

3.  Here comes the fun part.  Dip the brush in about mid way.  (note. I used glue to secure those loose flaps that separated from the boot).

DIY boots

4.  I use an approximate 2/3 inch wide flat ish brush and starting at the feet begin painting.

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5.    Voila! Both painted from black to brown.  Leave to dry for a good few hours out doors.

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6. See if you like the heel as is.  I didn’t like the look of it against the black paint….

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7.  Using KIWI shoe polish, I made the heel and wood sides darker by sponging on the polish in circular-ish movements.

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8.  Now the heel and sole are a darker colour to match the black boots!  I used polish instead of paint to allow the grain of the heel to show through.

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9.  At this point I usually get an audience to watch this part….

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10.  Grabbing my sewing scissors, I cut the boots straight across to switch from tall to ankle boots.

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11.  Brand new boots!   I wore them for years tall and was looking for black snake skin ankle boots anyway so this DIY made sense.  It’s an easy way to switch from less rodeo to something way more timeless.

Optional: Paint the rims and take them to a cobbler to run a while-you-wait machine stitch around the tops once you are happy with the cut height.

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What you need:

Latex Paint
Plastic Gloves
Masking Tape
Drop cloth or plastic (I used a clear rubbish bag)
Paint lid opener
2 or 3″ quality paint brush (cheap ones shed)
Black shoe polish (optional)
Scissors

Give it a try…!

Category: How To

24 comments

  2. Matter Of Style says:

    that’s a great idea, well done!

  3. the healthy ghost says:

    Wuau, good job! They look like brand new boots.

  4. clothing online says:

    Nice session. I loved it man! It was really working idea to update our boots for autumn season!

  6. herlucidsky says:

    Pure brilliance….I cant wait to see them on ya!

  10. Ria says:

    You did a great job, I could never do it but you killed it.

    • Vanessa says:

      Seriously loving the scale details on that boot!

  12. KAY says:

    PRETTY NEAT… IMPRESSIVE!

  14. Angela says:

    Great idea, can’t wait to see what you wear them with!

  16. Blackn Olive says:

    That is so creative, I would of never thought of that! I actually bought a pair of vintage boots on eBay and I have been dying to do something with them! I will definitely try, hopefully I don’t jack it up lol
    blackandolives.blogspot.com

  17. Viano says:

    WOW, that was cool and genius. You completely changed the colour, look and model. Now you’ve got yourself a new set of boots 🙂 Rock it girl!

  18. Hannah says:

    Amazing diy!!!

  19. Anonymous says:

    Love this idea!! Do you think it would work on suede boots???

  20. Live TV says:

    Really a nice job 🙂

  21. Vicky says:

    Woah, that’s very unique and quirky. Looks smart.idea. Nice! 🙂

  22. Eat.Style.Play says:

    These are amazing!! Love them!

  23. Antoinette B. | love.antoinette says:

    Perfect timing as I was about to dispose of my over-the-knee boots! Thanks for this genius idea!

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