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revamp your old, holey TOMS with a cute patch that will leave them looking cute, unique, and better than ever!
I've had these grey, classic style TOMS for over two years now, and while they have been incredible shoes, they were definitely looking a little worse for the wear.
Over time they grew two lovely, exposing holes where my big toe could poke through, which not only looked ratty, but was not very comfortable.
Instead of throwing them away, I decided to patch them, and now I love these shoes more than ever!

So If you're suffering from the same problem I was, just follow my tutorial, and your TOMS will be cuter and better than ever! Enjoy!

Posted by Julia from U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, United States • Published See Julia's 5 projects »
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  • Step 1

    First, you'll want to dig out your TOMS!

    If yours are ratty and dirty like mine, you may want to give them a good cleaning before you start!
    I just took a damp rag and got a lot of the dirt out of the soles.

    I do NOT recommend putting your TOMS in the washing machine!

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 2
    Step 2

    Next, cut a small square of fabric to patch the hole on the inside of your TOMS.

    Choose a light, comfortable fabric that won't hurt your feet. I just used white cotton.

    Make sure the square is big enough to cover the hole, with about 1/2 inch of extra room on each side.

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 3
    Step 3

    Take your fabric glue and outline your square with a thin line of adhesive.

    This next part is a bit tricky:

    Place your freshly glued square on the tips of your pointer and middle finger and slide the patch in place on the inside of your TOMS, being careful not to get glue anywhere else on the shoe!

    (it's alright if you do, just get a wet tissue and clean the unwanted glue off before it dries)

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 4
    Step 4

    Cut off any extra threads sticking out on the outside of your TOMS.

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 5
    Step 5

    And this is what you should have so far!

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 6
    Step 6

    Next, choose the fabric that you want to make your outside patch out of!

    The texture of this fabric doesn't matter, as long it's sturdy.

    Again, cut a square of your patch fabric big enough to cover the hole, with about 1/2 extra room on each side.

    Make sure your edges are clean and straight, since this is the part of the patch that will be showing!

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 7
    Step 7

    Just like before, apply a thin line of fabric glue on the back of your patch, turn it right side up, and firmly press your patch over the hole in your TOMS.

    This outside patch is easier to apply than the one inside your shoe, but make sure each of the sides is firmly pressed down, and that the patches on both shoes are symmetrical.

    Wipe off any excess glue.

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 8
    Step 8

    Next comes the hard part; sewing.

    Choose a sturdy, but relatively thin needle, since most TOMS are made of thick material. Select an appropriate thread color. I picked white.

    Tie your thread to your needle, and stick the needle in a corner of your patch.

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 9
    Step 9

    Since it is a pain to maneuver your needle from the inside of the shoe back up through the patch, I recommend spacing out your stitches.

    This will speed up the process, and make it less obvious if your stitches are uneven.

    It is hard to tell where your needle is when you're poking it back through, but if you use your pointer finger to feel where the needle is before threading it up through the shoe, it's not impossible!

    So don't give up! :)

  • How to revamp a pair of revamped shoes. Patch Your Toms! - Step 10
    Step 10

    When you've gone all the way around your patch, tie both ends of your thread together with three tight knots.

    Cut the thread of your needle, and remove any excess threads from the edges of your patch.

    Do this to both shoes and VOILA!

    Your old, holey TOMS are now weather proof, unique and adorable! ♥

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Comments

River K.
River K.
I love Toms. They are so comfortable but this always happens. Thanks so much, I was just about to give in and buy a new pair.
Reply
Julia
Julia · U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, US · 5 projects
about two years, I think!
Reply
Ashley H.
Ashley H.
How long before they got those holes there?
Reply
Julia
Julia · U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, US · 5 projects
That's a really good idea Edie!!
Eventually I want to jazz these shoes up even more, and I was definitely thinking of putting fabric over that entire toe/foot section!

And yesss they are SUPER comfortable shoes!
I love mine!
Reply
Edie S.
Edie S. · Phoenix, Arizona, US · 3 projects
PS I just googled them, they look like very comfortable shoes!!
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Edie S.
Edie S. · Phoenix, Arizona, US · 3 projects
I don't have any toms, so not very familiar with them... however by looking at the pictures, couldn't one cover the section that is over the toe and part of the foot... (if they did not want the little patch look)... just an idea. Happy

Cool way to put some life back into old shoes though
Reply
Julia
Julia · U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, US · 5 projects
Ahh really?!
I'm glad I'm not the only one!
I've been obsessively clipping my toenails to try to prevent this from happening to my new pair! haha.
Reply
Snarah Panera
Snarah Panera · West Covina, California, US · 14 projects
All of my Toms have holes in that exact spot!
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