How to: Cut Out Ankle Boots

I think that when it comes down to the wire, most women are either a shoe lover or a handbag fanatic. Don't get me wrong, both are great, but deep down I know that I am a shoe person. I think this says something about my organisational skills, as transferring all my stuff from one handbag to another really doesn't thrill me. I can change my shoes everyday though, without the worry of leaving anything I need in my old ones.

As a shoe junkie, I often buy pairs of shoes that are similar (but a little different, honestly) to shoes I already own. Naughty, I know. Black ankle chelsea boots are my latest vice. So, as part of my clean out, I decided that I really didn't need two pairs of shoes so similar and that one pair had to go. Only, I really couldn't do it. Me and those shoes had some good times, and they're not broke, tatty or uncomfortable. It seemed like a bit of a waste to let a good pair of shoes go, so I decided to reinvent them. I'm very pleased with the results.

Before

After - Ta Daaa!

This is a lot simpler than it looks, and great for spring. I'd recommend not using a pair of shoes that are too precious to you; these ones were from a second hand shop. Cut out boots are everywhere at the moment, so take your inspiration from any pair that you fall in love with - I particularly like ones that have cut out detail around the back of the heel or at the sides of the boot, but you can choose to make your cuts anywhere you like.

You Will Need: 

• An old pair of chelsea boots
• Sharp scissors
• Craft Knife
• Skinny Belt 
• Hole Punch
• Fastening of your choice

Firstly, I used a pair of sharp scissors to cut away the elastic sections on both of my boots. The first few snips are quite scary, but trust me, mine worked out amazingly well. Take your time and make sure all the elastic is gone.

Then I cut two vertical slits in the front of my boots, wide enough so that my skinny belt could fit through them.

I did the same on the back of the boot too.

Then I threaded my belt through these slits. It's up to you how you thread them - you could choose to do more than 4 slits, and thread your belt in a criss cross way. I chose a simpler design.

Cut off your belt to the right length, and then add the fastening of your choice. I used a hole punch and some snap fasteners on either side of the belt.

And that was it! An easy process which was worth the amazing results.

Now that I've refashioned these boots I'll really enjoy wearing them all year round. You could choose to do more elaborate cut out designs - if you do I'd love to see the results. As ever, let me know if you try this.

Any other ways of refashioning shoes that you've tried?