I remember the first time I tried this project, I couldn’t stop smiling at the result. Shoes that had been gathering dust suddenly felt like collector’s items.
Wearing them out, I noticed people leaning in for a second look, trying to spot their favorite hero.
That’s the charm, you’re not just wearing heels, you’re wearing nostalgia, humor, and power all at once.
Materials Needed
- 1 pair of old high heels (any style, preferably smooth surface)
- 10-15 pages from comic books
- Scissors (sharp, detail-friendly)
- Mod Podge (8 oz, glossy finish works best for shoes)
- Small foam brushes (2-3, 1” wide)
- Clear acrylic spray sealer (waterproof, for protection)
- Craft knife
- Optional: painter’s tape
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean your shoes thoroughly and tape off the inner lining if you don’t want glue or paper sneaking inside.
Step 2: Cut out your favorite panels. For heels, I found larger character faces and bold text bubbles work best since small details get lost once curved over the shoe.
Step 3: Brush a thin coat of Mod Podge onto the shoe surface, then press your first comic panel into place. Smooth gently with your fingers, following the shoe’s shape.
Don’t worry about tiny wrinkles as most disappear under the final coating.
Step 4: Continue layering panels, overlapping edges slightly. Around curves and seams, cut slits into the paper so it bends smoothly without tearing.
Step 5: Once covered, apply a top coat of Mod Podge across the entire shoe. Let dry 30 minutes, then repeat with 2-3 more coats for a glossy, sealed finish.
Step 6: Spray with clear acrylic sealer to waterproof. Let them cure for at least 24 hours before wearing.
Tips:
When I made mine, I discovered that choosing panels with bright borders made the shoes pop even more.
And if you’re worried about comfort, don’t be. The paper and glue don’t add bulk, so they feel just as wearable as before, only much cooler.