How To Make Platform Shoes

How To Make Platform Shoes
Want to know how to make your own platform creepers?
It's easier than you might expect with my unique method. I'll show you how!

Converse shoes and flip-flops equal platform shoes!

Here's what you'll need:

  • Flat sneakers (classic Converse Chuck Taylor's are perfect because they provide some ankle support)
  • Three (more or less, but I recommend three) pairs of rubber flip-flops - If you have some around, make sure they line up with your sneakers because you may find that you will need a larger size flip-flop than you normally wear.
  • Shoe glue - I'm using two 3.7 oz. tubes of Shoe Goo.
  • Scissors
  • Large serrated knife
  • Ink pen or pencil
  • Plasti-Dip liquid rubber paint
  • Sponge paint brush
  • Rubber bands
  • Decorative duct tape

It's also good to have:

  • Gloves to protect your hands and newspaper to catch any mess.

IMPORTANT:

    Be sure to observe all cautions on the Shoe Glue and Plasti-Dip packaging and use in well-ventilated areas. Be very careful when using the knife and scissors. Teens and tweens--get permission and seek assistance from a parent/guardian.

Everything you need to make your own platform shoes.

Step 1: Prep Your Shoes

    Thoroughly clean and completely dry your sneakers and flip-flops. I like to use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover and cotton balls since it dries quicker than soap and water, but however you do this is up to you. It's very important to make sure everything is clean and dry because dirt and moisture prevent glue from making a secure bond.

Cut thongs from flip-flops.

Step 2: Remove Thongs From Flip-Flops

    Use strong scissors to cut the thongs away from the flip-flips so you can push them out through the bottoms. Keep the toe thong pieces. On a left and right flip-flop, use the toe thong pieces to plug the holes. These flip-flops will be your base layers.

Step 3: Glue Flip-Flop Layers Together

    In a well-ventilated area, start with one base layer and carefully squeeze shoe glue on top so that most the surface is covered. Place another flip-flop layer on top, lining it up with the toe thong pieces (think of these as anchors, holding the layers together with the glue). Continue with the third layer in the same way.

Allow the platforms to dry.

Step 4: Allow Platforms To Dry

    Place the platforms in a safe place and use books and/or weights to apply pressure. If glue squeezes out the sides, use a paper towel or swab to clean away. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

Outline and cut out platforms to match sneakers.

Setp 5: Outline And Cut Out Platforms To Match Sneakers

    Place your sneakers on top of the platforms and line up so that you'll have to cut out the least area possible. Use an ink pen or pencil to trace an outline of the sneakers on top of the platforms. With a large serrated blade, slowly and carefully saw the excess platform material away using the outline as a guide.

Glue platforms to sneakers.

Step 6: Glue Platforms To Sneakers

    In the same way you glued the platform layers together, glue the platforms to their corresponding sneakers. More than likely, the toes of your sneakers will want to pull up away from the glue. Bind the shoes to the platforms with rubber bands. Again in a safe place, use weights to apply pressure and allow to dry for 24 hours.

Platform shoes!

    You now have a pair of functioning platform shoes! However, we're not done yet...
    You're probably tempted to try these one at this point. Go ahead! You may notice that your heels squish down into the soft platforms a little bit--not enough to throw you off balance--but they may feel a little moon-bouncy. Don't worry. The next step will solidify and stabilize the platforms, as well as make them more presentable and durable.

Cover platforms with liquid rubber.

Step 7: Cover Platforms With Plasti-Dip (Liquid Rubber)

    In a well ventilated area, use a sponge brush to carefully paint one layer of Plasti-Dip liquid rubber over the platforms. Careful with this stuff! It's very difficult to get off your skin if it touches you, and it's pretty toxic. Repeat with two more layers, allowing 30 minutes between coats for each layer to dry. Clean your brush with a paper towel between each coat. DO NOT rinse your brush in water. You will basically ruin this brush but that's okay because they're cheap. When you've made it to three coats, allow to dry for 4 hours.

Trim with duct tape!

Step 8: Trim With Decorative Duct Tape

    While this step isn't necessary, it really ties together the appearance of the shoes. Cut out a long strip and place on the sneakers at the bottom as pictured. That's it! You're done!

DIY Platform Shoes!

Are they durable? YES! Are they comfortable! VERY! Are they awesome? DUH. ;)

DIY platform sneakers in an outfit.
Worn with a Custo Barcelona hoodie and Target skinny jeans.

Are you going to give this a shot? You can do it! Comment or email and let me know if you do, because I'd love to see! Also, if you need any help or have any questions, just let me know. Good luck and happy DIYing!

Other easy DIY posts you might like:

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Filed in: DIY by Annie Spandex.


39 Responses to “How To Make Platform Shoes”

  1. Martha Carl, on January 31st, 2011 at 9:46 pm Said:

    Ahh fun! Well done annie

  2. alixrose, on January 31st, 2011 at 10:02 pm Said:

    OMG! I love love these and I heart you for adding leopard print.

  3. ...love Maegan, on January 31st, 2011 at 10:19 pm Said:

    nice job! …I swear we did this in the 90′s … I know I had a white pair of platform converse all-stars, shorties {in fact, I wish I still had them!}. so cute. LOVE IT!

  4. Bella Q, on January 31st, 2011 at 11:31 pm Said:

    Awesome DIY. Are you a member of IFB. You should be! And submit this to the Links Ala Mode while you’re at it.

  5. Ana, on January 31st, 2011 at 11:36 pm Said:

    Cool! I would have never thought of using flip flaps like that, fab job Annie & thanks for sharing with everyone. Makes me want to dig out my neglected creepers.

  6. vint junky, on February 1st, 2011 at 1:28 am Said:

    Brrrrrrrilliant! They’re tronified creeper cons!! Can’t think of anything better really ;)
    x

  7. hannahlizabeth, on February 1st, 2011 at 2:45 am Said:

    This is so goddam clever! Definitely adding this one to my to-do list.

  8. Sherin, on February 1st, 2011 at 4:49 am Said:

    Ver cool tutorial. And it looks so easy as well. Definitely something worth trying.

  9. ediot, on February 1st, 2011 at 11:08 am Said:

    you’re so fun- what a great idea! nice tutorial too!
    fun fun diy darling annie. you’re amazing
    xx

  10. maya, on February 1st, 2011 at 7:31 pm Said:

    this is amazing. too cute. love the result.
    xx
    maya

  11. Bunny, on February 1st, 2011 at 8:36 pm Said:

    This is incredibly clever! Awesome

  12. Stella, on February 1st, 2011 at 10:14 pm Said:

    I’m am pretty darn into this. It makes me want to hug you + go make shoes. :)

  13. grace, on February 1st, 2011 at 10:24 pm Said:

    so mid-90′s and reminds me of empire records…im speechless.

  14. Danielle, on February 2nd, 2011 at 9:01 am Said:

    These are awesome!!!

    You can get most shoe repair shops to make you custom platforms (using existing shoes) but they charge a fortune.

  15. Jim@Wilmette Pest Control, on February 2nd, 2011 at 9:58 am Said:

    that’s pretty cool, does it hold up pretty well? With that much glue it should be pretty sturdy but leaning on them might warp it, shoe goo can be rubbery, it might be better to use something more rigid like epoxy or something along those lines.

  16. Daywalker, on February 2nd, 2011 at 2:30 pm Said:

    that is awesome!!! just might go to the opshop and 2 dollar shop today and try my hand. They look great :)

  17. Annie Spandex, on February 2nd, 2011 at 5:05 pm Said:

    Meagan – What do you mean, you made them or you bought them? They sound cute!

    Bella Q. – I’m a member, yes, but I’ve never submitted a link to the roundup because my understanding is that I would then need to post the roundup as well, right?

    Danielle – I’m thinking platform flip-flop soles could really make things easier and make cool wedges. I went for creepers this time, but wedges would be cool too..

    Jim@Wilmette Spam Control – Shoe Goo is made for glueing soles onto shoes. I don’t expect these to warp at all. Epoxy would be hard and brittle prone to breakage. Rubbery and flexible is a good thing when it comes to shoes.

    EVERYONE – Thanks so much!! If you’re going to try this, please do let me know because I’d really love to see! XX Double Xs and Os

  18. Ruta, on February 2nd, 2011 at 8:30 pm Said:

    These are incredible! Such a great DIY! Awesome way to recycle a pair of runners.

  19. rika, on February 3rd, 2011 at 1:21 am Said:

    that was so amazing !! and you’re so creative..love it ! :)

    poisegasm

  20. Rowena, on February 5th, 2011 at 4:03 pm Said:

    noooo way – that’s cooool

  21. maya, on February 5th, 2011 at 6:11 pm Said:

    Hi Annie,
    I thought about you today again when I posted my VERY glittery red heart tee. LOL. Please check it out if you want to.
    xx
    maya

  22. Ariadna Miranda, on February 5th, 2011 at 9:38 pm Said:

    Genious!!!!

  23. Dreamvision26, on February 5th, 2011 at 9:53 pm Said:

    Whoa…crazy Converse…who knew flip flops could be stacked and put to good use!

  24. Kaity, on February 9th, 2011 at 7:18 am Said:

    I was at a second hand store yesterday and my mom found a pair just like these. She only picked them up because they were converse. I told her they looked like flip flops stuck together. but she said they were too perfect. But they looked the exact same but the logo was really small. So we bought them. and my converse loving friends love them! I love them too. I wanted to find out how that person made them so thank you for telling us how!

  25. Annie Spandex, on February 10th, 2011 at 12:24 am Said:

    Kaity – That’s awesome! Thanks for the comment. Good to know I was able to help. I’m not aware of anyone using this method before but I’m not too surprised! With my DIYs I try to think of the easiest, simplest ways to do things. :)

    EVERYONE – Thanks!! XXOX

  26. Toemailer, on February 10th, 2011 at 3:55 pm Said:

    Very clever. Just last week I saw someone making flip flops out of cardboard and duct tape.

  27. Purple Heels, on February 11th, 2011 at 3:34 pm Said:

    This is a lovely alternative to punk creepers.. very innovative and creative. I wonder though, if I can use other kinds of tapes which I can paint on, so the sole is not just a plain black. That’d be cool to mix and match different colors depending on the shoe design, especially of Converse.

    It is awesome, nonetheless. Thanks for sharing! =)

  28. alex, on February 13th, 2011 at 7:20 am Said:

    Wow, that is just so awesome! I love platforms, but always struggle to find any where I live (bit out of the way)… Now I can make my own! Thanks for the post.

  29. Lorraine Allan, on February 14th, 2011 at 3:57 am Said:

    Definitely 10 out of 10 for creativeness, amazing!!!

  30. Penter, on February 20th, 2011 at 9:05 pm Said:

    Nice tutorial Annie.
    This is really creative!

  31. Jenny, on March 1st, 2011 at 7:47 am Said:

    Great idea! I haven’t seen anything like this, ever!
    Thank you for the manual, I’m bookmarking this page/
    Cute shoes :)

  32. ella, on March 14th, 2011 at 11:18 pm Said:

    That is awesome, but i would keep them white at the bottom! :)

  33. Hani, on March 15th, 2011 at 7:27 pm Said:

    You are amazing!
    I was searching the webs for soles and platform pieces for three houres now ’till I found you! It never occured to me to get some flipflops and make my own platform piece!
    I’m working on a similar project and I think I’ll use a different cuting method, an electric saw or some sort of hot knife to get a smoother finer cut.
    Thank you !BB!

  34. Nisha, on April 20th, 2011 at 9:18 am Said:

    Pretty awsome! very creative and I was scrolling down to see where I can buy them from! I think I may try this with some other shoes that I have! thanks

  35. Soccer Mom Style, on May 12th, 2011 at 2:42 pm Said:

    Annie, where did you buy the Shoe Goo glue?

  36. Annie Spandex, on May 12th, 2011 at 6:19 pm Said:

    Everyone – Thanks! xx

    Purple Heels – Go for it!

    Hani – A hot knife or saw would be ideal if you have access to one. My DIYs are meant to be done with stuff most people have around the house or can acquire on the cheap. If you use a hot knife be sure to go slowly because the wires can break easily if you push.

    Nisha – If you do, I’d love to see!

    Soccer Mom – I got the Shoe-Goo at Wal-Mart in the shoe section, on one of the end caps with shoe laces and polish. :)

  37. WoorbMayday, on July 21st, 2011 at 12:15 pm Said:

    Hello ALL! My name is Vitaliy Kokosko!!!

  38. Audria Buzzell, on August 5th, 2011 at 11:09 am Said:

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  39. Soccer Mom Style, on August 24th, 2011 at 6:46 pm Said:

    Hi there again! Sorry, for so many comments… I was just going to thank you for this tutorial. I used your tips to make me some new flip-flops ;)
    http://byebyesoccermom.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-flip-flops-inspired-by-prada.html

    Maya

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