Don't Toss Old Shoes, Turn Them Into Something Birds Will Love

When we think about upcycling, we don't typically think of shoes. Fair enough — once you're ready to trash these, they're usually pretty roughed up, a bit dirty, and maybe even slightly smelly. Whether there are holes in the soles or the laces are fraying, old shoes feel like a bit of a lost cause. But no matter how old they are, they don't necessarily have to end up in a landfill. You can give them an unexpected second life that the birds will absolutely love.

OK, it sounds a bit weird, but stay with us for a second. Shoes are the perfect shape for a recycled-material DIY bird feeder or birdhouse. They're hollow, which makes them great candidates for cozy nooks that birds will enjoy, especially cavity nesters. Since you won't need your shoes again, you don't have to worry about them getting wet or dirty, so you can hang them out in the yard even when it rains or snows. This easy DIY can be done with rain boots, hiking shoes, or sneakers. In some cases, you can attach them to a tree or a wooden fence — or just leave them as is.

Whether you're a new bird enthusiast or an experienced bird watcher, these DIYs are perfect if you want something quick, easy, and affordable that'll attract more birds to your yard and provide your feathery neighbors with a safe place to shelter. And the best part about these DIYs is that, instead of buying a pre-made birdhouse or feeder, you're reusing something you already have that would otherwise end up in a landfill. That's a great way to reduce your environmental footprint and help address the global textile waste crisis. It's a win-win. 

Crocs are iconic, but if you've worn yours for years and want a fresh pair, don't toss them quite yet. There's a DIY that repurposes old Crocs and attracts birds to yards by turning them into bird feeders. To do this, line the front of the Croc with a paper towel to prevent seeds from spilling out. Then, hang it to a branch by attaching an S hook to the ankle strap. Place a small branch in the crook sideways for birds to perch on, and fill it with birdseed. 

Birds not only need food; they also need a place to shelter. To turn old shoes into a DIY birdhouse, nail two shoes to a plank of wood and add two more planks to create a roof. Some people might fill the shoes with material to make it cozy for birds, but that's not recommended. Things like cotton, straw, or hay can capture moisture, get moldy, or get caught around birds' legs. Instead, you can leave nest materials out for birds to take and fill with, such as grass clippings, twigs, or leaves. 

A really simple way to make a DIY birdhouse is to skip the roof and use a shoe as is. For this, it's best to use a shoe with a raised ankle, which can serve as a roof to protect the birds from rain or snow. Then hammer the shoe onto a tree: one nail through the tip, the other through the heel. If you'd like, add a rolled-up sock to the front of the shoe to fill it, so that birds can build a nest closer to the shoe's opening rather than in the toe section. 

Make a bird house from an old leather boot by cutting a hole in the side so that birds can go inside and nest. Use a sharp utility knife and cut an X where the hole will go (always away from your body). Then use sharp scissors to cut an X into a round hole. To cover the top of the boot, you can bend something like an old license plate into an obtuse angle to create a roof. Secure it on top of the boot by threading a cord through the bootstraps and the plate's pre-made hole. 

You can also DIY a stunning birdhouse for feathered friends in your yard using an old boot by placing the opening at the top. To do this, create a typical birdhouse opening with a plank of wood using a spade bit and a drill. Then use adhesive to attach the plank of wood to the top of the boot, facing forward. Create a roof for the birdhouse using wooden or metal planks, and secure it in place with glue or screws. 

An old rubber boot can mimic a tree hole for cavity nesters. What you'll need is a piece of wood to secure the boot to, such as a plank, a fence, or a porch railing. Then, you can attach the boot either by applying glue to the sole and pressing it onto the wood, or by screwing it in place from the inside of the sole. You can leave the boot as is, or cut an opening in the ankle area to give birds more than one entry point. 

To upgrade the basic rubber-boot birdhouse, add a wooden entrance. To do this, flip the boot upside down on a piece of paper and use draw the size and shape of the opening. Use that stencil to cut a piece of wood that fits into the top of the boot, just below the rim. Pierce a whole big enough for birds to come in and out, and a smaller one to fit a perch. Dip a wooden dowel rod into some glue and press it into the hole; that's your perch. 

Now, if some of these DIYs seem like too much work for you, no worries. You can just grab an old high-top sneaker and leave it out by a window. Mother birds might be inclined to use the shoe as a nest, fill it with moss and leaves, and brood their eggs in there. The top of the shoe becomes a perch for the mom to hold onto while she feeds her babies, and it also protects them somewhat from the elements. To increase your chances, leave the boot somewhere quiet where birds aren't disturbed.