Shoeflyer is predicting that 2009 will be the year of Shoe Individualization. No more will consumers be forced to match their style to mass-produced shoes. You can now paint your shoes, cover them in stickers, or even design them online. Of course, we hope that some of our carefully selected pairs will tempt you, but we’re tickled pink that the DIY sustainability revolution has spread into footwear. To take DIY principles to the next step, find ways to reuse and repurpose your shoes. Instead of throwing them out to languish in a landfill, find a way to extend their life by using them in crafts. Or just use shoes as an inspiration to create new art.

Where to find shoe craft ideas, you ask? Here are a few resources…

Craft Magazine devoted a whole issue to shoe crafts! In the Nov. 2007 issue, you’ll find instructions for making sneaker rollerskates, modifing your converse, and making ribbon-tie sandals. Preview the digital edition here. Subscribe to get access to the full digital version. Or watch the video podcast for the issue here.

Crayola has ideas for using their Model Magic fusion compound to make miniature shoes. Given the dismal economic outlook of 2009, this could be the best way to get the shoe wardrobe you crave. Just shape your dream shoes with tin foil and Model Magic, and decorate with sequins, feathers, and more. I especially like the idea of making a shoe big enough for your pearls– a homemade shoe jewelry box!

Old shoes are great receptacles for more than just feet. How about using your old shoe as a hanging vase? This idea is very simply executed above. For a more permanent vase, coat the inside with a water-proofing substance. You can also easily create shoe flower pots; just make sure water can drain out through the soles by drilling a few holes.

Finally, if you’re short on time but still want to make sure your sneakers don’t end up in a landfill, check out Nike’s Shoe Reuse-a-Shoe program, which recycles your old tennis shoes into playground materials.

Top photo by balan veerasamy.