James and Annabel both have feet that just won’t. stop. growing. I’ve spent a small fortune on shoes for them recently. I prefer slip-ons for James and velcro for Annabel, but those are rarely on sale. The last time I bought them new shoes, I decided to buy what was cheapest and add the velcro myself. It took five minutes and they look great!
Shoes (Annabel’s are from Old Navy and James’ are from Nordstrom Rack)
Velcro (either sew-on or fuse-on)
Doubled-sided velcro ties, 5-inch x 1/4-inch size
Strong glue/fabric glue
Scissors
First, remove the laces in your shoes.
I started by cutting out velcro pieces. I started with four sets of velcro, and then I added more after I had James try on the shoes (I’ll elaborate on that in a sec).
I glued velcro onto the tongue in four spots near the top.
I then glued the other side of the velcro onto the shoes near the lace holes. I had James try the shoes on and realized the shoes needed more velcro, so I added the outside pieces.
These shoes are all velcroed up!
For Annabel’s shoes, I just removed the laces, then threaded them with the double-sided velcro ties.
They come in such cute colors!
To secure them, you have to twist the strap over, then fold it.
They are very easy for Annabel to use, but “don’t look babyish,” she said.
James did not want to stand still for a photo.
James’ face: OMG COOTIES.
Any questions, let me know. Have fun!
Margie says:
Shoelaces on kid’s shoes are the worst. I will never understand why mom insisted on them. Um, mom, I am constantly asking you to tie them up. Give me a break. I am soooo going to try this out because old Bigfoot over here is killing me.
Kat says:
YOU are a genius!!! Wish this idea was around when my kids were littler and always had the Velcro close shoes! Brilliant idea!!
M says:
Hi, I love your idea ! My daughter hates the laced shoes but like you said those are the only ones on sale. WOuld love to try this.
Can you please let me know where you bought those double sided velcro ties ? Can’t seem to find the one you have in amazon.
Heather says:
Sure! Here is the link on Amazong: http://amzn.to/1T7tDLu, but I bought mine at Joann Fabric & Crafts!
nancy says:
http://www.amazon.com/Red-Lace-Yellow-Mark-Casey/dp/0812065530/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455157417&sr=1-1&keywords=tying+shoes
this book was awesome when we were teaching my niece to tie her shoes. she had it mastered in 3 tries.
Linnae says:
You are amazing!! I love your ideas … going to share this one for the grandkids!
Amber in OC says:
I appreciate your creativity so much Heather!!! You have given me tons of ideas over the years….Thank you!!!
Meg says:
Those are GENIUS!