This Ankle Strap Is Driving Me Nuts!

Marc Fisher Jericho

Few things can cause more discomfort than an ankle strap. Whether they're too loose, too tight, broken, have a scratchy seam, or they just rub and cause blisters, ankle straps can make or break a shoe. Luckily, there is a lot you can do to save those shoes and make them wearable again!

First, take a look at the shoes you want to fix. Many shoes have ankle straps that are threaded through loops (like the silver Marc Fisher heels pictured to the right). And even though that strap has no buckle, you can still adjust the fit! Below are my favorite ideas to get you started:

1. Take the shoe to a cobbler or shoe repair store to have the strap cut and sewn closer together for a smaller fit or have elastic added in for a looser fit.


2. For the most custom fit every time, cut the strap and remove it completely. Then thread the ribbon of your choice through the exisiting loops and tie a pretty bow. This looks great with evening shoes and ballet flats.


3. If you prefer the clean look of a buckle, try replacing the offending strap with a slim watch strap instead. Watch straps are usually easier to find than an identical replacement shoe strap.

Joe's Kai Sandal

If the ankle strap on the shoes you want to fix does not go through a loop, like the brown and black heels by Joe's pictured to the right, you may have to be slightly more creative, but you still have some options for adjusting the fit:

1. Punch additional holes in the strap for a looser or tighter fit


2. If a decorative element on the strap prevents you from adding additional holes and you need a the strap to be tighter, have a cobbler or shoe repair person sew a piece of flesh-tone elastic on the inside of the strap creating a smaller area for your ankle to fit into when the shoe is buckled. The existing shoe strap will not appear to be tight around your ankle, but the shoe will not flop around so few will notice.


3. If the strap is rubbing or scratching, try adding a cushioned sticker to the offending area like Strappy Strips from Foot Petals.

Help! My Boots Need a New Pom-Pom!

Report Flurry boots with a nice pom pom detail

Did you come across a pair of clearance shoes that are perfect except for the fact they're missing a pom-pom? Or did you perhaps spill something on one of yours and want to replace it? Either way, creating a new pom-pom is super easy!Pom-poms are the little round poofs of furry stuff that decoratively dangle from clothing and accessories like zipper pulls, handbags, boots and shoes (as pictured to the right).

There are 3 ways to make a pom-pom: the finger wrapping method, the cardboard donut method or buying a pom-pom maker. All make nice looking pom-poms but each has it's own advantages and disadvantages which I'll discuss below. Keep in mind too that although any yarn will work, the type and thickness of yarn you choose will effect the final look of your pom-pom.

Finger Wrapping Method

This is the fastest way to make a pom pom, but the size, of course, depends on the person making it.  Using this method you can only make pom poms in the 5 sizes created by stacking your fingers together and you won't be able to make a pom pom that is any larger than your own hand.

Start by laying a piece of string flat on your work surface or table - this is what you will use to hang/attach your pom pom so make sure the length is double what you need (or at least 12 inches). Then start wrapping a separate piece of yarn around your fingers. You'll want to go around at least 50 times, probably closer to 100 times, but this depends on the thickness of your yarn: thicker yarn needs less revolutions. The more times you wrap the yarn around your hand, the fluffier your pom pom will be. Once you're done wrapping, carefully slide the bundle off your hand and place the center of the bundle at the center of the string you laid out earlier. Tie a tight knot around the center of the bundle.  Next, cut the loops of yarn at the top and bottom of the bundle (which were created by the knot you just tied). Then just fluff, trim any longer pieces, and you're done!

To make tiny pom poms, you could loop your yarn around a single finger, but it can be difficult to tie your string around the center of such a small lump after sliding it off your finger, so if you need something small, take a look at these brilliant Fork Pom Poms!

Report Flurry boots with a nice pom pom detail

Cardboard Donut Method

This method takes a little longer to set up, since you need to make the cardboard templates, and it takes a tiny bit more skill, but you will be able to create any size pompom you want (and create more identical pompoms in the future if necessary too) and arguably a more professional looking pompom.

Start by cutting out 2 identical circles from cardboard (the easiest way is to find something circular around the house that you can use to trace that is approximately the size you want). Then you're going to trace and cut out another circle inside the first one - and take a small cut out of the sides - so like you're making a donut shape with a bite taken out of it (the "bite" also makes it easier to cut out the inner circle). To describe it another way, the shape is like a little C inside a big C.

Second, place a piece of yarn, about 12 inches, between the 2 cardboard donuts you created so that the end of the yarn hang out of your "bite" opening and squish it in place.

Third, take the rest of your yarn and start wrapping it around your donut. The more revolutions you make, the denser and fluffier your pompom will be. (One method is to start at the center, wrap to the right, then wrap all the way around to the left side and finally back to the center again). Remember to hold the two pieces of cardboard together so that piece of yarn between them doesn't fall out while you're wrapping.

Now that all your yarn is wrapped tight, make a loose slip knot in the 12 inch piece of yarn that you placed between the cardboard pieces when you started and then cut through all the yarn in a line by placing your scissors between the 2 pieces of cardboard. Carefully remove the cardboard templates and then pull the previous slip knot super tight. Knot it again to make it a real knot. Then just trim to make all the pieces evenly and you're done!

Using a Pom-Pom Maker

Pom-Pom makers cost about $8-$10 and work like a cardboard donut but with less chance the cut pieces of string can slip out of place. They also require less set-up and always create the same size pom-pom. Follow the instructions included with your specific pom-pom maker for the best results. I love these pompom makes by Clover.