We’ve got to hand it to Ecouterre.com: Their article on “7 Ways to Makeover Your Old Shoes for Fall” is downright genius. They offer some innovative ways to freshen up your footwear in a bold, on-trend way.

Handknit skull covers for beat-up Chuck Taylors! A fresh coat of shoe paint to transform the color! Decoupage, even!

And as a bonus, the article serves as a reminder that the best way to help your favorite shoes make it through another season in top condition is to bring them to a cobbler for a new sole or heel tip or spiffy them up yourself with a leather cleaner like Lexol or Apple Garde.

We are totally inspired.