How to Paint Cartoon Shoes (Custom Painted Shoe DIY)

Learn how to paint Cartoon style shoes with Plaid KICKS Paint.

This custom painted shoe tutorial is easy to do and a great way to upcycle and give new life to old shoes.

Just a few supplies needed to make these fun stylized shoes that look like you stepped out of a comic book!

Truth be told, I've had these shoes and the paint for nearly a year now and kept putting these off.

I finished them up this past weekend and they only ended up taking less than 2 hours.

Now they are off my to-do list and I can wear them to the Farmer's Market all Summer!

COMIC BOOK SHOES:

If you watch cartoons or read comics, you'll notice the iconic black outlines all around the shoes with the white highlights.

The over-the-top bright colors and shapes makes these look like they are straight out of the cartoons.

HOW TO USE PLAID KICKS PAINT FOR SHOES:

I'm using Plaid Kicks Paint, it was designed primarily for shoes but can be used on leather purses, wallets, bags, and even faux leather, vinyl and similar kind items.

It's flexible and is supposed to wear nicely...the shoes I've painted in the past with Kicks have been great, no chipping or cracking.

Buy Kicks at Plaid Online, use code: DOODLECRAFT15 for 15% off your order!

I used blue, green, neon pink, neon yellow and neon orange.

(I mixed blue and green to make the teal)

I really love how these turned out...okay, enough pictures, let's get started!

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR CARTOON PAINTED SHOES:

• Shoes in need of upcycling (the more stitched pieces, the better)
• Kicks Paint (in desired colors)
• Kicks Paint Finish (I'm using High Gloss)
• Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint (in Black and White)
• Paintbrushes (flat and liner)

Remember if you buy from Plaid Online, use code: DOODLECRAFT15 for 15% off.

Step 1: Shoes

I bought a pair of shoes at Walmart just for this craft, hence the original tags.

If you have an old pair of sneakers in need of an uplift, use those for these custom shoes.

Lots of people like painting Nike Air and Converse, but any shoe will work--a high top would be awesome too!

Step 2: Paint

Now it is time to paint each section of the shoe a different color.

They don't all have to be different, be creative and paint with the leather paint whatever color you want your shoes to be.

The more bright colors, the more they will stand out--which is why I love handmade pieces.

To make this teal color, I mixed blue, green and white Kicks Paint.

I just really love this color and mixing is a great way to get more colors for less money.

Paint the desired sections and then let them dry.

The paint is lightweight and thin, so you'll need to do a second and possibly a third coat of paint.

Then move on to the next section of the shoe with a new (or the same color).

This time I'm using Neon Pink Kicks acrylic paint.

Again, it goes on thin, so let it dry for a little bit and add another coat of paint.

Paint every section of the shoe the color you desire, but leave the tongue of the shoe blank, this just makes it last longer in the long run...since tying those laces would rub it off over time.

Step 3: Black Outlines

Now use a fine liner or a script liner paintbrush to outline the shoe painted sections in black.

I'm using Multi-Surface paint for the black and white because it isn't as thin as the Kicks.

Some people opt for using an acrylic paint fine tip marker instead of paint and a brush, so options.

Outline around each part of the shoe, don't worry about being too precise, taking extraordinary care, staying straight or going over stitches...these are meant to be cartoonish, so hand drawn, wiggly lines are perfect.

The fine liner brush makes it easy to paint in long swipes but it can take a little practice and finesse, so if it's not coming easy, practice on paper or use a paint marker instead.

Step 4: White Highlights

Let the black paint dry completely before moving on to the white highlights.

Then add little lines, dashes and dots of white wherever you want around the shoe.

Don't add the highlights everywhere, but add a bunch of them.

Don't make all the highlights the same length, make it vary.

Add some white "scuff marks", "hashtag signs" and a star or two on the front of the shoe for added cartoonishness.

Step 5: High Gloss Finish

Finish off the shoes with a high gloss finish of the Kicks Paint.

It's easy to paint on, all over the painted surfaces of the shoes for a consistent glossy finish.

The gloss is another factor that just adds to the cartoon vibe.

A finish is a great way to get all the paint finishes to match and be uniform.

This is a great hack for any painting in general, since different colors may vary with their finishes just slightly.

Finally, let the shoes dry completely one last time.

Then the good news, they are ready to wear, show off and flaunt!

I am over the moon with how awesome they turned out!

I love the vibrant and bright colors with the whimsical, cartoony lines!

I know a few creative entrepreneurs that paint shoes and other unworn item accessories as a side hustle or small businesses for interested buyers.

Made-to-order items can be fun if you want to sell on the etsy app or other seller portal apps.

Just a few craft supplies needed for this creative goods masterpiece!

Imagine these with a full outfit--all painted in this cartoon fashion--that would be amazing!

Handmade items are the best!

That's it!

Paint a pair of sneakers to look like they are straight out of the cartoons or a comic book!

These fun shoes are easy to paint, a fun craft for multiple ages, and don't require a ton of supplies.

It's a great month to upcycle something in your closet and celebrate Earth Day with a sustainable craft.

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CHECK OUT THESE OTHER FUN SHOE UPCYCLES!

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Video on Instagram

How to Paint Wingtip Shoes DIY

Wingtip shoes are the pinnacle of high society in the early 1900's and are perfect to bring back now with the roaring 20's vibe! Make your own wingtip shoes by painting a pair of heels with Plaid FX flexible paint. 

Wingtips and spats were typically worn by men, but they are perfect for a classy and "vintage" touch now.

How to Make Disco Mirror Ball Shoes DIY Tutorial

Disco Mirror Ball! Ever been to a club, dance hall or school dance and just thought "I totally need a disco ball!"? No, just me?

Turns out that mirror tiles belong on everything from the dance floor to shoes!

It's easy to create some dance club worthy footwear using mirror tiles and the familiar swirl pattern of a disco mirror ball.

Make disco ball shoes easily with just a couple supplies and a lot of time--the perfect mirror mirror foot wear.

How to Paint Cake & Ice Cream Shoes!

These painted cake and ice cream shoes look good enough to eat!

Make a pair of cake and ice cream kicks to wear in delicious and show-stopping style!

These cool shoes are the perfect upcycled accessory!

Note: These take a while to paint. I let them dry between every single paint stage so I didn't accidently smudge them. It took me about a month to get them finished, but only about an hour of work time.

How to Rhinestone Shoes! 

Make the most gorgeous rhinestone shoes with aurora borealis gemstones!

These stunning shoes are just what you need to wear to ring in the new year! I love wearing all kinds of sparkle--and New Year's Eve is the perfect excuse!

Just a couple hours and a pile of rhinestones is all it takes to take shoes from drab to fab!

Learn how to make rhinestone shoes for the perfect upgrade to a pair of shoes for a great value!

Rub 'N Buff European Gold Upcycled Ballet Flats DIY!

Do you ever find a great pair of shoes...but it's not a color you'd wear? Or do you have some shoes in the closet that are pretty worn out? 

Or you need a great pair of shoes for a costume...but they need a new color? This is a great upcycled craft for making shoes last longer, work for a costume or be a color you'd wear! Using Rub 'N Buff to transform shoes into gold! 

Upcycle old shoes and give them new life using Rub 'N Buff European Gold metallic wax. Great for Halloween costumes, cosplay, or just to add some metallic vintage treasures to your closet.

Perfect for a back-to-school refresh!

Turquoise Patina Rub N Buff Sandals Upcycle!

Upcycle some old sandals with turquoise patina Rub n Buff in just a few minutes. 

Have you been going through your closets, cupboards and rooms in an effort to organize and consolidate? 

I bet you have a few pair of shoes that could use an update, and at a low price for Rub n Buff it's a great way to create the latest version.

If you like the style, consider a color change!

Tie Dye Galaxy Canvas Shoes DIY!

Tie Dye the best Galaxy Shoes in a galaxy far, far away!  

This is a great way to upcycle a pair of canvas shoes that might be a little worn--this will give these special goods new life!

Which painted or upcycled shoe is your favorite!?

Will you be painting cartoon shoes in the future?

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