I’ve been on a big shoe kick lately and wanted to brighten up a few pairs I already owned. I put together a simple, fun tutorial for refreshing shoes—and ended up creating three different shoe makeovers. Below you’ll find clear, easy-to-follow steps for each look so you can update your shoes for spring.
I partnered with Testors to bring these DIY ideas to life. They make a user-friendly acrylic airbrush kit that’s great for quick color changes and custom shades. If you’re curious about airbrushing, you’ll find these projects especially satisfying. Read on for three approachable ways to personalize worn or plain shoes.
Materials for These DIY Shoe Projects
- Testors acrylic paint spray set (includes paints and a propellant)
- Optional extra Testors AZTEK propellant if you’re working on multiple pairs
- Additional airbrushable acrylic paint bottles for mixing custom shades
- Painter’s tape
- A pair of shoes (or three, if you want to try every makeover)
For all three projects I used an acrylic paint spray kit because it’s easy to control and lets you mix custom colors quickly. I used larger airbrush paint bottles for richer coverage. The handheld airbrush is cordless and convenient for small DIY jobs like these. The kit includes a mixing bottle and a spray trigger that attaches to the propellant—assembly is straightforward and explained in the kit.
DIY Shoe Makeover #1: Color Pop Heels
These color pop heels were a plain, chunky-heeled pair that needed a punch of color. To create the look, tape off everything except the heels using painter’s tape and cover the rest of the shoe with clear plastic or paper to protect it.
Mix a custom color in the empty mixing bottle. Muted pink formula: 3 parts brown, 2 parts pink, and 1 part white (all opaque). Shake thoroughly to blend.
Pour the mixture into the mixing bottle, attach the clip cap, mount the spray trigger on the propellant can, and clip the mixing bottle to the trigger. Hold the sprayer about 6–8 inches from the heel and spray evenly. It helps to keep the sprayer upright and move the shoe instead of the sprayer to avoid drips. Allow the paint to dry to the touch, then remove tape and plastic. Add a sealant if you want extra durability.
DIY Shoe Makeover #2: Color Blocked Leather Mules
For the color-blocked mules, I revived an old pair by adding an angled color block across the upper. Start by marking an angled line on each shoe with painter’s tape, making sure the angles are mirrored on both shoes. Tape off any areas you don’t want painted such as soles, heels, or toes.
Mix your paint. Teal formula: 2 parts turquoise, 1 part dark gray, and 1 part white (all opaque). Shake until completely blended, pour into the mixing bottle, secure the cap, attach the trigger and propellant, and clip the bottle into place.
Spray from about 6–8 inches away, covering the taped-off area evenly. Again, keep the sprayer upright and rotate the shoe for consistent coverage. Let the paint dry to the touch, remove the tape, and apply a sealant if desired. The result is a modern color-blocked mule that looks fresh and intentional.
DIY Shoe Makeover #3: Ombre / Gradient Shoes
The ombre gradient adds a soft fade of color to the toe or strap area. I used a mustard pair and introduced a muted pink on one side of the strap for a subtle gradient. Use the same muted pink formula as the heels: 3 parts brown, 2 parts pink, and 1 part white (opaque).
Mix, pour into the mixing bottle, attach the cap and spray trigger, and secure the bottle. Protect the rest of the shoe with paper or a bag and tape so only the toe or strap is exposed. Hold the sprayer about 6–8 inches away and focus paint on one side to create the gradient, then very lightly sweep the rest of the strap so the color tapers off. Repeat on the other shoe. Allow the paint to dry to the touch, remove the masking, and add sealant if desired.
Which pair is your favorite? Have you tried revamping shoes this way before? These techniques are simple, inexpensive, and a great way to give old shoes new life. With basic masking, a reliable airbrush kit, and a few custom-mixed colors, you can create looks that are professional and long-lasting.
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This post is in partnership with Testors. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep creative projects like this possible.