With painting, you can change the look of any shoe to fit your style. But before you get started, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. You’ll need different materials and techniques depending on whether you’re working with leather, vinyl, canvas, or fabric.

Painting shoes can be fun and rewarding, no matter what type of material you decide to work with for your project. Let’s explore the different types of shoes and how the material impacts the painting. Also, let’s discover the step-by-step guide on how to paint shoes.

Types of Shoes Based on Materials

Leather Shoes

Leather shoes are the most common type of shoe to paint. They are durable and can be painted with various paints, including acrylics, leather dyes, and even spray paints. A perfect example of a pair of leather shoes that you can paint is the Nike Air Force 1, which is made of a combination of leather and rubber.

Before you start painting, clean the leather surfaces of your shoes with a damp cloth or brush. This will help remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the paint adhering to the surface. To paint leather shoes, it’s best to use paint specifically designed for leather. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly and won’t crack or peel off over time.

Vinyl Shoes

Vinyl shoes are just like leather shoes, but they have a plastic or rubber construction instead. They may feel hard and rigid, but they are flexible and easy to paint. It’s important to always test the paint on a small portion of your shoe before painting the entire pair. This will help you determine which paints work best for vinyl shoes. Many artists prefer to use latex or acrylic paints because they do not require special setting agents or sealers to make them stick to the canvas.

Canvas Shoes

Canvas is made from fine, lightweight fabric and is generally used for athletic shoes or ballet flats. The best paints for canvas shoes like Vans, for example, are acrylics or latex paints. They are easy to apply and dry quickly for a durable result.

Fabric Shoes

Fabric shoes are entirely different. They are soft and stretchy with many different textures. They can vary from flat soles to crepe soles or even suede. If you want to paint fabric shoes, such as the Nike Roshe Run, you’ll need a special fabric paint and matte medium. This will help you achieve the most realistic finish for your project. Try layering different colors of fabric paint for an interesting artistic effect.

How to Paint Leather or Vinyl Shoes

To paint a pair of vinyl or leather shoes, you will require the following supplies:

• Professional leather deglazer and preparer from Angelus Brand or nail polish remover to remove the polish from the shoes.
• Sand Paper
• Painters Tape
• Angelus leather paint 
• Angelus acrylic finisher
• Eraser and pencil
• Disposable sponge
• Brushes, Q-tips, and cotton buds
• Wooden skewers  
• Leather or vinyl shoe
• Water-resistant drop cloth or lots of newspaper to help with the mess that tends to happen when painting shoes.

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Strip Your Shoes 

Start by removing the shoe laces if your shoes are lace-up. Scrub your shoe using sandpaper. Using your Angelus professional leather deglazer and preparer, carefully remove any polish from your shoes. For best results, use a paper towel and rub lightly across your shoes until you are satisfied with the result. Repeat this step on both shoes if desired. It is essential to note that if you leave patches of the original finish, they will prevent the Angelus leather paint from adhering to the surface.

Step 2: Pencil Design You Wish to Paint

After removing any polish from the shoe, you are ready to prepare the surface for your design. Use a pencil to sketch whatever design you have in mind. However, if you have confidence in your art skills, you may skip this step and draw directly onto the shoe. If you do not have access to a pencil, you can use a felt-tip pen. Remember that the leather surface will not be fully receptive to felt-tip ink and will fade over time if exposed to water, so you may wish to remove your design with Angelus waterproof eraser. 

Use the eraser to remove any mistakes or lines that you do not wish to paint and fix any smudges. If the eraser is not working for you, dip the Q-tips or cotton buds in the leather degreaser or leather cleaner and gently rub over the paint mistakes with the cotton. Also, wrap the shoe soles using painter’s tape to have a better finish. 

Step 3: Paint the Design onto Your Shoes

When satisfied with the result and ready to begin painting, use Angelus leather paint, brush liberally over the shoe and allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes. Check the instructions on your paint can for drying time before proceeding. Also, do not forget to apply thin layers of paint so that it doesn’t get too dried out and to avoid cracking.

Step 4: Repeat Step 3

Once the paint is fully dry, repeat Step 3. This will ensure that your shoes have a deep color and dark glossy finish. You may also use paint pens to make more defined lines.

Step 5: Finish and Polish

Once both shoes are painted, use a clean cloth to finish them off. Wipe all excess paint or leftover paint. Next, you will need to polish both shoes using Angelus acrylic finisher. This is to seal and protect your work. You can also use leather cleaner to polish your shoes after you have finished with the finisher liquid without causing any damage to the leather.

You can choose any color combination that you desire. You can even mix more than three colors, or you can use the same color uniformly. Jazz and Marty’s YouTube video shows you how to paint your shoes, which is a great tutorial to follow. All the best.

How to Paint Canvas Shoes or Sneakers

There are numerous types of canvas, including canvas sneakers, canvas sandals, and canvas flats. Similar to Vans, artists love to hand paint Converse because of how popular they are and how much space there is to paint. However, few people know how to paint and seal acrylic paint on canvas or fabric shoes. The supplies required include the following. 

• Canvas shoes
• Acrylic paint or fabric paint
• Primer (gesso)
• Palette
• Brushes
• Finisher
• Painter’s tape
• Paper towels
• Cup of water
• Hair dryer

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Shoes

Before painting your shoes, you will have to prepare them. The first thing to do is make sure the shoes are clean. Wipe the shoes with a damp cloth and let them air dry for about half an hour. You can follow this up by wiping the shoe with a paper towel and rubbing it over the surface. This will help you get off any dust particles.

Step 2: Apply the Primer

Once the shoes are clean and dry, you will have to apply primer or gesso on the shoe. This step is important because it will allow your design to adhere to the canvas shoe and stay on the surface. Gesso is a mixture of glue and chalk. Spread a thin coat of gesso with a wet brush over your canvas shoes. Allow it to dry slightly, and then repeat the process if needed. Use painter’s tape to cover the parts you do not wish to paint.

Step 3: Getting Your Design Ready

Before painting your shoes, you will have to prepare your design. You can sketch it on paper and then transfer it onto the shoes with a marker or marker pen.

Step 4: Apply the Acrylic Paints or fabric medium

Depending on your shoe color, you will have to apply acrylic paints or fabric paints. First, you will have to choose a color for your shoes and then prepare it for application on the canvas shoe. You can use acrylic paints or gouache paints to mix colors. When applying acrylic paints on canvas, the best thing to do is to brush them in thin layers over your shoe surface. Leave it for about 15 minutes to completely dry before you start painting over it again. You can also use the hair dryer to make the shoe dry within a shorter time. 

If you are looking for a lighter shade, you can use a brush with bristles so that it will give the best result. However, if you are looking for a darker shade, then dip your brush in water and brush on color over the surface. Use fine brushes to give a smoother effect so that the acrylic paint doesn’t get rubbed off easily. Keep in mind the number of layers of acrylic paint so that it does not get too dry. You may apply more thin coats to your shoe if you use dark shade.

Step 5: Apply the Finisher

Once you finish painting the shoe, you must apply the finisher to ensure your design does not come off. You may also use waterproofing spray for this purpose.

Painting them can be an excellent option if you want shoes that do not break a sweat or smell. It is also a very cheap hobby and great for those who love arts and crafts. Check out Xavier Kickz’s YouTube video to learn how to paint your canvas or fabric shoes. 

What paint can I use to customize my shoes?

Acrylic paint is among the best type of paints to customize your sneakers. This is because acrylics are versatile and very easy to work with. They are also available in a wide variety of colors. But, remember that you will have to use top-notch brands as cheap ones may not give the best results, e.g., Angelus Acrylic paints. However, remember the paint you choose depends on the material of the shoe. For example, you can paint leather and vinyl shoe with leather paints.

Are canvas sneakers art?

Yes, canvas sneakers are considered art because of their unique features and designs. This is because they have a different style and appeal to them. They offer an excellent look and feel as well as great design. Furthermore, these shoes are very cheap to purchase and can be purchased from the local mall and can also be bought on the Internet.

How can I paint my shoes at home?

To paint your pair of shoes at home, you will need to get some disposable like painter’s tape. This will help you tape your shoes and prevent them from getting damaged. You will also require a small brush to apply the paint on your custom shoes. You will also use the tape to help you line up the shoe and paint sneakers.

Is it OK to spray paint shoes?

Yes, it is OK to spray paint shoes if you are certain that you are using the right materials and solutions. For example, you can use spray paint on shoes if you do not use the wrong type of paint. However, spray painting shoes made of leather can be quite difficult and may take some time to achieve good results.

Does painting sneakers take a lot of time?

Yes, painting canvas sneakers takes time as it involves the following routines: preparation (cleaning the shoes), application (painting the shoes), and drying. 

How much do painting shoes cost?

Painting canvas shoes does not cost much because you can use materials readily available at your local stores or shopping mall. You will also not have to hire any professional to paint for you. You may purchase the required materials between $30 and $70. 

How do you seal paint on shoes?

Acrylic sealer spray can be used to seal paint on shoes. This is because they are waterproof and they are very easy to use. Sealers also have wonderful protective and durable properties, allowing the paint to stay on the shoes for long periods. You can also use varnish sealer or a rock-hard top coat, giving your canvas shoe a glossy finish. To do so, you have to apply one coat of top coat clear acrylic varnish and wait for about twenty minutes for the varnish to dry off completely before applying the next coat.

Can I paint my sneakers at home?

Yes, you can easily paint your sneakers at home if you are willing to spend some time doing it. Remember that you will have to purchase the right brushes and paints, which will make a difference in the final result. You should also find a place to do this that is well-ventilated to ensure you don’t breathe in paint fumes. Remember, it may cost less to paint canvas shoes, but it still involves some maintenance. 

How many coats of paint do I need for the shoes?

You will need to apply at least 4 to 5 thin coats of paint to your shoes. This is because you will want a nice polishing effect on the shoe surface, which you can only achieve after applying several very thin layers. You should also ensure that you sand off the excess paint and allow some time for drying before applying the next coat of paint. Additionally, be sure to clean your hand-painted shoes so you can maintain and enjoy the beautiful work you created for a long period of time.

The post How to Paint Shoes & Sneakers appeared first on Your Kicks.

White shoes are extremely wearable and can be both dressed up and dressed down. The pairs we have on this list can get beat up at parties or worn to formal dates and other occasions. Also, every pair of white shoes can be easily cleaned if they’re on this list.

Look no further, if you’re looking for a pair of white shoes that are both stylish and wearable, we’ve got you covered.

• Nike Air Force 1s
• Vans
• Adidas Superstar
• Adidas Ultra Boost
  
  

Nike Air Force 1s

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The go-to white pair of sneakers for women right now are low-top white Nike Air Force 1s. Air Forces have been around for decades but have spiked in popularity recently. They can be worn to a party or for a casual occasion.

One thing to keep in mind is Air Forces run big. I suggest trying them on before you buy them. They usually run anywhere between .5 size to a full size bigger than your normal size.

Another thing to note is how to take care of white Air Force 1s. Cleaning Nike Air Force 1s can be as simple as taking a toothbrush and dish soap to the outsole. However, if you truly want to get a deep clean then check out our list of the best shoe cleaning kits available.

If you ever get tired of wearing all-white Air Force 1s then you can always customize Air Force 1 sneakers as it’s extremely easy to do.

Most low-top all-white Nike Air Force 1s will retail at about $100, one of the pricier options on this list.

Vans

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Another classic pair of all-white sneakers women are wearing are Vans.

All-white Vans are a cheaper alternative to other options on this list. They look clean in white and cover the basics. They aren’t the most comfortable pair of shoes on this list, but also aren’t uncomfortable.

If you’re a woman thinking about getting a pair of all-white Vans then remember you have a few options you can take. Slip-on and lace-up pairs are both great options. Right now, low-top Vans are way more popular than their high-top counterparts.

All-white low-top Vans will likely cost you around $40 at retail price, which is a great deal.

Also, white Vans can be customized extremely easily as well.

Adidas Superstar

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Musicians have helped Adidas Superstar sneakers rise in popularity since the 1990s. They aren’t completely all-white sneakers, but the only black part is the stripes on the shoe.

Adidas Superstar sneakers provide a classy look that’s similar to Nike Air Force 1s. However, Superstars will cost you significantly less than Air Forces. They can be found at retail for anywhere between $40 and $70.

If you don’t like the look of Air Force 1s, but are still looking for an all-white sneaker that isn’t too sporty, Adidas Superstars are the way to go.

Adidas Ultra Boost

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Both Adidas Ultra Boost and Adidas Pure Boost are great sneakers you can get in white and wear for many events. They are comfortable, made from premium materials and stylish.

Adidas Ultra Boosts are the sportiest model of shoes on this list. They look great in white but will be a little more difficult to pull off at more formal settings.

However, they look great in casual settings and will have your feet feeling great afterwards.

Our favorite all white shoes for girls and women

Our favorite pick for all white goes for girls and women is the Nike Air Force 1. If you can afford the extra cost, Air Forces will provide you with a solid all-white sneaker that can survive almost anything. They can be easily cleaned and will remain in style for a long time to come.

Our runner-up for women to consider when looking at all-white shoes is white Vans. They will save your pocket and provide a classy look that is iconic.

The post Best White Shoes for Girls and Women appeared first on Your Kicks.

However, buying women’s sneakers that look like dress shoes will allow you to be comfortable at work or important events. You no longer need to hurt your feet or legs by wearing painful dress shoes because there are several sneakers that look dressy enough to be worn with business attire.

These women’s sneakers look like dress shoes but provide the comfort and support of a sneaker. They will go with any business casual attire and most likely never be questioned by your work colleagues. 

Some option to buy women’s sneakers that look like dress shoes

• Low-top Vans
• Adidas Originals Stan Smith
• Sperry Crest Vibe Linen 
• Tory Burch Tory Serif 

Low-top Vans

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Low-top Vans are great sneakers for women to wear as dress shoes. Specifically, all-black low-top Vans look the most like dress shoes for women. The plain Jane appeal of this sneaker is what helps it pass as a dress shoe at nearly every kind of event.

Vans are extremely supportive and comfortable for most foot types. If you’re looking for a little more comfort, Vans offers ComfyCush versions of its major styles－including all-black low-top Vans－so buyers can get an extremely comfortable pair of sneakers.

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Most people think Vans are only good for casual wear and skateboarding, but wearing them as dress shoes is another function for these sneakers. Also, other colourways like white Vans can sometimes pass as dress shoes but the all-black colourway is almost guaranteed to pass as a dress shoe.

If you’re unsure about wearing sneakers to work instead of dress shoes, start your journey with some all-black low-top Vans. Both the slip-on and lace-up versions of this sneaker will work perfectly at any workplace or event.

Adidas Originals Stan Smith

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Adidas Originals Stan Smith sneakers are just low-key enough for women’s sneakers to pass as dress shoes. While these sneakers won’t pair well with a tuxedo, they do pair well with any business casual outfit, including a blazer. 

These Stan Smith Adidas fit in perfectly with today’s modern workforce attire. They are just dressy enough for women to wear with most outfits and they are also comfortable. It’s the perfect combination of business and casual. 

Visually, these sneakers are primarily white with a green accent on the very back of the shoe. They provide great traction and support. The comfort is not on the same level as an Adidas Ultra Boost or Pure Boost, but the design of the sneaker makes them dressy.

If you’re a woman who’s become comfortable with wearing sneakers to work then adding these Stan Smith Adidas to your footwear rotation is a must.

Sperry Crest Vibe Linen 

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The Sperry Crest Vibe Linen sneaker is a great shoe for the office. It’s more dressy than the Stan Smith Adidas but not as dressy as a pair of all-black Vans. 

Just like the Stan Smiths, these Sperrys pair extremely well with a nice pair of jeans and a blazer. It gives the perfect business casual combination and no one will question it. 

On top of that, these linen sneakers are breathable, lightweight and supportive. The Sperry Crest Vibe will function the best in warmer months. 

Tory Burch Tory Serif 

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The Tory Burch Tory Serif sneaker is perfect for women who want a sneaker that looks like a dress shoe and stands out. These Tory Serifs are unique-looking sneakers complete with colourful abstract designs on them.

However, there is no need to worry because these sneakers still look like dress shoes. Actually, even with the unique designs on these Tory Burch sneakers they still look dressier than several of the other sneakers on this list.

Also, the materials this shoe is made from make them extremely comfortable and lightweight. Tory Burch is a high-quality women’s brand that produces products that are made to last years. 

The one drawback of wearing the Tory Serif sneaker as a dress shoe is the retail price. They are by far the most expensive sneaker on this list, retailing at more than $200. If you can get past the retail price of this sneaker then they are definitely worth the buy for any woman who wants to wear sneakers as dress shoes.

Can you wear sneakers to work?

Yes, it is completely acceptable in most offices to wear sneakers to work. In today’s society, business casual leans more toward the casual end of the spectrum. More and more employees are wearing less business attire to work and more leisure clothing, including sneakers.

Don’t be afraid to test the waters with any of the sneakers previously listed. All of them look enough like dress shoes that no one will say anything to you about it.

Dressing comfortably at work is crucial to doing high-quality work and employers these days know it.  

If you’re afraid to start wearing sneakers to the office then it’s best to start slow. Wear a pair of all-black low-top Vans at first. These will help you inch your way into the mindset of wearing sneakers to work. 

After you get more confidence wearing sneakers to work, which means you start wearing them to work and no one points out that they are sneakers, then you can get into more unique-looking sneakers. But first, make sure you test the waters if you’re nervous!

How do I know a pair of sneakers are comfortable?

If you have the chance to try your sneakers on before buying them, which we strongly suggest you do, then you have to know what to look for in terms of comfortability. In general, sneakers will almost always be more comfortable and supportive than dress shoes. However, there are certain features you should be looking for when determining how comfortable a pair of sneakers is.

Toe room

The first thing you’re going to want to test is the toe room in your sneakers. Do you have enough between the front of your toes and the front of the sneaker? Do you have too much room?

Use your thumbs to feel how much space is between your toes and the front of your sneakers when trying them on. A little room is fine, but too much room might cause you to trip in the future.

Heel support

Heel support is the next factor to consider for sneakers you want to wear as dress shoes. How does the back of your heel feel when trying the sneakers on?

If you feel any kind of pain while wearing these sneakers around the store then that’s a clear sign these aren’t the sneakers for you. 

Most sneakers have great heel support but you should always try them on to be sure.

Arch support

Arch support is paired with heel support. While trying sneakers on in a store make sure your arches feel good. The arches of your feet are directly in the middle on the bottom of your feet.

Some sneakers support low arches while others benefit people with high arches better. People with lower arches have flatter feet and brands like Adidas have some of the best sneakers for flat feet.

Try to take note of this when trying your sneakers on.

General fit

Last, but not least, is determining the general fit of the sneakers you’re trying on. If they generally feel good when wearing them around then they will probably work well for you.

Remember, you might want to wear these sneakers at work on a daily basis so making sure they are comfortable is a major goal here.

Final Verdict: Some women’s sneakers can be dress shoes

There are several pairs of women’s sneakers out there that can be worn as dress shoes. You don’t have to sacrifice comfortability by wearing dress shoes to the office or business casual events. The right pair of dressy sneakers will work perfectly during these events.

If you don’t like any of the sneakers on this list, check out some of the best sneaker blogs to find other options.

The post Buy Women’s Sneakers that Look Like Dress Shoes appeared first on Your Kicks.

Additionally, if you’re using shoe cleaner on your Vans you might even be able to put it over the paint on your shoes. By doing this you can cover up the paint on your white Vans. 

White Vans are one of the best white sneakers for men so taking care of them is of high importance. If you have a pair of white Vans you need to remove paint from, here are a few factors to consider:

• Can you get paint off of Vans?
• How do you get acrylic paint off Vans shoes?
• How to get dry paint off of shoes?
• How do you get paint off Air Force 1s?
  
  
  

Can you get paint off of Vans?

Yes, you can get paint off of Vans shoes. It doesn’t matter if you have white Vans or any color Vans, you can remove paint from them. A simple solution of water and soap or detergent can remove a lot of paint from a pair of Vans.  

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Even artists who intentionally paint and customize Vans by hydro dipping sneakers worry about the paint wearing off in the rain. It is completely possible to remove paint from Vans. 

The method of paint removal you use will depend on how bad the paint actually is. If you have a lot of paint on your Vans then the first goal will be to remove the physical excess paint off of the shoes before you get into the paint that has bound to the canvas on the shoes. 

How to get acrylic paint off Vans shoes?

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Removing acrylic paint is no different than removing spray paint from Vans. The first step you’re going to want to take is removing the excess paint with a brush or fork. After that, you’re going to need to apply some kind of soap and water solution and take a hard bristle brush to the surface of the shoe. 

You will start to see a noticeable difference after the soap and water treatment on your Vans. From there, you can decide to repeat another soap and water treatment after your Vans have dried or you can even try throwing the shoes in your laundry machine. 

Laundry machines are great for cleaning all kinds of shoes, not just Vans. However, we suggest going to a laundromat to use their machines instead of your own. Shoes are infamously known for ruining laundry machines if washed too many times. 

After running your vans through the laundry machine you will see a noticeable difference in the reduction of paint on them. If you still need to remove paint after that you can try a shoe cleaner product to remove the paint. 

Acrylic paint is no trickier to remove than hand-painted Vans or spray-painted ones. 

How do you get dry paint off shoes?

You can get dried paint off of shoes by washing them with soap and water. After that, run them through your laundry machine with laundry detergent and let them air dry.

If you don’t feel like washing your shoes with soap and water you can try skipping that step and go straight to putting them in your laundry machine. Depending on what kind of shoes you’re cleaning, the laundry machine might completely remove the dried paint on its own. 

This process might also need to involve taking a hard-bristle brush to the surface of your Vans. Brushing your Vans with soap and water helps to physically remove paint from the canvas of the shoes. It’s extremely effective in removing dried paint off of shoes. 

How do you get paint off Nike Air Force 1s?

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You can remove paint from Nike Air Force 1s by using an old toothbrush and soap and water. Dip your old toothbrush in the soap and water solution and apply it to the paint on your Air Forces. Scrub in circles on the painted area and rinse with water and a paper towel repeatedly until all the paint is gone.

Removing paint from Air Force 1s is different from removing paint from Vans because the materials on the shoes are different. The majority of the material on Vans is canvas while Air Forces have a fake leather material. Customizing Nike Air Force 1 sneakers is more difficult than Vans because of the materials they are out of.

Paint bonds significantly better to the canvas material on Vans compared to the glossed, fake leather on the Air Forces. Therefore, the paint will be easier to brush off of the Nike Air Force 1s. Even if you hand paint Air Force 1 shoes, it will be easier to remove than Vans.

Takeaway: Here’s how to remove paint from white Vans

The bottom line of removing paint from white Vans includes using soap, water and a brush. Water alone from rain or puddles will be enough to start the cleaning process. It’s the reason why cleaning custom shoes is so difficult, it might ruin the custom paint job. 

The goal is to basically use the soapy brush to scratch out the paint from the fibers of the Vans. The soapy water solution makes it easier to do than any other method.

You might find that doing this on a pair of white Vans with paint want work entirely on the first try. To remove paint from white Vans you have to use multiple sessions of cleaning to fully get the job done. 

Each time you apply soap and water with a brush to the paint on your Vans, the are will get lighter. Also, remember you have to let them air dry after each session to fully let the soap do its work. 

Some important notes to remember when doing this is to only use dish soap, laundry detergent or shoe cleaner. Do not use other kinds of soaps like hand soap, body wash or bleach. If you use bleach on white Vans it has a high possibility of turning the shoes yellow. 

After using soap and water several times on your white Vans, you might notice the paint has gotten lighter but isn’t completely gone. At this point, you have two options. You can either try using a shoe cleaner for white shoes or you can try painting over existing paint with a white paint you have. Just be careful not to get it anywhere but the affected areas of your Vans.

The post How do you Get Paint Out of White Vans? appeared first on Your Kicks.

Definitely subjective in answer, we decided to draw a line in the sand and choose one. Thus, without further ado, the best white pair for men is the Nike Air Force 1 low because of its color, style, and popularity. It’s an all white sneaker with decades of history that is almost always available for purchase because of how popular it has remained over the years. And as mentioned, you can easily customize the Nike AF1s, especially if it’s all white!

The cost of a pair of Air Force 1s also won’t break the bank. It retails at just around $100. There isn’t a better, cleaner, or more stylish pair of white sneakers for men on the market. Also, you can easily hand paint your AF1s to show off how they look or just wear them how they are and still look great.

However, there are a couple contenders in today’s sneaker market that are high on the list for best white sneakers for men. Some of these contenders aren’t all white, but they’re mainly white and insanely popular amid the sneaker community and fashion industry in general. 

Other top white sneakers for men on the market are: 

• Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 ‘Cream’ – The combination of the colorway and Boost technology in this sneaker make it a clean and comfortable option for men.
• White Vans – Every guy needs a pair of Vans in their collection and white Vans will match with any outfit. 
• Adidas Superstar – The Superstar sneaker by Adidas was made popular by Run DMC 40 years ago and has turned into an iconic piece of any wardrobe. 

Most comfortable white sneaker for men

It’s no secret that the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 sneaker is both comfortable and popular. The ‘Cream’ colorway of the sneaker is popular among many people with different celebrities wearing the sneaker to normal everyday people wearing it. There are multiple features of the sneaker that attract people to wearing it. Also, they are extremely comfortable for people with flat feet. The style of these shoes resembles Back to the Future sneakers.

The first is the design of the sneaker. It’s simple. There isn’t too much going on besides a nice, clean combination of cream and white. Unless you closely examine the sneaker, it will just look like an all white shoe from far away. It’s this simple design that attracts so many people. It can be worn with almost anything, but specifically people wear it with their athleisure attire because that’s what the Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 sneakers were designed for. 

However, that doesn’t mean the sneaker can’t be worn with jeans or other outfits. It’s a very versatile sneaker for men that can be worn to the gym or out on a nice date. 

While the design of the sneaker initially draws people in, the comfortability is what keeps them wearing the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 ‘Cream.’ Like all Yeezy Boost sneakers, this sneaker is extremely comfortable. It’s essentially a sock-like material on top with Adidas’ patented Boost technology in the sole of the shoe. A winning combination for any guy one the go who wants to look good and be comfortable. Sadly, unless you have a shoe bot, these shoes are hard to get.

Most stylish white sneaker for men

When it comes to being stylish, all white Vans slip-ons take first place for men. While it’s true these aren’t nearly as comfortable as a pair of Adidas Yeezy sneakers, they are much more versatile in where a guy can wear them. Some men wear Vans to skate in, some wear them on date night, some wear them to weddings. That’s what is so great about a pair of all white Vans for men. They can be worn anywhere and still look great. Be prepared to get paint out of white Vans if necessary.

For a sneaker that can be worn by a man with almost any outfit to any occasion, Vans retail at an extremely cost-effective price point. Typically, the average pair of all white Vans can range between $45 and $60. It’s an incredible difference in price compared to something like a Nike Air Force 1 that retails at $100 or Adidas Yeezy 350 V2 that retails at $220. If you’re a guy who wants to look great on a budget, white Vans are the way to do it.

On top of how versatile all white Vans are for men to wear and the cost-effective price point, they also can be easily. Since they are mostly made up of canvas material, a quick wash in the laundry machine is all it takes. After that, your all white Vans will be just as pearly white as they were when you bought them. Keep in mind that if you customize or hand paint your Vans then you shouldn’t wash them in the laundry machine.

Most iconic white sneaker for men

Any guy aiming to pull off a classic look with their white sneakers needs to be wearing Adidas Superstar shoes. The reason why this white sneaker is an iconic look for men is because of how long guys have been using it to complete their outfit. The rap group Run DMC made the sneaker popular in the mid-80s and it’s still being produced by Adidas in 2021. That’s almost 40 years worth of legacy in one white sneaker for men. The reason why the white colorway of Adidas Superstar sneakers specifically is so popular is because it’s the same colorway Run DMC made popular in the ‘80s. 

These shoes are mainly white with black Adidas stripes on the side. A simple, yet timeless look for any guy who might be going on a date, going out with his friends, or just running errands. The Adidas Superstar sneaker provides a clean look for men who want to look good but go overboard. 

The sneakers retail at $85 which is more expensive than a pair of white Vans, but still cheaper than a pair of Nike Air Force 1s. Also, they are always available so you never have to worry about them selling out like you would with a pair of Adidas Yeezys.

There are many white sneaker options for guys

The Nike Air Force 1 low takes the cake when it comes to the best white sneakers for men. It’s been a popular shoe for decades that is completely white and can be worn to many different occasions. It’s comfortable thanks to the Air technology in the sole and always available for purchase. Also, the retail price is $100 which isn’t too expensive of a sneaker for many men to purchase. 

But if you can’t afford Air Force 1s there are other great options out there for guys. All-white Vans and Adidas Superstar sneakers are both cheaper than Air Force 1s and will still prove to be great white sneakers for any guy. 

If you’re a man who wants to wear a comfortable white sneakers and doesn’t mind spending a little more money, the Adidas Yeezy 350 V2 ‘Cream’ sneakers might be your best option. 

At the end of the day for any man, the right white sneaker all depends on how much money you want to spend, how comfortable you want to be, and where you’re wearing your sneakers.

The post Best White Sneakers for Men appeared first on Your Kicks.

That’s why we put together The Complete Guide to Buying Custom Vans Shoes. We gathered resources and a few key questions you should ask yourself or the artist before investing in a pair of handmade Vans sneakers.

Materials Of Custom Vans

Of course, artists have the choice of what materials they’d like to use, and every artist is different. But most of the time, artists use certain materials because of the characteristics that make them easy to work with. That’s why it’s so hard to get paint out of white Vans.

Material of the shoe

If you’ll be purchasing custom Vans slip ons, chances are the material is going to be canvas. The reason hand painting slip ons specifically is so common is because canvas is the easiest material to work with. Alternatively, with a material like leather, the manufacturer usually puts a clear varnish over the leather that makes paint really difficult to stick to. But with canvas shoes, the paint glides right onto the material and lasts much longer. It’s still possible to buy custom leather shoes, there is just a more tedious process when preparing the shoe for painting. 

Type of paint 

Depending on the type of shoe, artists use different types of paint for their designs. Some artists even use Sharpie to make their designs! For custom slip ons, acrylic paint is typically popular because fabric absorbs it the best and it is very durable. Acrylic paint also comes in a variety of different colors, including glitter, which makes it a great option to work with when creating unique, handmade shoes. In the future, we will be doing an article that really dives into this topic, but for now, those are the basis you should know before buying your custom shoes!

Hand painted or printed?

There are essentially two different ways artists can customize your Vans. The first way is by hand painting. This is where the artist themself hand paints the design on the shoe with paint, markers, or another artistic medium. If using acrylic paint, the artist usually preps the shoe with a primer so that there’s a thin layer between the shoe and the paint to prevent cracking. Check out this video to see this artist’s process when hand painting their shoes!

The second way is printed, where you submit a design of your choice to the artist and they print it onto the shoe. This method is popular when customers want designs from tv shows, musicians, and other artists. Although the design may be originally from an artist, whenever you purchase a pair of printed Vans sneakers, the artwork is placed on the shoe via a mechanical or advanced process.

Usually printed Vans are less expensive than hand painted ones since they are cheaper to produce. That said, this is not always the case. for example, sometimes Vans will produce limited edition prints. These can get real expensive. The artist may also sign the pair, in which case the shoe becomes very pricey.

If you want a design that is more of an artwork style, something hand painted is probably the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a very specific design from a movie, tv show, etc, having it printed will be the easiest method. Check out the list of artists down below to see examples of these different methods of customization!

Before you buy..

Just a couple of brief notes worth addressing before diving in. Since customized Vans are not cheap, you’ll want to spend some time doing a bit of homework.

Authenticity

After you determine the style of shoe, the artist or look you like, and the material you think fits your personal style, you need to do one final thing. That is to ensure you are buying authentic Vans. There are so many ways that knock-offs can look like authentic Vans, so take some time to look at the inside of the shoe for manufacturer’s markings. Examine the soles of the shoes for marks that indicate authentic Vans, and ask the seller or artist for proof of authenticity.

But it’s not just knock-offs! Many times artists use other shoes, not Vans. They look similar, feel similar, but should be priced much lower. Keep this in mind when purchasing. It’s not that these are bad or worse, but if I were buying a pair, I surely wouldn’t want to pay more for an “off brand” pair of shoes.

Seller Reviews

Don’t forget to check the reviews on the seller and product to make sure you’re purchasing from a reliable source. If there are any reviews that claim the product they received was a knockoff, its best to keep looking! Be sure to check their ratings and see how they have handled negative feedback. Was the customer’s issue resolved? Did they ignore the feedback? These things are important to take into consideration before you buy custom painted Vans, or any shoe for that matter. If there are negative reviews, is there something consistent people are seeing such as paint chipping, wrong design, or unprofessional customer service? If there is a consistent theme, be sure to message the seller and make sure they can address these issues and ensure you that you won’t have to deal with them yourself. 

How much are your custom Vans going to cost?

Back in 2015, the trend for custom Vans shoes had already exploded, and The New York Times did an in-depth report on the industry. Noting that what had started as a novelty had boomed into a “$29 billion market in the U.S. alone.” Stating that consumers were starting to develop an affinity for “one of a kind goods,” it also noted that buyers enjoyed more choice in purchasing. Makers like B Street Shoes, they said, had an average cost of $200 per pair, but they also noted that “artist and designer Dan Gamache started Mache Custom Kicks…[with] a five- to six-month wait for his custom shoes, which range in price from about $300 to $1,000.”

Are these prices still accurate? Current industry figures put the price at $175 to $300 for the average pair, but experts also say prices can still soar into the thousands. Prices often depend on the complexity and whether they are hand-painted. Naturally, a famous artist known for custom Vans shoes will also have a higher price tag.

Where can you buy a pair of custom or hand painted Vans?

If you’re looking for your next pair of hand painted slip ons, you’ll want to find an artist whose style resonates with you. Because there are so many different artists and places to buy custom painted vans, it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, we’ve done all the heavy lifting for you and have found some of our favorite designs and most popular artists that you can buy a pair of customs shoes from.

Lucky for you, there are so many different places you can buy your handmade Vans. We’ve broken up the list into three categories: Vans customs, marketplaces and independent websites.

Vans Customs has hundreds of collabs and custom one-off kicks. They call it Vans Customs, and it allows you to customize a wide range of footwear and create “personal and unique designs.” There is a recent spike in demand for these custom Vans, here are just a few:

• Jen Stark – Promoted by Vans, she creates psychedelic inspired kicks customized to the buyer’s needs using the iconic Slip-on and Sk8 Hi models.
• Neck Face – As a California-based artist known for graffiti, his custom Vans use icons from his art against solid backgrounds to create iconic looks. His Sk8 Hi SI vans in black and orange are eye-catching and unforgettable. 
• John Van Hamersveld – He has designed for the Vault by Vans line and uses his pop-art inspired style to create boldly colored styles with Andy Warhol inspired looks, including the gorgeous Sunrise/Thundercloud

Marketplaces and social networks are great for a number of reasons. Many marketplaces have review systems and customer service lines that give you assurance that your purchase is safe or help with issues the seller can not resolve. Social networks have signaling like followers, comments, and sometimes even reviews. These buyer protections, along with the wide variety of styles to choose from, make for a great place to browse and purchase shoes. However, most marketplaces and social networks (like Instagram) charge sellers a percentage of what they make per order, which can be discouraging because the artists don’t get their full income for the pair.

Independent websites and artists are great because you get the professionalism of a website but also get to engage with the artist directly. Independent artists usually take the time to really understand what it is you want and make an effort to work with you. However, as always, be sure to do your research because not all independent websites are trustworthy.

Is there any benefit to one over the other? Really, the pros and cons are basic and boil down to:

• Choice – If you want an authentic world of choices, you might be better scouring the marketplaces. They are full of artists who create their own designs and who might also create your custom looks. Named sites sell original designs but are often limited to a specific style.
• Buyer protection – A marketplace has less protection for you if you are unhappy with the transaction. There will usually be a process to follow, and it can boil down to a sort of “he said/she said” debate if you want a refund or return. Individual sellers, however, usually have clear-cut policies they follow.

Marketplaces and social network

Here are some of our favorite marketplaces and social networks to buy custom painted Vans from:

Etsy

Etsy is an online marketplace where sellers from around the world are able to showcase their work and sell their products. The products sold on Etsy include anything you can think of, including home decor, jewelry, candles, and most importantly, custom shoes!

Some of our printed style favorites here on Etsy include shoes from The Best Custom Kicks, based in Los Angeles, California. They have a unique style, specializing in hand painting famous actors, tv shows, and film on slip on Vans. They also don’t just customize Vans, they work with many other styles of shoes as well! These pairs cost about $125.

NatsCustomz is another Etsy designer who has a very unique style. She hand paints her shoes and has Spongebob, Disney, and Minecraft options. Her shoes are about $55-$110 per pair. 

The Custom Movement

Definitely one of our favorite sites for custom painted Vans. They have such a diverse selection of shoes that really allow artists to showcase their designs! They also offer a buyer protection program that can give customers peace of mind when purchasing their shoes.

One of the artists we found here, DarylShoesCustom, is from Maryland and has a very colorful and carefree style, including designs such as butterflies, florals, and neons. Check out these custom pink and blue butterfly slip ons that are one of their bestsellers. He also restores various types of shoes, so keep that in mind as well!

Tony is also an amazing artist all the way from Israel who provides amazing designer patterns for your Vans. Tony’s style uses inspiration from designer patterns like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. If you’re looking to add a little luxury to your style, definitely check him out! This is another artist who also customizes all different types of shoes, and his collection of designs is very extensive. 

Pinterest

Although you can’t buy off of pinterest yet, it’s great for seeing artists designs and getting ideas!  Pinterest is a great way to find inspiration for your next pair of custom shoes. 

Instagram

Artby_peaches is based in New Mexico and has extremely detailed designs! She specializes in customizing slip on Vans, so if you’re in the market, be sure to check her out!

Customshoes.uk sells custom shoes on her Instagram and her Depop account. She has beautiful, simple yet expensive looking designs with a variety of shoe styles!

Sko.kicks is an artist that is based in Tennessee and has great reviews on their stories! Their designs have beautiful colors, pastels and brights, that are a great expression of style and personality. 

Artfire

Artfire has a similar vibe to Etsy as they are an online handmade marketplace. They have different shops and boutiques for different categories of products! We really only found one big seller of customized shoes on here, WenArtWork. They were worth mentioning because they have a super wide selection that you should definitely check out!

Independent artists and websites

Another great source of handmade shoes are independent websites. A few of them are:

Chad Can’t Color is a website run by someone named Chad who is an extremely talented artist. He offers a wide variety of shoe styles as well as designs! These rose tattoo Vans retail for $235 and are one of my personal favorites.

B Street Shoes is a company run by 4 male artists located in California. They offer over 200 unique designs, with a variety of different shoe styles to choose from. These pastel ombre gradient shoes are absolutely stunning, I might even buy them myself!

Alepel Hand Painted Shoes is a women’s only brand that unfortunately doesn’t offer the Vans, but they do offer other hand painted slip ons. This brand was founded in 2014 and offers a more sophisticated style of shoe. Check out these adorable mule style “Love” slip ons! 

NykeriaShoes uses various cartoons as inspiration for their wide selection of slip ons! These Simpsons inspired shoes have amazing detail and vibrancy to the design. This artist also treats all their shoes with an additional sealant coating that makes them waterproof and dirt resistant. 

My Painted Shoes offers hand painted canvas slip ons with new designs every month! They offer slip on, high top, and low top sneakers. They also have a special section just for anime sneakers, so if you’re an anime lover, definitely check it out! 

Those are just a few of the amazing designers and artists out there. There are hundreds more that we don’t have time to go in depth about, including: 

• Kickasso
• Sneaker Mechanic
• Kayy Kreationz
• Drippy Customs
• Zaeway 
• Brahma Customs

Make your own customs!

Instead of making the decision to buy custom-painted vans, an alternative is simply to create your own. Whether you have a natural artistic talent or are looking to practice, creating your own customs can be a fun and productive hobby. If you’re planning on painting your shoes, all you really need is acrylic paint. We have personally found that the DecoArt Americana type of paint is the best when working with canvas shoes. The Craft Smart acrylic paint option also has very good reviews while still being an affordable option. 

How to care for your custom shoes

Now that you’ve taken the leap and bought your first pair, how do you keep your painted sneakers clean? If the rubber part or canvas is dirty, simply take a small toothbrush and some warm, soapy water and gently scrub the dirt away. You can also purchase a liquid sealer such as the Vans water and stain shield to prevent different unwanted substances from staining your shoes. You can also check out this article for a little more information about sealing shoes. 

Good luck out there!

We hope we gave you everything you needed on your journey to buy custom painted Vans. Don’t forget to look out for future articles on our website that discuss this topic further!

The post The Complete Guide to Buying Custom Vans Shoes appeared first on Your Kicks.

There are two groups, and they are; market places, independent sellers. Both groups sell unique, quality canvas shoes. If you are a lover of quality products, you can always check out their websites for a pair of your choice and size. There are some factors you ought to consider before buying a pair (s) of hand-painted sneakers. 

Factors to consider before buying Hand-painted Shoes

Just like buying regular shoes, there are some factors that you ought to consider before buying just any brand on the market. The same thing applies to buying custom shoes. Here are some of the factors that you should put into consideration before deciding on which pair to buy

Price

This is quite important, you should have a budget in mind that you cannot exceed when you are ready to buy your hand-painted shoes. This would prevent you from overspending. When you have a budget, you would be able to limit yourself to only the products within your budget range. Even if you are window-shopping, you would be able to know which product you can afford and the one you cannot.   

Material

This applies to all fashion accessories and items. The material type would go a long way in determining the durability, quality, and efficiency of the painted shoe you buy. You can paint different types of shoes, whether mesh, canvass, vinyl, and leather. The recommended painting materials depend on the material you are wanting to paint over. For mesh surfaces, use acrylic paint, thinner, and primer. For leather, use Angelus Leather preparer and deglazer. If you require more detailed work, you can use a marker to draw the initial outline.   

Size and Style

If you do not get this right, you might end up buying a custom shoe you would not wear. The size has to be right and the style should also be something you can relate with. Shoes by artists often have different styles. You just have to be specific about what you want. So you would not waste time while trying to make a selection. Some of the available styles out there are; flower-painted sneakers, converse, and leather shoes.

Different Marketplaces to buy Hand-painted Shoes 

If you are confused about where to get your quality shoes by artists, there are different marketplaces available that you can skim through to select your preferred choice. However, you should be careful when buying from here, because different brands and manufacturer’s use them to sell their products. So carefully read customer reviews before making any payment for them. Here are some of the marketplaces where you can get quality, durable hand-painted shoes;

Thecustommovement

Unlike the two marketplaces mentioned earlier, this website deals in only the sales of hand-painted shoes. Some of the models available on the website are Timberland, Adidas, Loafers, Vans, Jordans and many more. This is your best bet to get quality hand-painted kicks at affordable prices. Here, you would come across different luxurious and popular brands that would tickle your fancy. These shoes have been carefully and creatively painted to bring the best out of them. Products on this marketplace are for those that are tired of wearing their old, boring shoe color and want to switch it up. If you need quality and affordable sneakers, you can get them here.

Etsy 

Etsy is a marketplace where independent sellers can advertise their products to prospective buyers. Apart from hand-painted shoes, Etsy also deal in other customized products like jewelries, clothes, gifts, and many more. Some of the products that you can buy from Etsy include slippers, boots, athletic shoes and many more. For those on a budget, you can easily get products that would fall within your budget from Etsy. The price range of products on this platform is from $50-$1000. When you want to buy a hand-painted shoe from Etsy, there are different product options available for you to select from. Some of the options available are flip-flops, sandals, casual shoes, and many more. Regardless of your budget range, there is always a product that would fit in. If you want to select any shoe by artists, you can approach past customers to access their view on the services and products of the artist. Etsy is popular for making quality and durable products. You can check out Etsy for hand-painted Nike AF1.

Artfire

This is another well-known marketplace for buying custom painted shoes. Apart from hand-painted Adidas, you can also buy clothing accessories, children gift items, jewelries, and lots more. Artfire is known for its trustworthiness and reliability. There are different customer reviews that would guide you towards selecting the right product. Artfire would help connect prospective buyers to lovers of artist shoes. They deal in only unique, handcrafted items. Though the products on the website are not produced by Artfire, they are made by artists, creative business owners over the world. 

Independent Stores to buy Hand-painted Shoes

Apart from the marketplaces mentioned earlier, there are independent artists and brands you can also buy from, and they are not affiliated with anyone else. You might trust these independent stores better because communicating directly with them is pretty easy. Here are top independent stores to buy your hand-painted shoes from

Kokoart

For people that want to customize their hand-painted shoes themselves, but lack the required skill or equipment, kokoart can easily cover up these lapses for you. The only thing required of you is to choose the style and color you want, and leave the rest to them. The shop is located in London, and they offer different services like; hand-painted shoes, clothes, accessories.

Ottowin

After this store’s first set of products were released in 2016, there has been no looking back. The spark to create quality, customized sneakers was fueled more by the burning passion of their experienced and creative staff. They are located in Bristol, UK. You can also make your order for the preferred painted shoe of your choice from their online store. 

Bstreetshoes

This store offers different varieties of hand-painted sneakers. Though the size and quantity available are limited due to the rigorous efforts put into making their shoes unique and exemplary. The company is based in California, but all their products are sold online. 

Kickasso

For those that want to look unique in public, Kickasso should be your go-to store for anything hand-painted. It could be shoes, bags, hoodies, and many more. They offer different varieties, and the prices of their products are really affordable. So you do not have to break the bank to get your custom hand-painted shoes.

Wrapping it all up

After reading this article, you should be able to confidently buy your custom-made shoes from either independent artists or the trusted marketplaces that have been mentioned. You can also clean your custom shoes and painted sneakers. Their prices are pocket-friendly, and they offer the best of services. You just have to know what you need and they will have them delivered to you. When you are certain of your specifications, you can go ahead to make your order. Some marketplaces offer free shipping depending on your location, while some do not. 

The post Where to Buy Hand Painted Sneakers appeared first on Your Kicks.

Many of us like to find new ways to tailor the things we use or wear to our personal style. It’s just more fun and enjoyable that way, plus it makes your belongings a little more yours. However, it’s not always easy to do so. Fortunately, Vans are one of the most ideal shoe choices if you’re looking to create a new, fresh, and unique look. They’re durable, trendy, and are extremely easy to paint on. Add other embellishments or some unique decorations, and you have one-of-a-kind kicks to rock on. 

If you’re searching for creative yet easy ways on how to customize Vans shoes, you’ve come to the right place! Below we have outlined several different techniques you can use to make your new (or old) pair of favorite Vans a little more you.

Picking Out The Perfect Vans Shoe Design

How to customize Vans shoes depends on what style of shoe you own. Before you begin the actual process of customization or even getting the supplies you need to implement your specific design, you must get the suitable shoes for you to work on and apply your chosen customization. Different Vans sneakers may be more appropriate for one kind of styling, while others may prove easier to work on when applying other styling types. There are many options to choose from, and you can pick one according to your preference. According to Who What Wear, the most iconic styles that “every fan should have in their collection,” are Old Skool, the Slip-On, Sk8-Hi, Authentic, and Checkerboard. Here are a few commonly used designs:

1. Slip-Ons: These shoes have a wider and clearer upper area with fewer cuttings in the design, so they provide the perfect mini-canvas for painting. You could draw a character, scenery, or a pattern and just paint it. These are also quite suitable if you’re looking for shoes good for air-brushing.

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1. Old Skool: This classic design is versatile, and you can implement almost anything on it. They’re particularly useful if your design involves hydro-dipping or any sort of be-dazzling like adding studs etc.

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1. Sk8-Hi: If you’re going for something simple, easy, and chic like doodling designs and using a Sharpie, you should go for these. They’re also suitable for hand-painting and adding other decorative, shiny emblazoning. 

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These are some of the well-known choices, but you don’t need to limit yourself to them and get some other model if you like that more. You can find these and several different designs at Vans Online Store.

Let’s get started!

There are a few different techniques on how to customize Vans shoes to completely transform their look, including hand-painting, hydro-dipping, Sharpie, adding studs, etc. With the right materials and equipment, you could easily follow any of these separately or use them in combination with each other to create something entirely new and unique. Each of these different techniques further provides hundreds of different abstractions with different colors and themes. If you need some inspiration, you can look at what customized Vans are already out there and try to recreate or make the design your own. You could also let your imagination roam free—try some funky, random designs.

You can find the best quality supplies for a reasonable price at Angelus Shoe Polish. Their products are tried and tested, and worth the money. Their products are also available on Amazon, and you can get them from anywhere in the world.

Hand-Painted Sneakers

Hand painting is probably the most widely used procedure when it comes to customizing any type of canvas shoe. Hand painting your Vans allows you to go into a lot more detail and explore a lot more color ranges than other techniques.

Supplies

For this, you’ll need:

• Angelus 2-soft or 100% Acetone nail paint remover as prep solution.
• Leather paints 
• Masking tape
• Heat-gun or blow-dryer
• Both flat-tip and point-tip paint brushes
• Angelus matte-acrylic finisher
• Graphite paper (for stenciling)

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Method

1. Start by taping off the edges, soles, and any other place of your shoes where you want to avoid getting paint on. 
2. Apply 2-3 layers of prep solution using cotton. This makes it soft, flexible, and helps the paint bond to the canvas shoes. Dry between each layer.
3. Free-hand draw your design or trace it on a piece of paper and then transfer it on your shoe using graphite paper.
4. Once you’ve clearly outlined your design, start painting! Begin at the boundaries or edges using a point-tip brush, then move to the inner regions and use a flat-tip brush here.
5. You can also use shading techniques for the background. Make sure to apply thin coats and let each coat completely dry before starting the next. Use a heat gun or blow dryer for this purpose. You’ll need 4-5 layers.
6. In the end, just apply a layer of your matte finisher to prevent chipping and making the paint last longer.

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For a more detailed explanation, you can refer to Whitney Esther’s YouTube video. She not just goes into detail about the process but also demonstrates it through an example. You can use this general method for all sorts of designs: characters, sceneries, patterns, etc.

When it comes to painting shoes yourself, you don’t need to limit your design to Vans. Check out our guides on hand painting Converse or hand painting Air Force 1s.

Airbrushing

If your design involves fading color technique, gradients with different colors, or subtle color mixing like in a picture of the galaxy, drawing the sky, or painting flames, airbrushing is the perfect technique. You can also use it to implement character designs that are more complex or involve more intricate detailing.

Supplies

You’ll require an airbrush first, which you can get from any crafts store or even from your nearest Walmart. You can also order an airbrush with the features you like on Amazon. There are all sorts of options available, and to know which one suits you most, read about some of the most used airbrushes on Advice bloggers article. Other than this, here are a few things you’ll require:

• Angelus 2-soft or 100% acetone nail polish remover
• Angelus 2-thin
• Acrylic Leather paints 
• Masking tape
• Paint-strainer 
• Angelus (or any good quality) brush cleaner.
• Matte-acrylic finisher

Method

1. Make sure you carefully tape off the edges, soles, the inline of your shoes, and any other part that should stay paint-free.
2. Use Angelus 2-soft with flat-white paint mixed in a 1:1 ratio to apply on your shoes and prepare it for airbrushing. The flat white just makes the other paint color pop more and gives a more accessible base to work on. You can just use Angelus 2-soft for flexibility and to help the paint bond.
3. At this stage, depending on your design, there are two ways to proceed:

• If your design has some characters or defined outlines and boundaries, use masking tape along with print-outs of your design to transfer it onto the shoes. While doing this. Start from the outermost edges, airbrush them and gradually move to inner details. We recommend watching JBo Airbrush’s video that does a fantastic job of explaining it for better understanding.

• If your design is a simple fade or blend of some colors, you can move straight to air-brushing. For this for the middle, meeting part of your different colors, use a 1:1 mix of your two blending colors at the seams to make it look flawless and avoid harsh lines.

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4. Getting the correct consistency is extremely important in airbrushing. The paint’s viscosity should resemble that of milk. If your paints are new, they’ll probably be fine, but if they’ve thickened up, use Angelus 2-thin to get it right, it’s usually a 1:4 ratio (1 for 2-thin). 
5. Pass your mixed paint through a strainer to remove any clumps.
6. Pour your paint in the airbrush and use it to paint over the desired regions. Remember to clean your airbrush using a brush cleaner when changing colors and when ending. For the complete procedure, check out Jay Adan’s Youtube video.
7. In the end, apply the matte-acrylic finisher and remove all the masking tape.

Airbrushing can seem quite tricky, especially for beginners, so if you need more tips on this, see DeJesus Custom Footwear’s video and YouTube channel, a pro at this method.

Hydro Dipping

Hydro dipping, also known as water marbling or immersion printing, is a process in which water is used to transfer images on to your shoes. Because of its fun and easy application, it has become quite trendy recently, especially when customizing Air Force 1s. It’s commonly used when making funky, mixed-color unique patterns or creative art. You could color contrast and give a cool, hydro look to your Vans.

Supplies

Hydro dipping your shoes is relatively inexpensive, and you can get all your materials on a small budget. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A small tub
• Painters tape
• Rust-oleum spray paints or any sort of acrylic spray paints (you can get them at any crafts store or online)
• Gloves 
• Face-mask (to protect against any harmful fumes)
• Matte-acrylic finisher (optional)
• Shoe-cleaner (optional, only use if your shoes are old)

Method

1. If your shoes are old, clean them with a shoe cleaner first, using a shoe brush or cotton.
2. Tape off the soles, inner areas, tongue, sole, and the tongue of your shoes using painters tape. Also, tape off any plastic regions or any other part you don’t want to be painted.
3. Fill your tub with water deep enough to immerse your shoes in completely. Also, make sure the water is warm; otherwise, the paint won’t adhere properly. 
4. Now spray paint your different colors on the surface of the water. You can spray them on top of each other or on different water areas and then swirl them together. 
5. Slowly dip your shoes in this water to make sure the paint sticks and then take them out, again slowly.
6. Let your shoes dry and then remove the tape.
7. You can apply a matte-finisher layer on top to ensure that the paint doesn’t wash away and stays fresh longer. And all done!

You can use any paint colors you like; usually, 3 or 4 colors are chosen and then mixed. You could do a sunset, a forest, or an ocean theme! If you’re looking for a video tutorial, Skirt’s YouTube video does a great job of explaining it.

Drawing On Your Vans  

If you’re looking to style your shoes into something that is more streetwear and has an edgy or modern doodle art vibe to it, you can simply draw a custom design. If you want to customize your Vans shoes with smaller details, drawing is the easiest way to go as there are little materials needed and you can get into a lot of detail easily.

Drawing

For this, you only need a pen that is water-resistant and doesn’t bleed when applied to the cloth. Micron pens are the best to use when you customize canvas shoes. Similar to Vans, you can customize Converse canvas shoes with micron pens. Clean the surface of your shoes, make sure the surface is elevated, and start doodling! For a video tutorial, check out The Joyce Collective’s video on the method.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/612841461787069516/

Using Colored Sharpie

Supplies

• Sharpie markers that you can get at Stained by Sharpie.
• Rubbing alcohol 
• Eye-dropper (optional)

Method

Use the various colors of Sharpies to draw the pattern you want on your shoes. It’s better if you draw these hand free since Sharpies are more akin to a sharp paintbrush rather than something less detailed, like watercolor. Once you’ve drawn your general pattern, you can slowly add a few drops of rubbing alcohol over your design to mix the colors and get rid of harsh borders. Not all Sharpie shoes need alcohol, it just depends on how much blending you want. You’ll find the complete process on Xavier Kickz’s video.

Add Some Bling To Your Shoes

Want to make your shoes look fancy, shiny, or illustrious? Or maybe you want something comfortable but also has a formal touch to it? Like something you could wear at prom, but it would fit in and not look too casual? Customize your Vans shoes with crystals like Swarovski or rhinestone to make them perfect for you!

Supplies

• E6000 glue or any strong industrial adhesive or glue that’s long-lasting and easy to use for crafts.
• Swarovski crystals or rhinestones (you can order them from Amazon in any color and size)
• Masking tape
• Toothpicks or any other tool that would help in setting the crystals at the correct position. (optional) 

Method

You can add crystals over your entire shoes, over specific areas, or in any particular pattern like a checkered pattern. First, determine your pattern and then tape off the regions you want to keep empty. After this, start applying small amounts of glue to the parts you want to cover and quickly place the crystals of your choice on top, maneuvering them to their specific place using toothpicks. Let it completely dry, and you’re all done! You can even use rhinestone threads and experiment with different colors.

Keeping Your Vans Clean

Now that you know how to customize your Vans Shoes, it’s time to show them off to the world. So how do you keep them in tip top shape? Thankfully, we’ve created a guide on cleaning customized and hand-painted shoes which you can find here.

Too much work?

If you’re creative juices aren’t flowing, you can always buy a pair of hand-painted sneakers from an artist near you!

The post How to Customize Vans Shoes & Slip Ons appeared first on Your Kicks.

So this begs the question: why not customize your own pair? Painting canvas Vans is fun, cheap, and much more personal to your style. It’s not as hard as you think. You get to learn a new skill, have fun in the process, and make something exactly as you wanted. Any detailing, color scheme, or design you want, you are the boss!

Taking the time to hand paint Vans shoes might seem like a daunting task and it’s okay if you’re a little lost on where to start, what to get, or how to invest in sneakers and begin the process. That’s what we’re here for! In this article, we’ll break down the exact steps you need to know to manually paint your canvas kicks, as well as provide you an extensive list of the materials you’ll require. You can get your very own personalized hand-painted shoes in no time!

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Planning to paint your Nike, Converse, or Adidas instead?

If you’re looking to customize your Nike, Converse, or Adidas, we have a few recent articles to help you out:

• How to hand paint your Nike AF1s
• How to personalize your Converse sneakers
• How to hand paint Adidas shoes

Choose your Vans style or any canvas shoe

First things first, find a pair of Vans sneakers that you want to paint. You could choose several options, but what’s great about most Vans shoes is they are all canvas material! This makes it much easier for the paint to adhere to the shoe. Here are 4 of our top picks from Vans that we believe you’d like because they are easy to work with

1. Slip-on’s. These are the most common choice for this kind of art project. They are easy to paint over, give you a lot of room to paint on, and are very comfortable.

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2. Old Skool. Equally as much canvas space as the slip-ons but way more potential for different patterns. Old Skool Vans have a lot more depth and texture.

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3. Authentic. They give an old sports vibe and are perfect if you’re looking for something simple yet versatile and fashionable.

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4. Sk8-Hi. If you’re more into ankle-high shoes or if your design requires more space, these are the shoes you should get. Also, look at all that empty canvas waiting to be painted by you!

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Besides these, if you don’t feel like spending too much on your first attempt, you could get a pair of canvas shoes. Consequently, the one drawback of choosing an off-brand is that the shoe’s quality may not hold up over time. If you paint a design that you love, but the shoe starts to fall apart, you’ll be disappointed later.

Supplies

Before you begin, it’s crucial to make sure that you have all the necessary items to ensure that your project runs smoothly so you end up with the best result. We’ve compiled a list of all the essential materials needed to hand paint Vans shoes of any kind along with a few extra things that you can get for your own ease that would make the painting process much more efficient and give you unique, one of a kind shoes. You can also find the complete description of all the materials required in @sneakersnipercustoms’ YouTube video, where he explains their use and source in detail.

You don’t need to be worried about where you’ll get most of these items as at Angelus Leather Paints, and you’ll find whatever you need. You can also order almost all of these things on Amazon, whichever option you prefer. At Angelus, everything is within the budget, and they are well-known for the best quality paints.

Prep Solution

To help bind the paint to the canvas, make it last longer, and keep the material smooth and flexible, you’ll need to use a mixture of 50% Angelus 2-soft fabric medium plus 50% plain white for the base coats. This additional step also helps prevent cracking and gives it an overall smooth and bright look. You can also use 100% acetone nail-paint remover for this purpose if you don’t have Angelus 2-soft in supply.  Note that you want to purchase the 2-soft (not the hard) because these are meant for softer surfaces, like canvas shoes.

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Socks / Shoe trees.

You will need something to insert inside the shoes to keep the work surface elevated and smooth. Old pair of socks or shoe trees should suffice.

Leather or Acrylic paint

It’s easy to get these paints at any crafts store, but for better quality and variety, visit the Angelus online shop and get the colors of your choice.

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Tape

You’ll need masking tape to cover the soles and edges to avoid getting paint on them and to mask over any other area you don’t want to paint over.

Heat Gun / Blow Dryer

This is to dry off the paint after each coating.

Mixing jars

These are useful for mixing colors together to get a variety of different shades for your design.

Graphite / Vinyl paper

If you’re not good at free-handing, these tools will help with stenciling your design.

X-acto Knife

This is entirely optional and just helps in the masking process.

Paintbrushes

You can get standard paintbrushes, although they don’t last that long and are hard to maintain. For better quality, you can get micro-detail brushes from any good store. 

Finisher

This is to bind everything together, avoid chipping, prevent the paint from being washed off easily, and give it a finishing look. Angelus has an acrylic matte finisher that is perfect for this job and highly used.

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Time to Paint your Vans!

Now that you have everything you need let’s get on to the fun part! You can get your own special hand-painted shoes in no time by following these simple and easy steps. Hattip to @whitneyestherfineart for her helpful tips!

Step One: Prep The Shoe

First, start by covering the soles, edges, the logo, and anything else you want to avoid painting over with masking tape. You can use the X-acto knife for easier masking.

Next, to keep your work space elevated, stuff the shoe with shoe trees or socks.

Now apply your prep solution (i.e., 50% 2-soft fabric with 50% plain white) on your shoes over the regions you want to paint. Completely dry the layer with a heat gun or blow dryer and then apply another layer again. Repeat this about 5-6 times and then see when it’s all dry.  Note that if you’re painting over black shoes, it would be best to have the first 2 or 3 layers of 50% 2-soft fabric and 50% soft cream color. The flat white layers on top would then really pick up color and make it easier for other paint colors to shoe.

Step Two: Sketch Your Design

At this point, you can either do a free hand sketching of your design over your shoes or use a stencil for a specific design. Usually, the stencil is easier since it’s almost like coloring in the lines after you’ve transferred the design.

NOTE for stenciling: start by stenciling your design on a piece of paper, using a phone/ tablet screen, etc. scaled to the size you want to draw on your kicks.  Lay the graphite on the shoes with the rough, textured side facing down and just trace your design over it. 

Step Three: Apply The Paint

Now that you have your basic outline, simply start painting using acrylic paints of colors you like. Use different sized brushes for this and make sure to apply the proper amount as some colors might need more than one layer. For instance, lighter colors may need more than one layer in order to stand out on the shoe.

At this point, you can even add some glitter using glitter glue, etc. if you want.

Step Four: Give Them Space To Dry

It usually takes less time, but just to be on the safe side, let the shoes dry for 24 hours.

Step Five: Apply A Finisher

Once your artwork has dried, apply a layer of your matte-acrylic finisher on top to bind it and make it last longer. This layer protects your beautiful design from the elements and helps prevent chipping and cracking.

Step Six: Show Off Your Work

Ready to unveil your masterpiece?!? Just pull off the masking tape, check for any missed spots, and remove paint from unwanted areas using a paint remover and cotton swab.

Lastly, rock your new shoes!

Just in case that wasn’t enough explanation for you, check out this video from @angelusdirect giving you a step by step instructions on prepping and painting your shoes.

You can follow these general steps for any type of canvas shoes or designs and end up with some stylish sneakers. However, if you want a visual of these steps, check out Whitney Esther on YouTube, who explains the process very clearly, or you can see Angelus Shoe Polish’s video, which explains the entire process specifically for black shoes and also goes over some shading techniques. You can also search for other videos on youtube for tips and tricks on painting your sneakers.

What now?

In conclusion, you now have everything you need to create some spectacular Vans and put your skills to the test, so what are you waiting for? Go to the Angelus website, get your materials, and start painting. Practice makes perfect, and we’re sure that these tried and tested techniques will be of use. After trying these techniques, protect your creation by cleaning your kicks properly. This will keep your kicks fresh and in peak condition. So give us a like or a shout out and enjoy your new art project. 

The post How to Hand Paint Vans Canvas Shoes appeared first on Your Kicks.