How to Paint Wingtip Shoes DIY

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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.

DIY Wingtips are easy to paint using Plaid FX flexible paint. It's made for painting on all kinds of materials, including faux leather. Check out this post on painting leather jackets for more inspiration.

Let's get started on these painted black and white wingtips!

First off, I had these pretty amazing shoes with wingtip details built right into them. These are Dansko brand--isn't that scallop edge delightful?

This is the perfect upcycled craft for a pair of scuffed and worn shoes. Check your closet now, you might be surprise what will work!

These plain jane shoes just needed some bold contrast. If you are starting with plain pumps, heels or wedges--or even canvas shoes, these are still easily created!

Supplies Needed for Painting Wingtip Shoes:

Shoes (any shoes will work!)
Plaid FX Paint (in White Pearl) Any contrasting color will work too!
Paintbrush and Dot Maker

These plain jane shoes just needed some bold contrast. If you are starting with plain pumps, heels or wedges--or even canvas shoes, these are still easily created! Supplies Needed for Painting Wingtip Shoes: Shoes (any shoes will work!) Plaid FX Paint (in White Pearl) Any contrasting color will work too! Paintbrush and Dot Maker

Step 1: Cleaning

Begin by cleaning off the shoes. I used a lysol wipe to clean off any grime, dust and debris. If you have new shoes, this step is not necessary.

Black shoes are not necessary, pick any color you want and then pick the paint color for contrast.

Step 1: Cleaning Begin by cleaning off the shoes. I used a lysol wipe to clean off any grime, dust and debris. If you have new shoes, this step is not necessary. Black shoes are not necessary, pick any color you want and then pick the paint color for contrast.

Step 2: Painting First Coat

Now use the paint brush and paint a thin layer of paint on the shoes where you want the contrasting color. Thin coats that are allowed to dry completely between layers will prevent the paint from cracking as they are worn.

Let the paint dry and repeat painting with another coat. My shoes have 3 coats of paint.

Step 2: Painting First Coat Now use the paint brush and paint a thin layer of paint on the shoes where you want the contrasting color. Thin coats that are allowed to dry completely between layers will prevent the paint from cracking as they are worn. Let the paint dry and repeat painting with another coat. My shoes have 3 coats of paint.

My shoes had the wingtip details, so it was easy to know where to paint the contrasting colors.

If you are designing your own wingtips, use a pencil or dry erase marker and draw out your lines so that both shoes match.

Step 3: Dots

My shoes have these dot details, so I used a dot maker tool and some pewter Plaid FX Paint to add the dot details around the shoe. Add details and flourishes if you want--or leave them simple and painted.

Let the shoes dry completely. You can spray them with a clear coat finish if you want, or just slip them on and wear them all over the town!

How to paint your own wingtip saddle shoes. Let the shoes dry completely. You can spray them with a clear coat finish if you want, or just slip them on and wear them all over the town!

Growing up I absolutely loved saddle shoes. I remember getting some in like 3rd grade...they weren't necessarily in style but my mom found some for me. She loved them because she grew up in the 50's.

I still love the black and white contrast of saddle shoes...but love how these wingtips/spat style shoes look even more! So fun and classy. Plus, that scallop edge is super yummy.

I wore them to church with my new dress. It's got layers of asymmetrical chiffon that almost has a 1920's vibe. Perfect for the Downton Abbey movie coming to theaters in about 2 weeks--I'm so excited!

Growing up I absolutely loved saddle shoes. I remember getting some in like 3rd grade...they weren't necessarily in style but my mom found some for me. She loved them because she grew up in the 50's. I still love the black and white contrast of saddle shoes...but love how these wingtips/spat style shoes look even more! So fun and classy. Plus, that scallop edge is super yummy. I wore them to church with my new dress. It's got layers of asymmetrical chiffon that almost has a 1920's vibe. Perfect for the Downton Abbey movie coming to theaters in about 2 weeks--I'm so excited!

Cosplay Tips:

Go totally 1920's! Wear your newly painted wingtip shoes with fishnet tights, lots of fringe and the perfect headband. Find a drop waist, flapper, or garden party dress.

Finish off the look with long satin gloves and a long pearl necklace tied in a knot. Ready for a roaring 20's party!

These cute wingtip shoes are perfect for dapper outfit day in any cosplay fandom too.

Imagine the perfect Star Wars characters, LOTR's, Harry Potter, Doctor Who or Steampunk outfits complimented by these fabulous shoes.

Oh yea, I'm thinking I need to dress up like Darth Vader wearing these bad boys.