Need to upgrade your shoe game but love wearing sneakers, no matter what the occasion? These days, you can get away with wearing sneakers with even suits and dresses, if you choose the right style and shoes. Creative tennis shoes are one of our favorite ways to make a statement, whether we are dressing up or down. DIY shoes, even better. What cooler way to set yourself apart from the crowd than to have shoes that are truly one of a kind. Get crafty and super creative without taking hours, and make some of the nifty ideas with your tennies. From fun, colorful ideas to funky modern designs, we have the perfect DIY shoe project for you. From the painted oxfords to the birthday cake sprinkle toe tennis shoes, you will find more creative ways to decorate your shoes than you ever imagined possible. Limitless, in fact, when you start thinking of all the options even these ideas can be expanded to. Whether you need shoes like these yourself or perhaps are looking for the coolest handmade gift idea out these, you will find something to fall in love with here. Our favorite DIY bloggers came up with these clever ideas, be sure to check out their other things as well!

1. DIY Painted Ice Cream Sprinkles Shoes

dreamgreendiy

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DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Painted Ice Cream Sprinkles Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

Turn plain white sneakers into a playful summer statement with this DIY painted sprinkles design. Using fabric paint and a detail brush, the tutorial shows how to add colorful, ice cream-inspired “sprinkles” all over your shoes. It’s a fun, beginner-friendly project that adds a pop of personality to your footwear.

 

2. DIY Glitter Shoes

thecraftedlife

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - Glitter Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

This DIY uses canvas sneakers, a mix of decoupage medium and glitter, and a paintbrush to add a vibrant, sparkly coat. Work in small sections, allow each layer to dry fully before reapplying, and finish by sealing with an extra decoupage layer—just be sure to tape off any rubber parts to avoid gritty cleanup later

3. DIY Abstract Paint Splatter Shoes

dreamgreendiy

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Abstract Paint Splatter Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

This DIY sneakers tutorial guides you through transforming basic canvas sneakers into colorful, paint-splattered works of wearable art using watered-down acrylic paints and a flicking brush technique. Key steps include taping off rubber soles and shoe interiors, layering splashes of different colors (letting some dry to keep hues distinct), then drying fully before relacing. It’s an easy, cathartic craft that embraces playful chaos with a polished finish

5. Black Cat Shoes

persialou

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - Black Cat Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

This crafy DIY project tutorial for custom tennis shoes walks you through applying heat-transfer vinyl cut into adorable cat shapes onto canvas sneakers using a cutting machine like the Silhouette. The guide includes tips for layering vinyl, pressing it correctly, and personalizing the design for a charming, wearable result. It’s a simple yet impactful craft for giving shoes a playful, custom look.

6. Birthday Cake Shoes

asubtlerevelry

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - Birthday Cake Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

This fun DIY shoe idea transforms canvas sneakers into “birthday cake” feet by layering white glue and colorful sprinkles over the shoes, then sealing them with clear varnish for long‑lasting sparkle. The tutorial emphasizes protecting laces and soles with tape before sprinkling, ensuring a neat and festive finish. It’s a joyful, party-ready makeover that’s as easy as it is eye-catching!

7. Pineapple Cotton Canvas Sneakers

ispydiy

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - Pineapple Cotton Canvas Sneakers - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

This DIY sneakers tutorial shows how to transform plain white canvas shoes into tropical-themed sneakers by hand-painting pineapples using fabric markers or paints. You start by sketching pineapple outlines, filling in yellow bodies, adding green leaves and brown crosshatch details, then optionally seal them with a waterproof spray for wear protection

8. DIY Embroidered Shoes

brit.co

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Embroidered Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

Learn how to make embroidered shoes with this super cute DIY tennis shoe idea! This tutorial walks you through hand-embroidering white canvas sneakers with colorful floss and beads, instructing you to unlace shoes, anchor thread at the grommet, and explore stitches like French knots, satin, split, and chain for playful patterns. It also incorporates beading for extra flair—a rewarding, Netflix‑friendly project that takes around 10 hours to complete.

9. DIY Galaxy Shoes

diyprojectsforteens

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Galaxy Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

Learn how to paint these awesome galaxy print tennis shoes. DIY your canvas sneakers with just a little paint. Easy project is beginner friendly.

10. DIY Bicycle Print Shoes

ourfifthhouse

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Bicycle Print Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

11. DIY Flamingo Shoes

madewithhappy

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Flamingo Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

12. DIY Oxford Shoes

thisgrandmaisfun

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Oxford Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

13. DIY Colorful Kicks

thediyplaybook

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Colorful Kicks - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

 

14. Sharpie Inspired Shoes

dreamalittlebigger

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - Sharpie Inspired Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

15. DIY Missoni Shoes

refinery29

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Missoni Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

16. DIY Floral Shoes

alwaysrooney

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Floral Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

17. DIY Unicorn Watercolor Shoes

allmommywants

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Unicorn Watercolor Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

18. Doodle Your Style

sandandsisal

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - Doodle Your Style - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

19. DIY Chevron canvas Shoes

kraftymamakas

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - DIY Chevron canvas Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids

20. Rainbow Tie-Dye Shoes

apumpkinandaprincess

DIY Ideas for Tennis Shoes and Sneakers - Rainbow Tie-Dye Shoes - Fun Projects to Decorate, Update and Style Your High Tops, Keds, Canvas Shoes, Chuck Taylors, White Converse and All Star - Tips, Tutorials, Free Pattern and Step by Step Tutorial - Sparkle, Glitter, Paint, Stencil Tie Dye - Cool Christmas Gifts and Presents and Homemade Gifts for Adults, Teens and Kids
Diane | Content Creator at DIY JOY

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Diane

Hi! Thanks for joing me as I share my favorite creative ideas and DIY projects with all of you. Whether it’s transforming a thrift store find or crafting something entirely from scratch, I believe that everyone can create a home they love—one DIY project at a time. Known for my love of Christmas, I delight in crafting personalized gifts and making homemade candy during the holidays. Aside from that, my favorite DIYs are paper crafts and painting projects.

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