These DIY glitter shoes are really easy to make with Mod Podge! Turn your favorite pair into sparkly stunners in a few simple steps.

Skills Required: None. Even if you have never crafted before, you can decorate these shoes easily. You’ll be mixing Mod Podge and glitter and applying it to your kicks. Don’t forget to read my best tips!

Glitter is a funny thing . . . if you met me in real life, you wouldn’t necessarily consider me a glitter person. I have a flannel collection and I like overalls. I don’t wear makeup or paint my nails.

I guess I think of glitter as girly? Not that there’s anything wrong with girly, I just don’t typically go for it.

But the truth is, glitter is for everyone! Hear me out for a moment. Everyone deserves a pair of sparkly shoes, especially in these trying times. And the great thing about glitter is that it comes in a variety of colors.

If you aren’t feeling pink or gold you can go blue or black. Do you want to use chunky glitter? You can. You’ll look at them and smile, no matter your wardrobe! Trust me.

You can make these DIY glitter shoes with canvas shoes like mine . . . or use heels, Vans, Converse, tennis shoes, flats, or any other kind of boot or shoe that floats your boat.

I’m about to show you a no-mess way to glitter on shoes that will allow you to add bling into your everyday life! You can make this craft at home with simple supplies.

Putting Glitter on Shoes

Before we dive into this fashion craft, I wanted to answer a few frequently asked questions. If you aren’t curious, simply scroll down to the bottom of the post for the how-to card.

What Mod Podge formula should I use?

Many crafters think you have to use Mod Podge Outdoor or Fabric for this project. You don’t. I mean you CAN use those, but I recommend Gloss. That’s because it’s shiny like the glitter. And I don’t plan doing any puddle stomping, so glitter is fine. See below for additional sealing advice (it’s one of the questions).

What type of paint should I use?

You’ll definitely want to use fabric paint. I used multisurface paint, but I would recommend going with fabric paint because it’s very flexible – even more so than multisurface. And with so much Mod Podge on the project, you’ll want as much flexibility as possible.

What type of glitter?

You can use all types of glitter! I like fine glitter. I purchased mine in the kids’ section of Michaels a long time ago. I’ve had it hanging around waiting for a project just like these glitter shoes.

Will Mod Podge dull the glitter?

Yes it will, a bit. But to me, it’s not bad – it’s still quite sparkly. The trade off to me would be loose glitter on the shoes. See the application methods below to understand a bit more about your options.

Blue sparkly shoes made using Mod Podge and glitter

How do I apply glitter to shoes?

There are two ways to apply glitter to shoes:

Mix the glitter together with Mod Podge and then apply to the shoe
Apply Mod Podge to the shoe and then sprinkle glitter on top

So I always opt for number one. Yes, it’s less sparkly. It’s also WAY less messy. If you use number two, you will have to seal as well, unless you want glitter everywhere. The glitter will continue to shed – basically forever – all over everything. But it’s up to you!

What should I seal glitter with?

If you mixed the glitter with Mod Podge, you shouldn’t need to seal. Are you planning on stomping in puddles? I wouldn’t recommend that. I mean you can seal the shoes, but you don’t need to.

Now if you applied Mod Podge to the shoe and then sprinkled glitter, I would definitely seal. Use a spray that is very clear and very high gloss.

Can I wash these shoes?

I don’t recommend it. And using Fabric Mod Podge won’t help you here either. I would just spot clean. If you submerge these in water, you could re-activate the Podge. Though if you try it . . . let me know in the comments.

Blue glitter shoes in front of an orange door

Gather These Supplies

Canvas shoes
Mod Podge Gloss
Fabric paint
Glitter
Mixing container
Paintbrushes – detail and medium
Painter’s tape
Spouncer
Craft knife

I started with inexpensive, canvas slip ons. If your shoes have a smooth surface, you can sand them slightly with sandpaper to rough up and help the Mod Podge adhere better.

When you paint the shoes, you don’t need two coats – just one worked for me. You’re just providing a base for the glitter.

Around the edges where you slip your feet in, I was very careful to not get paint inside the shoe. If you feel like this is a challenge, use painter’s tape for this portion as well.

When adding glitter and Mod Podge, it might help to paint the edges of the shoe near the sole with a detail brush. If any Mod Podge gets on the sole, wipe it away before it dries. Let the shoe dry and repeat with the second shoe.

I highly recommend letting your sparkly sneakers cure for 28 days before using. This is so they are fully dry all the way through, and they won’t get the weird creasing when you walk.

Your glitter shoes are going to be a little stiff, but they will wear in well. Just keep in mind, it’s going to take a minute. I hope you wear them with pride!

Save Print

4.74 from 15 votes

Glitter Shoes

Learn how to make glitter shoes using Mod Podge! This sparkly footwear DIY is simple enough for both children and adults.

Prep Time15

Active Time2

Dry Time12

Total Time14 15

Yield: pair

Cost: $5

Equipment

Mixing container
Paintbrush(es) detail and medium
Spouncer(s)
Craft knife

Materials

Canvas shoes
Mod Podge Gloss
Fabric paint
Glitter fine
Painter’s tape

Instructions

If shoes aren't new, clean and let dry. Clean the rubber sole with a magic eraser.
Add painter's tape around the edge of the shoe to protect the rubber sole as you paint.
Use a smaller/detail brush to paint around the edge of the shoe. Remove the painter's tape and let dry.
Paint the rest of the shoe using a flat paintbrush.
Measure the Mod Podge and put it into the mixing container. Stir in the glitter until fully mixed, making sure to scrape off of the bottom.
The ratio: 1/4 cup Mod Podge to 1 1/2 T glitter.
Use the spouncer to apply the first layer of glitter to the first shoe. Place the Mod Podge and glitter at the end of the spouncer and spounce up and down to cover.
Cover the entire shoe, getting around the edges of the shoe near the sole with a detail brush. Let the shoe dry and repeat with the second shoe.
After the first coat dries, add a second coat to both shoes and let dry.
To finish, add a third coat of Mod Podge and glitter to your shoes. Let dry overnight.
When done, remove any excess Mod Podge around the edge with a craft knife (carefully). Let cure for 28 days before wearing.