This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on drawing various types of anime shoes from different angles. The examples include running shoes, high heel shoes, school shoes, boots, slippers, and sandals.
Image: Anime shoes drawing
The examples showcased in this tutorial represent the most frequently seen foot ware variations in anime and manga. It also demonstrates the commonly used front, 3/4, and side views for drawing shoes.
Drawing Anime Running Shoes Step by Step
Image: Anime running shoes drawing step by step
The first example in this tutorial focuses on running shoes. Although they are relatively simple to draw, running shoes usually have more intricate designs and details compared to other shoe types.
Step 1 – Estimate the Position of the Feet
Image: Anime running shoes feet drawing
Before sketching the shoes, it’s helpful to estimate the position of the feet inside them. For running shoes, the feet are typically in their natural standing position, flat along the ground. This allows you to determine the shoe size and how they should sit on the foot.
Image: Anime feet outline drawing
Note that it’s not necessary to fully draw out the toes every time you want to sketch shoes. Instead, a quick outline of the foot shape, as shown in the example above, is sufficient. If drawing on paper, use light lines that can be easily erased after drawing the shoe.
For additional drawing techniques, see:
- Beginner Guide to Drawing Anime & Manga
Step 2 – Draw the Shoe Outline
Image: Anime running shoes see-through drawing
Draw the shoe outlines around or on top of the shape of the foot, paying attention to the significant details. Running shoes often have soft padding, making them thicker compared to other shoe types. Therefore, draw the outline of their shape slightly away from the foot.
Image: Anime running shoes outline drawing
Erase the part of the foot covered by the shoes to achieve a clean drawing, as shown in the above example.
Step 3 – Add Details to the Shoes
Image: Anime running shoes drawing
Finish the drawing by adding smaller details and design elements to enhance the shoe’s appearance and define its shape.
Drawing Anime High Heels Shoes Step by Step
Image: Anime high heel shoes drawing step by step
High heel shoes are another commonly seen footwear in anime. They usually have minimal details but present challenges when sketching.
Step 1 – Estimate the Position of the Feet
Image: Anime high heel shoes feet drawing
Similar to the previous example, start by sketching a light outline of the feet. Two challenges arise when positioning the foot for high heel shoes. First, the feet are on their toes, and second, the toes are often squeezed together by the narrow tips of the shoes.
Showing that the feet are on their toes is easier in the side or 3/4 views. However, it can be more challenging in the front view. To depict this, elongate the part of the foot between the toes and the bones protruding on each side. Compared to drawing the same feet flat, this adjustment indicates that the foot is on its toes.
In the front view, the squeezed toes are most noticeable. The big toe and the toes on the other side point more inward towards the shoe’s tip. The toes in the middle of the foot remain largely unchanged. Remember, you don’t need to draw the toes before sketching the shoe, but understanding the foot’s positioning helps in accurately drawing the shoes.
Step 2 – Draw the Outline of the Shoes
Image: Anime high heel shoes see-through drawing
High heel shoes are generally thin, allowing them to be drawn close to the foot’s outline. As in the previous example, draw the shoes over the foot outlines.
Step 3 – Add Details to the Shoes
Image: Anime high heel shoes drawing
Clean up the drawing by erasing the parts of the foot covered by the shoes. Use darker lines where necessary. Since high heel shoes have minimal details, there are fewer steps involved in drawing them.
Drawing Anime School Shoes Step by Step
Image: Anime school shoes drawing step by step
School shoes are perhaps the most common shoe type seen in anime and manga involving school life. Although there is some design variation, anime and manga school shoes typically resemble the example above.
Step 1 – Estimate the Position of the Feet
Image: Anime school shoes feet drawing
Female school shoes, like the ones in this example, often have a slightly raised heel. As a result, the feet will be angled when wearing them.
In the provided example, you can observe the foot’s position when inside this type of shoe. Similar to high heel shoes, when drawing the foot in the front view, elongate the area between the toes and the side bones to indicate the raised heel. In the side and 3/4 views, draw the heel slightly higher up than normal.
Step 2 – Draw the Outline of the Shoes
Image: Anime school shoes see-through drawing
Draw the shoe outlines and major parts on top of the foot, considering that school shoes are usually thin leather. Thus, they can be drawn close to the foot’s outline.
Image: Anime school shoes outline drawing
Erase the parts of the foot covered by the shoe after outlining its main shape.
Step 3 – Add Details to the Shoes
Image: Anime school shoes drawing
Add details such as the split between the sole and the rest of the shoe, as well as lines to indicate where different parts of the shoe are stitched together.
Drawing Anime Boots Step by Step
Image: Anime boots drawing step by step
Boots are another commonly seen foot ware in anime and manga. Unlike school or high heel shoes, boots offer more variety. However, for this tutorial, we will focus on simple and generic leather boots.
Step 1 – Estimate the Position of the Feet
Image: Anime boots feet drawing
As these boots are not high heels, the foot inside them will be mostly flat along the ground.
Step 2 – Draw the Outline of the Boots
Image: Anime boots see-through drawing
Once you sketch the foot outline, draw the outer shape of the boots around it. In this case, the part of the shoe around the leg will be close to it, as leather is not very thick. However, boots of this type (without zippers or laces) usually have a looser fit around the leg, indicating that you should draw that part farther away from the leg.
Image: Anime boots outline drawing
Erase the leg outline after finalizing the boots’ outline.
Step 3 – Add Details to the Boots
Image: Anime boots drawing
Add basic details, such as the sole and a few folds in the leather, to complete the drawing.
Drawing Anime Slippers Step by Step
Image: Anime slippers drawing step by step
Slippers, like the ones in the example above, are another commonly seen footwear item in anime and manga. Female characters often wear them around the house.
Step 1 – Draw the Feet
Image: Anime slippers feet drawing
The foot inside the slippers will be in its natural position, flat along the ground.
Step 2 – Draw the Slippers
Image: Anime slippers see-through drawing
These slippers typically consist of a relatively thin sole with a somewhat “puffy” front end. Draw the outline of the front part of the slipper at a distance from the foot, especially the top part in the side and 3/4 views.
Image: Anime slippers drawing
Erase the front part of the feet covered by the slippers to achieve the final drawing.
Drawing Anime Sandals Step by Step
Image: Anime sandals drawing step by step
Sandals are quite common in anime, whether characters are going to the beach or strolling during the summer.
Step 1 – Draw the Feet
Image: Anime sandals feet drawing
Sandals leave most of the foot visible, so it’s necessary to fully draw out the feet. The foot inside the sandals remains flat along the ground.
Step 2 – Draw the Sandals
Image: Anime sandals see-through drawing
These sandals typically consist of a sole and bands that go between the big toes and the rest of the foot. Overlap the bands on the foot drawing.
Image: Anime sandals drawing
Erase the parts of the feet covered by the sandals and outline the drawing with darker lines to complete it.
Conclusion
To accurately draw realistic styles of shoes, including anime footwear, it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of the general foot shape. While it’s not necessary to fully sketch out the foot and every toe when drawing shoes, it’s helpful to create a rough outline of their basic shape. This is especially useful for beginner artists looking to practice their skills.
For more similar tutorials, consider the following:
- How to Draw an Anime School Girl in 6 Steps
- How to Draw Anime & Manga Clothes
- How to Draw Anime Hats & Head Wear
