How to Dye Tennis Shoes the Right Way

Want to add some personality to your shoes? Check out this guide on how to dye tennis shoes the right way for long-lasting, vibrant color.

Materials Needed

You will need the following items: a pair of white tennis shoes, a fabric dye, a container, rubber gloves, and a stirring stick.

Shoes

The first step is to make sure you have the right shoes. Almost any shoe can be dyed, but some absorb color better than others. Natural materials like leather and off-white canvas work best, but synthetics like nylon and polyester can also take dye if they are new. If you are using an old pair of shoes, it is best to test them first to see if the color will hold.

To test your shoes, dip a cotton swab or a small piece of cloth in the dye and apply it to a small, hidden area of the shoe. Let it dry for 24 hours to see how well the color takes. If the color is too light or does not seem to be holding well, you may want to try a different kind of dye or look for a different pair of shoes.

Dye

You will need to buy a tie-dye kit. This will come with gloves, rubber bands, and dye. You can find this at any craft store. You should also buy a quart of white vinegar. Do not use any other kind of vinegar, as this will not work as well. If you do not have white vinegar, you can use distilled water instead.

Water

Water is essential for the dying process. You will need one cup of water for every two tennis shoes. If you are dying more than four shoes, you will need two cups of water for every four shoes.

Sponge or brush

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need to get the job done right. You’ll need rubber gloves, old clothes that you don’t mind getting dye on, a sponge or brush, and of course, the fabric dye. It’s also a good idea to have some plastic bags or Wrap on hand in case you need to transport your shoes before they’re dry.

Preparing the Shoes

Wash the shoes in cold water with a mild detergent to remove any dirt or oil. Do not use hot water or bleach as this could damage the shoes. If the shoes are new, you can skip this step. If the shoes are white, you may want to soak them in a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 30 minutes to remove any existing dye.

Take the laces out

In order to avoid any streaks, it is important that you take the laces out of the shoes before you start dying them. If you do not have time to remove the laces, you can put masking tape over them.

Clean the shoes

Cleaning the shoes is an important preparatory step because it removes any dirt, oils or other substances that could prevent the dye from adhering evenly to the shoes. You can clean them with a mild soap and water, or use a commercial shoe cleaner. If your shoes are particularly dirty, you may need to scrub them with a soft brush to loosen any caked-on dirt. Rinse the shoes thoroughly after cleaning and allow them to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Mix the dye

Start by mixing the dye according to the package instructions. Once it’s mixed, pour it into a container that will allow you to dunk the shoes into the dye, like a large Tupperware or plastic bucket. Be sure to use gloves when handling the dye, as it can permanently stain your hands and clothes.

Dyeing the Shoes

You will need to gather your supplies before you start to dye the shoes. This includes rubber gloves, a small paintbrush, a pair of old shoes, and fabric dye. It is important to make sure that you have everything you need before you start because you will not be able to stop in the middle of the process. Once you have all of your supplies, you can begin dyin

Apply the dye

With your shoes on hand, it’s time to start dyeing! Put on some gloves to protect your hands from the dye. Open the bottle of dye and stir it well with a wooden or plastic spoon.

Dip a paintbrush into the dye and start painting it onto your shoes. Be sure to cover the entire shoe, including any laces! You can also use a sponge to apply the dye if you’d like.

Once you’ve applied the dye, set your shoes aside and let them dry for at least 24 hours. The longer you let them dry, the better the color will be!

Let the shoes dry

Thoroughly rinse out the shoes with cool water to remove any soap residue. Allow the shoes to air dry completely before proceeding to the next step. This could take a few hours, so be patient.

Rinse the shoes

Rinse the shoes to remove any dirt or debris that may be on them. Use a mild soap if necessary. You don’t want anything on the shoes that will prevent the dye from setting properly. Let the shoes air dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Finishing Up

You’ve followed the instructions and have dyed your shoes the perfect color. Now it’s time to finish up and make sure the color stays put. In this section, we’ll go over how to properly set the color and how to care for your shoes after dying.

Put the laces back in

Now that your shoes are all dry, it’s time to put the laces back in. You might want to change the color of your laces to match your new shoes, or you might just want to keep the same laces. Either way, putting the laces back in is easy. Just thread them through the eyelets and tie them in a bow or knot. And that’s it! Your shoes are all finished and ready to wear.

Wear your new shoes!

Your newly dyed shoes will look great with any outfit! Just make sure to keep them clean and dry to prevent the color from fading. Also, be careful when walking on wet surfaces or in puddles, as the color may bleed. If you do get your shoes wet, simply let them air dry. With proper care, your new shoes should last for many wears to come!