How to Dye Shoes

Dye Your Shoes with Rit®

Dyeing shoes is one of our favorite transformations. Whether it’s a pair you wish came in a specific color (and doesn’t) or shoes you own that just need updating, use Rit® to dye them to the color of your choosing. Follow along to see how!

Step 1: Pick a Dye

If you are dyeing a canvas shoe, then you can use our original All-Purpose Dye. If you are dyeing something unknown, then use our dye for synthetics, Rit DyeMore.

Step 2: Pick a Shade

We have over 50 colors to choose from! Plus, you can mix our dyes to create over 1,000 additional colors with our color formulas!

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Step 3: Prep Your Shoes

Remove the insoles and laces. To protect the soles of your shoes, place tape around them.

Try a Technique

Ignite your inner creativity by trying out a dye technique, like tie-dyeing or dip dyeing.

Get Inspired

Step 4: Pour Dye

You’ll generally need a half bottle to get amazing color results.

Step 5: Dye Your Shoes

Depending on how bold of a color you are trying to achieve, this can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. If you want to create an ombré effect, fully submerge the shoes and then lift them out of the dyebath in stages.

Step 6: Enjoy!

We’re confident you’ll love (❤️) your new one-of-a-kind shoes.

Some Inspiration

Make it Last

Try out our Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative. It reduces bleeding, fading and even enhances the color of your shoes. Use after dyeing so your shoes stay as vibrant as you.

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