How to Dye Your Sneakers

Dye Your Sneakers with Rit®

Dyeing sneakers is one of our favorite transformations. Whether it’s a pair you wish came in a specific color (and doesn’t) or sneakers 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 sneaker, 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 Sneakers

Remove the insoles + laces and wipe with an alcohol-based cleaner. If you want the soles to remain the same, carefully cover soles with vinyl tape.

Try a Technique

Ignite your inner creativity by trying out a dye technique, like dip dyeing to create an ombré look.

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 creating a two-tone ombre look, only submerge half the sneaker and lift them out of the dyebath in stages. And repeat to dip the other half of the sneaker.

Step 6: Enjoy!

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

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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