Detailed Instructions (and Visuals) for Dying a Pair of Running Shoes

1. 1

   To change the color of your running shoes, use a universal dye. Using a general-purpose dye, you can color most types of shoe material. All-purpose dye can be found at any craft store or on any e-commerce website.

2. 2

   Start with a small area of your running shoes and test the dye. Dyeing an entire pair of shoes without first testing a small patch is a bad idea. You should be able to successfully dye your sneakers if the test dye dries. If not, you may need to experiment with a different colorant. [1]

   • Don't forget that many shoes have been finished with a surface finish during production, making it tough for the shoe to absorb a new dye. [2] There could be a surface finish on your test piece if the dye doesn't dry.

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3. 3

   Prepare an orderly work area. Locate a clutter-free spot to arrange your supplies. In order to prevent leaks, cover the area with a plastic drop cloth or several layers of newspaper. Rubber gloves will protect your hands from dye, but you should still wear clothes you don't mind getting stained. [3]

4. 4

   Take off your shoes and untie them. If you don't want your shoelaces dyed as well, take them out before you dye your shoes. [4] If you want to dye your shoes, just take out the laces and put them in a separate container.

   • To ensure an even dye job on your shoelaces, you should take them out of your shoes before adding them to the dye.

5. 5

   Remove the insoles from your shoes. In order to keep your shoes from being stained by the dye, you should take out the insoles if you can. The insole should be removed from the shoe and set aside.

   • Avoid having your replaceable insoles dyed because they may warp or fade during the process.

6. 6

   Ensure that your shoe soles are safe. A layer of vaseline or rubber cement can protect your shoes' soles from being stained. After dyeing, these can be removed in a wash or by peeling. [5]

7. 7

   Remove any dirt or grime from the shoes with a damp cloth. You need to wash them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of dye. To remove any smudges, simply use a sponge and some soapy warm water. [6]

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1. 1

   About 12 quarts of hot water should be added to the bucket or sink. You can submerge your running shoes in this much water. To begin, in a large stockpot, heat water to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) over the stove. Saturate a sink or a bucket with the hot water.

   • Be careful not to scald yourself as you pour the water from the pot into the sink or bucket.

2. 2

   Put the dye into the water. Just add the dye to the hot water in the sink or bucket as directed on the dye packet. Keep stirring the water until the dye appears to be dissolved. Blend the color in with a worn-out spoon.

   • If you're going to be dyeing something, you'll want to do it in a bucket or sink that you don't mind getting stained. Mixing spoons will get dyed as well, so choose one you don't mind staining if you plan on using it often.

3. 3

   Combine one tablespoon of dish soap with the dye. An even dye job can be achieved by adding a small amount of dishwashing detergent. Slowly add the detergent and stir until it is completely incorporated.

   • To clean your dishes, you can use whatever detergent you normally do.
   • Make sure you don't create bubbles by stirring the detergent too quickly.

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1. 1

   Saturate your footwear with hot water. Soak your footwear in water before dropping them into the dye pot. Just give your shoes a quick rinse in warm water under the sink. To make it easier for the dye to penetrate your shoes, do this. [7]

   • Right now, soaking your shoes in water isn't necessary. Make sure they are only slightly damp.
   • So that the dye penetrates completely, soak the shoe thoroughly in water, inside and out.

2. 2

   Carefully place your footwear into the dye pot. Put the shoes into the dye one by one using your gloved hands. Try not to throw the shoes into the dyebath all at once, as this could result in a splash of color.

   • The dyebath is at a high temperature. To avoid getting burned, tread carefully as you lower your footwear into the pot.

3. 3

   The recommended soaking time for shoes is 1 hour. The shoes need at least an hour in the dye bath to fully absorb the color. Depending on the desired level of color saturation, you can leave the shoes in the dye for a varying amount of time.

   • To achieve a deeper shade of blue when dying blue shoes, for instance, you would need to leave them in the dyebath for a longer period of time. Shoes can be dyed a lighter blue by reducing the amount of time they spend in the dyebath.
   • Just remember to take your shoes out of the dyebath every so often and hold them up to the light to see if you like the level of color saturation. The shoes can be re-dipped into the dyebath for a darker hue if desired.

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1. 1

   Get some cold water and rinse your shoes. After removing your footwear from the dye, rinse it thoroughly under cool running water. You should wash your shoes thoroughly to remove any remaining dye. [8]

2. 2

   Use paper towels to dry the shoes. No dye remnants should remain on the paper towel. Your footwear will be slightly damp, but not drenched.

   • Don't walk around with your shoes dripping wet, as any remaining dye could cause permanent staining.

3. 3

   Shoe bottoms need a good washing. Remove any glue or Vaseline from the bottoms of your shoes. One should be able to remove liquid cement from shoe bottoms. To remove any remaining vaseline, simply scrub the area with a wet paper towel and some soap.

4. 4

   Clean your footwear thoroughly. Next, hand wash or machine wash the shoes with warm water and mild soap. [9] Putting your shoes through a wash helps the dye penetrate the material completely.

5. 5

   The shoes need to dry. Shoes can either be dried in the dryer or left out to air. Remember that the dryer can reduce the size of your shoes. Let your shoelaces dry naturally after dying them. Please wait until your shoes are completely dry to wear them.

   • Inside your shoes, or anywhere else that might be difficult to dry, you could use a hairdryer.

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