Your shoes must be 100% pure suede for this to work. If they’re partially synthetic, this won’t work. [1] X Expert Source Moe DraperShoe Care & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2021. Keep in mind that it won’t be possible to go from a darker shade to a lighter one. For this reason, you’ll have the most success dyeing shoes in light and neutral colors, like white, gray, or khaki. [2] X Research source Fiebing’s, Angelus, Lincoln, and Kiwi are all well-reviewed brands that offer suede-specific dyes.
Make sure you brush the grain in all different directions, not just the way it lays naturally.
Remove pesky oil stains by sprinkling them with cornstarch, then brushing it off once it’s had time to absorb the worst of the mess. Heavy staining is best left to a dry cleaner or shoe repair expert. [5] X Research source
The dye will permanently stain anything that it comes into contact with, so if you don’t want it ruined, tape it up. Cut the tape as needed to hide difficult areas like logos and stripes.
For boots and high top sneakers, you’ll need to keep stuffing to the ankle or shin. You could also use some old rags instead of newspaper. Just remember that anything the dye touches will be marked for good.
Whatever brush you use should have stiff bristles that can reach down into every little nook and cranny of the suede. [8] X Research source An unused (clean) toothbrush can make a perfect makeshift applicator.
Unless specified in the direction, there should be no need to dilute the dye or mix it with any other substances. It’s a good idea to pull on a pair of rubber gloves to keep your hands from getting stained.
Start with a broad, flat surface, such as the heel or toe, and work your way to the tighter sections from there. Be careful not to oversaturate the suede. Concentrating too much dye in one area could create permanent dark spotting, which can be extremely difficult to even out.
To avoid making unnecessary mistakes, work slowly and methodically, especially when you’re first getting used to the technique. Don’t be surprised if the seams don’t take the new color very well. Many newer shoes are stitched together with synthetic thread, which may not be as absorbent as natural materials.
Avoid handling the shoes in meantime. The wet dye will rub off very easily. Exact dry times will vary depending on the type of dye you use, the size of the shoes, and the temperature of your environment.
The initial coloration may hold fast to light-colored shoes, or it may fade somewhat once it’s dry. Hold off on applying subsequent coats until you know how the pair you’re dyeing will react. Try not to layer on too many coats, as too much dye can eventually dry out the leather.
If you’re using the same brush as before, clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water or acetone to strip the remaining dye before putting it to work again.
Excessive moisture could simply spread the stain around, or worse, cause the dye to bleed.
Dyed athletic shoes could become blotchy or faded after a few sweaty workouts. It may be a good idea to keep a spare change of shoes with you if the forecast is calling for rain.
With a dust bag, you won’t run the risk of drying out the suede or trapping unwanted moisture when the shoes remain in storage for long periods of time, unlike a lidded shoebox or sealed plastic bag. [14] X Research source Consider investing in a shoe tree. Shoe trees allow footwear to be hung up on “branches” that are similar in dimension to feet, so they’ll always retain their shape and can easily be moved in and out of storage. For added security, a dust bag or pillowcase can be slid directly over the entire shoe tree.
