Best Paint for Shoes: Top Picks for Durable and Vibrant Colors

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Last Updated on June 16, 2023 by Dee

Welcome, fellow artists, crafters, and shoe enthusiasts! Are you looking to unleash your creativity on your favorite pair of kicks or give your old, worn-out shoes a vibrant new lease on life? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this exciting blog post, we will explore the wonderful world of shoe painting and delve into the best paint for shoes. Whether you’re an experienced artist looking to expand your canvas or a DIY enthusiast seeking a fun and fashionable project, we’ve got you covered.

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Best Paints for Shoes

Are you tired of boring shoes that look like everyone else’s? Want to add some personality to your footwear? Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color or create a custom design, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover the best paints for shoes!

**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**

Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint

Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to breathe new life into your leather shoes, then you should definitely consider the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint. We’ve been using this paint for a while now, and we’re happy to report that it’s one of the best products on the market for painting leather shoes.

Pros

  • Wide application: This paint is perfect for any smooth leather goods, such as leather shoes, sneakers, sofas, leather jackets, handbags, leather bags, wallets, & more.
  • Quick drying and flexible: Paint is quick to dry, flexible and will not crack or peel. It has gone through years of testing to make sure it’s of the highest quality.
  • Water-based formula: Angelus Acrylic leather paint has a water-based formula so it’s not hazardous and easy to clean up with soap and water! No nasty smells, and can be used to create so many things.

Cons

  • Requires multiple coats: Depending on the color you choose and the original color of your shoes, you may need to apply multiple coats of paint to achieve the desired coverage.
  • May not work on all types of leather: While this paint is great for most smooth leather surfaces, it may not work as well on certain types of leather, such as suede or nubuck.
  • May not be as durable as other paints: While this paint is flexible and won’t crack or peel, it may not be as durable as other paints on the market.

If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to apply multiple coats, then the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is a great choice for painting your leather shoes. The water-based formula makes it easy to work with, and the quick-drying and flexible formula ensures that your shoes will look great for a long time.

We’ve used this paint on a variety of leather shoes and accessories, and we’ve always been happy with the results. The paint goes on smoothly and evenly, and it dries quickly without leaving any streaks or smudges. We also love the fact that this paint is water-based, which makes cleanup a breeze.

One thing to keep in mind is that you may need to apply multiple coats of paint to achieve the desired coverage. This can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the end. We’ve found that two to three coats usually does the trick, but your mileage may vary depending on the original color of your shoes and the color of the paint you choose.

Angelus Leather Paint Starter Kit Set of 12 1 Ounce Bottles

Angelus Leather Paint Starter Kit Set of 12 1 Ounce Bottles

We highly recommend the Angelus Leather Paint Starter Kit Set of 12 1 Ounce Bottles for anyone who wants to customize their shoes or leather accessories. The paint is easy to use, dries quickly, and delivers excellent results.

Pros

  • The set includes twelve colors, making it easy to create unique designs.
  • The paints are non-toxic, water-based, flexible, and don’t crack or peel.
  • The paint can be used on shoes, boots, jackets, bags, purses, furniture, car seats, and more.

Cons

  • You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired color intensity.
  • The paint may not work well on certain types of leather or materials.
  • The paint may not be as durable as other types of leather paint.

We recently used the Angelus Leather Paint Starter Kit to customize a pair of leather sneakers. The paint was easy to apply, and the colors were vibrant and opaque. We were able to create a unique design that really stood out.

Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Black 1oz

Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Black 1oz

We highly recommend purchasing Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint for your shoe painting needs because of its versatility and high quality.Pros

  • Wide application for any smooth leather goods
  • Quick drying and flexible, will not crack or peel
  • Water-based formula makes it easy to clean up with soap and water and has no nasty smells

Cons

  • May require multiple coats for full coverage
  • Some colors may not match the color on the packaging
  • May need to purchase additional gloss to protect the paint

We recently used Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint to customize a pair of leather sneakers and were thrilled with the results. The paint went on smoothly and dried quickly, leaving a flexible finish that did not crack or peel.

We were also pleased that the paint had no unpleasant odors and was easy to clean up with soap and water. Additionally, we were impressed with the wide range of colors available and the ability to mix colors to create custom shades.

Angelus Neon Leather Paint 1oz 12 Color Set Neons Set 1oz

Angelus Neon Leather Paint 1oz 12 Color Set Neons Set 1oz

We highly recommend the Angelus Neon Leather Paint 1oz 12 Color Set Neons Set 1oz for anyone looking to customize their shoes or bags. The neon colors are vibrant and the paint is easy to work with, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Pros

  • The set includes twelve neon colors, providing a wide range of options for customization.
  • The paint is great for use on a variety of surfaces, including leather, vinyl, and fabric.
  • The neon colors glow under black light, making them perfect for parties and events.

Cons

  • The bottles are only 1oz, which may not be enough for larger projects.
  • The paint can be thin, requiring multiple coats for full coverage.
  • The caps of the bottles can be difficult to remove and replace, causing spills and messes.

The Angelus Neon Leather Paint 1oz 12 Color Set Neons Set 1oz is a great choice for anyone looking to add a pop of color to their shoes or bags. The neon colors are bright and vibrant, and the paint is easy to work with. We found that the paint dries quickly and does not crack or peel, even after multiple uses.

Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz

Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz

We highly recommend Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz for anyone looking to seal their leather artwork and provide a glossy top finish on smooth leather.

Pros

  • Applies easily with a rag, sponge, wool, spray gun, or brush
  • Cleans up with soap and water
  • Provides a uniform finish when used over different finishes

Cons

  • Takes about three days to completely dry and not be tacky
  • Must use thin coats in the same direction
  • Leaves a kind of shiny finish

We recently tried Angelus Brand Acrylic Leather Paint Finisher No. 600-4oz on a pair of leather shoes we had painted, which worked wonders. The finisher brought the shoes together and added a finished look to them. To paint shoes with this product, apply colors and clean up with soap and water.

Angelus Brand Acrylic Paint Starter Kit 12 1oz Leather Vinyl Sneaker

Angelus Brand Acrylic Paint Starter Kit 12 1oz Leather Vinyl Sneaker

We highly recommend the Angelus Brand Acrylic Paint Starter Kit for anyone looking to customize their leather goods. The paint is flexible, quick-drying, and won’t crack or peel, making it perfect for shoes, jackets, bags, and more.

Pros

  • WIDE APPLICATION: The Angelus Acrylic leather paint is perfect for any smooth leather goods and can be blended in to hide scuffs, customize, color, and more.
  • QUICK DRYING AND FLEXIBLE: The paint is quick to dry, flexible, and won’t crack or peel, ensuring a long-lasting finish.
  • WATER-BASED FORMULA: The water-based formula makes it easy to clean up with soap and water, and there are no nasty smells.

Cons

  • WHITE NOT INCLUDED: The kit does not include white paint, which is a bit of a letdown.
  • LOTS OF COATS: It may take many coats to achieve the desired look, which can be time-consuming.
  • FINISHING COAT: The white-looking paint in the picture is just a neutral clear coat, which may be misleading to some buyers.

The Angelus Brand Acrylic Paint Starter Kit is perfect for anyone looking to add some personality to their leather goods. The water-based formula makes it easy to clean up, and the paint’s flexibility ensures a long-lasting finish.

The kit includes almost 200 colors, and these can also be mixed to create even more colors. We highly recommend this product for anyone looking to customize their leather goods.

Creative Nation Shoe Paint Kit

Creative Nation Shoe Paint Kit Image

We highly recommend the Creative Nation Shoe Paint Kit for anyone looking to customize their sneakers, canvas shoes or other leather accessories. With its waterproof and flexible formula, you can create a long-lasting design that won’t crack even when flexed.

Pros

  • Transforms old shoes into customized style statements
  • Waterproof and flexible for long-lasting durability
  • Can be used on a variety of leather accessories

Cons

  • May feel tacky when dried
  • Color may not match exactly as expected
  • May require multiple coats for desired coverage

The Creative Nation Shoe Acrylic Paints Kit allows you to march to your own beat and create a fresh look for your old tennis shoes or leather accessories. With its 12 color options, you can mix and match to create a unique design that perfectly suits your style. The waterproof formula ensures that your design will last, even in wet conditions.

Overall, we highly recommend the Creative Nation Shoe Paint Kit for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their sneakers or other leather accessories. It’s safe, strong, and allows for endless creative possibilities.

Angelus Pearlescent Leather Paint, 1 oz, Sterling Silver

Angelus Pearlescent Leather Paint, 1 oz, Sterling Silver

If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your shoes, the Angelus Pearlescent Leather Paint is a great choice.

Pros

  • Shifts and changes color in the light, giving an amazing brilliant shine
  • Perfect for revamping or customizing your sneakers, boots, shoes, leather goods, purses, jackets, & More!
  • High quality and meant to last; flexible, does not crack, peel, or scratch easily

Cons

  • Requires multiple layers for full coverage
  • Color may not match the advertised shade exactly
  • May take a while to dry completely

We recently tried out the Angelus Pearlescent Leather Paint for painting canvas shoes and were impressed by the results. The color shift effect is really eye-catching and adds a unique touch to any shoe. The paint is easy to apply and dries relatively quickly, although it’s important to note that multiple coats are necessary for full coverage.

Paint for Shoes

When it comes to customizing your shoes, choosing the right paint is crucial. The right paint will give you full coverage, won’t crack or fade, and will be durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Here are some of the best paints for shoes:

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a popular choice for painting shoes. It’s water-based, dries quickly, and is available in a wide range of colors. One of our top picks is the U.S. Art Supply 24 Color Acrylic Airbrush Paint Set. This set comes with 24 vibrant colors, and the paint is formulated to be used with an airbrush or a paintbrush. It’s a great choice for customizing your shoes, and the finish is durable and long-lasting.

Spraypaint for Shoes

Spraypaint is another option for painting shoes. It’s quick and easy to apply, and it gives a smooth, even finish. One of our top picks is the Angelus Leather Paint Set. This set includes 12 colors of high-quality leather paint, which is perfect for customizing leather shoes. The paint is water-resistant and flexible, so it won’t crack or peel over time.

Fabric Paint

If you’re painting canvas or fabric shoes, then fabric paint is the way to go. One of our top picks is the Neon Nights Fabric Paint Set. This set includes 8 vibrant colors of fabric paint, which is perfect for customizing your canvas shoes. The paint is water-resistant and won’t crack or fade over time. It’s easy to apply with a paintbrush, and it dries quickly.

When applying paint to your shoes, it’s important to apply it in thin layers. This will help prevent cracking and peeling over time. You can also use paint markers or permanent markers to add details and designs to your shoes. Once you’ve applied your paint, it’s a good idea to finish it off with an acrylic finisher. This will help protect the paint and make it more durable over time.

What Type of Shoes are Best for Paint?

When it comes to painting shoes, not all types of shoes are created equal. Some materials are more porous than others, while some require special preparation before painting.

Here are some of the best types of shoes for painting:

Canvas Shoes

Canvas shoes are perfect for painting as they are made from a breathable and lightweight material. They are also easy to clean and maintain.

Before painting, cleaning the shoes thoroughly and letting them dry completely is essential. You can use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to remove any dirt or stains.

Once the shoes are clean, you can start painting them with acrylic paint. You can also use fabric paint, specially designed for textiles and will adhere better to the canvas material.

Leather Shoes

Leather shoes are also great for painting, but they require a bit more preparation than canvas shoes. Before painting, you need to clean the shoes with a leather cleaner and let them dry completely. Once the shoes are clean, you can sand them lightly to create a rough surface that will help the paint adhere better.

You can also use a leather preparer to help the paint adhere better. When painting leather shoes, it is best to use leather paint, which is specially formulated for use on leather. Leather paint is more flexible than regular paint and will not crack or peel over time.

Old shoes are also great for painting, especially if they have sentimental value or are no longer wearable. Before painting, cleaning the shoes thoroughly and letting them dry completely is essential.

You can use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent to remove any dirt or stains. Once the shoes are clean, you can start painting them with acrylic paint or fabric paint.

When it comes to specific shoe brands, Converse and Nike shoes are popular choices for painting. Both brands offer a wide range of styles and colors, making them perfect for customization. Vinyl shoes are also suitable for painting, but they require special preparation before painting.

Painting Shoes

Painting shoes can be a fun and creative way to give your footwear a new lease of life. However, it can be daunting to get started, especially if you are new to the process. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Materials

Before you start painting, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need paint for shoes, painter’s tape, a pencil, acetone or soap, a cloth to clean the shoes, and a workspace that is well-ventilated.

Sketch

Sketch out your design on paper before you start painting. This will help you visualize your design and make any necessary changes before you start painting.

Practice

If you are new to painting shoes, practice on an old pair of shoes or a piece of scrap material before you start on your main project. This will help you get a feel for the technique and texture of the paint.

Preparation

Clean your shoes thoroughly before you start painting. Use acetone or soap to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure your shoes are completely dry before you start painting.

Painter’s tape

Use painter’s tape to cover any areas of the shoe that you do not want to paint. This will help keep your design neat and tidy.

Paint for shoes

There are many types of paint for shoes available at art supply and craft stores. Look for a paint that is specifically designed for shoes or sneakers. These paints are formulated to adhere to the material of the shoe and are more durable than regular paint.

Technique

When painting shoes, use a light touch and apply the paint in thin layers. This will help prevent the paint from cracking or peeling. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer.

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Buying Guide

When it comes to finding the best paint for shoes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you make the right choice. Here are some factors to consider:

Material

The type of material your shoes are made of will determine what type of paint you should use. Leather paints work best for leather shoes, while fabric paints are better suited for canvas or cloth shoes. Make sure to choose a paint specifically designed for your shoes’ material to ensure the best results.

Color

Think about what color you want to paint your shoes. Some paints come in a wide range of colors, while others may only offer a few options. If you have a specific color in mind, make sure to choose a paint that offers that color. Additionally, some paints may require a white base coat to achieve certain colors, so keep that in mind when making your selection.

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Durability

If you plan on wearing your painted shoes frequently, it’s important to choose a paint that is durable and long-lasting. Look for paints that are water-resistant and won’t crack or peel easily. Some paints may also require a sealant to ensure maximum durability.


As an artist, I understand the need for versatility. This extends not just to the kind of canvas you work with, but also the quality of your materials. When discussing footwear, walking shoes for all terrains can serve as the perfect canvas.

These shoes are built to withstand a variety of conditions, making them a great base for your artistic endeavors. The best paint for these types of shoes should be as adaptable as the shoes themselves. It needs to be durable, flexible, and waterproof.

Application

Consider how easy the paint is to apply. Some paints may require multiple coats or special application techniques, while others may be easier to use. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before purchasing to ensure you are comfortable with the application process.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the paint. While some paints may be more expensive, remember that higher-priced paints may offer better quality and durability. However, there are also many affordable options available that can still provide great results.

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Conclusion

So, put on your painting shoes, go forth and breathe new life into an old pair, or add a personal touch to your latest pair with the best paint for shoes. We can’t wait to see the amazing creations you’ll come up with! Be sure to share your shoe-painting journey with us in the comments section and inspire others to take the plunge into this fashionable and fun world of artistic expression. Happy painting!

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