Leather shoes are a classic and timeless accessory that can elevate any outfit. However, over time, they can become scuffed, scratched, or faded, making them look worn out. Instead of throwing them away, you can give them a new life with the best leather paint for shoes.
Leather paint is a type of dye that is specifically designed to color and restore leather. It can be used on shoes, bags, jackets, and other leather items to give them a fresh, new look. The benefits of using leather paint are numerous. Not only can it save you money by restoring your old items, but it also allows you to customize the color of your leather goods to match your personal style.
When choosing the best leather paint for shoes, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the type of leather you are working with. Some leather paints are only suitable for certain types of leather, such as smooth or suede. It’s essential to choose a paint that is compatible with the type of leather you are working with to ensure the best results.
The second thing to consider is the durability of the paint. You want a paint that will not crack, peel, or fade over time. Look for a paint that is specifically designed for leather and has a long-lasting formula.
We spent hours researching and testing various leather paints to identify the best options for restoring and customizing leather shoes. In the following sections, we will review our top picks and provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best leather paint for your shoes.
Best Leather Paints for Shoes
We understand the frustration of having to throw out a perfectly good pair of shoes just because they’ve lost their color or have been scuffed up. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best leather paints for shoes that can help bring your favorite kicks back to life. Whether you’re looking to restore a vintage pair of boots or add some personality to a plain pair of sneakers, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed various leather paints, and we’re confident that the products on our list will provide you with the best results. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best leather paints for shoes.
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Black
We highly recommend the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint for anyone looking to customize or restore their leather goods.
Pros
- This paint is perfect for any smooth leather goods, such as shoes, sofas, handbags, wallets, and more.
- It is quick-drying, flexible, and will not crack or peel.
- The water-based formula makes it easy to clean up with soap and water.
Cons
- The paint may require multiple coats for full coverage.
- It may not work well on textured or rough leather surfaces.
- It may not be suitable for use on suede or nubuck leather.
We recently used this paint to restore a worn-out leather purse and were impressed with the results. The paint went on smoothly and dried quickly, leaving a beautiful semi-gloss finish. We also appreciate that it is non-toxic and made in the USA.
Overall, the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is a versatile and high-quality product that can be used to customize, color, and restore a wide range of leather goods. We highly recommend giving it a try!
Creative Nation 12 Colors Acrylic Leather Paint for Shoes & Leather Accessories
If you’re looking for a high-quality leather paint that will last for years to come, then Creative Nation’s 12 Colors Acrylic Leather Paint for Shoes & Leather Accessories is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The vibrant colors are perfect for transforming your leather and faux leather items to freshly customized style statements.
- The waterproof formula ensures your swag designs stay vibrant and intact for years to come.
- The adaptable acrylic leather paint is ideal for diverse creative projects.
Cons
- The paint may feel tacky when dried.
- On some surfaces, you may need to put more layers to achieve the desired look.
- The colors may not be as bold as expected on certain surfaces.
We’ve used this shoe paint kit for sneakers, bags, purses, and more, and we’re impressed with the results. The colors are rich and bold, and the paint is easy to apply. Plus, the waterproof formula ensures our designs stay vibrant and intact for years to come.
The multiple application feature makes it easy to use the paint on various leather items like shoes, hats, wallets, and accessories. The paint is also water-based, making clean-up a breeze.
We appreciate that the paint is non-toxic and ASTM-D4236-compliant, making it the perfect companion for artists of all ages and skill levels, ensuring safety while expressing creativity.
Overall, we highly recommend Creative Nation’s 12 Colors Acrylic Leather Paint for Shoes & Leather Accessories for anyone looking to customize their leather items with vibrant, long-lasting colors.
Smalltongue 14 Colors Acrylic Leather Paint Kit
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use leather paint kit, Smalltongue 14 Colors Acrylic Leather Paint Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The kit comes with 14 vibrant colors, a leather preparer and deglazer, and an acrylic finisher, making it easy to mix and match colors and protect your paint job.
- It’s applicable for different surfaces such as shoes, sneakers, couches, handbags, bags, and car seats, making it a great all-around option.
- The high-quality pigments make the colors more vibrant and they glide smoothly, easily blend and dry quickly, safe and non-toxic for humans and the environment.
Cons
- Some users reported that the paint dries too quickly, making it difficult to blend colors.
- The finisher can be tricky to apply, and some users reported that it left a sticky residue.
- The paint may not be as durable as other options on the market.
We recently used the Smalltongue 14 Colors Acrylic Leather Paint Kit to paint a pair of leather shoes, and we were impressed with the results. The colors were vibrant and easy to mix, and the paint went on smoothly and dried quickly. We did find that the finisher was a bit tricky to apply, but once we got the hang of it, it provided a nice, glossy finish that protected our paint job.
Overall, we would recommend the Smalltongue 14 Colors Acrylic Leather Paint Kit for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile leather paint kit. While it may not be the most durable option on the market, it’s a great choice for beginners or anyone looking to experiment with different colors and designs.
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Black 1oz
We highly recommend the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint for anyone looking to customize their leather goods.
Pros
- The paint dries quickly and is flexible, preventing any cracking or peeling.
- The water-based formula makes it easy to clean up with soap and water, without any harsh smells.
- It can be used on any leather surface, not just shoes, and can be blended to hide scuffs and customize colors.
Cons
- The paint may require multiple coats for a more opaque finish.
- It may not adhere well to certain types of leather or plastic materials.
- The small 1oz container may not be enough for larger projects.
In our experience, the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is a high-quality product that delivers on its promises. The quick-drying and flexible formula ensures that your leather goods won’t crack or peel, even with regular use. The water-based formula makes it easy to clean up, and the lack of harsh smells makes it a pleasant product to work with.
We were impressed with the versatility of this paint, as it can be used on any leather surface, not just shoes. The ability to blend colors and hide scuffs makes it an ideal choice for those looking to customize their leather goods. However, the paint may require multiple coats for a more opaque finish, and it may not adhere well to certain types of leather or plastic materials.
Overall, we highly recommend the Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint for anyone looking to customize their leather goods. With almost 200 colors available and the ability to mix colors, the possibilities are endless.
Angelus Metallic Leather Paint 1oz 5 Color Set
If you’re looking for a high-quality leather paint set to give your shoes a new look, then the Angelus Metallic Leather Paint 1oz 5 Color Set is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The set includes five metallic colors in 1 oz jars, making it perfect for those who want to experiment with different colors.
- It’s ideal for athletic shoes, boots, jackets, purses, and tack.
- The paint is non-toxic and made in the USA, ensuring that it’s safe to use.
Cons
- The paint may not adhere well to certain types of leather.
- It may require multiple coats to achieve the desired finish.
- The paint may crack or peel over time.
We recently tried out this paint set, and we were impressed by its quality and versatility. The paint glides on smoothly and dries quickly, making it perfect for those who want to complete a project quickly. The metallic colors are vibrant and eye-catching, and they add a touch of glamour to any pair of shoes.
One thing to keep in mind is that the paint may not adhere well to certain types of leather, so it’s important to test it out on a small area first. Additionally, it may require multiple coats to achieve the desired finish, so be prepared to spend some time on the project.
Overall, we think that the Angelus Metallic Leather Paint 1oz 5 Color Set is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to give their shoes a new look. It’s easy to use, versatile, and produces high-quality results. If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality leather paint set, then this one is definitely worth considering.
Angelus Leather Dye
If you’re looking for a permanent, flexible, and durable leather dye, then Angelus Leather Dye is the perfect solution for you.
Pros
- The most pigmented dye on the market today
- Durable and won’t crack, peel, or chip
- Easily applied using many different methods
Cons
- May not work well on suede or nubuck leather
- May require multiple coats for darker colors
- May need to purchase preparer and deglazer for better results
We recently used Angelus Leather Dye to restore an old leather purse, and we were impressed with the results. The dye penetrated deep into the leather, providing a rich and permanent color. We used a paint brush to apply the dye, but it can also be applied using a dye pen, airbrush, sponge, rag, or wool dauber applicator (included in package).
One of the best things about Angelus Leather Dye is that it is alcohol-based and not water-based, making it more permanent and durable. We were also impressed with the range of colors available, with over 39 colors to choose from, you can be sure to pick your exact match.
However, we did find that it may not work well on suede or nubuck leather, and it may require multiple coats for darker colors. We also recommend purchasing preparer and deglazer to take the top finish off for better results.
Overall, we highly recommend Angelus Leather Dye for anyone looking to restore or customize their leather goods. It’s made in the USA and has been a trusted brand for over 100 years.
Wilkins Premium Midsole Marker for Customization Paint on Leather, Suede, Fabric and Soft Foam for 2-4 Pair of Shoes (Black)
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to customize your shoes, Wilkins Premium Midsole Marker is the perfect solution.
Pros
- The acrylic-based paint is specially formulated for tidying up marks and blemishes on your shoe midsole, making it look like new again.
- The durable, flexible, and waterproof paint layer ensures that your shoes look great for a long time.
- The natural matte finishing color shade is the same as the original midsole, making it look like it’s part of the shoe.
Cons
- It may take a few coats to get the desired coverage.
- The paint may not adhere well to certain materials.
- The tip may dry out if not used frequently.
We recently used Wilkins Premium Midsole Marker to customize a pair of shoes, and we were impressed with the results. The 3-in-1 head nib made it easy to apply the paint to every detail, and the 6.5mm tip with pump action system provided optimum flow control, ensuring that there was no leftover paint or mess after application.
The paint dried quickly and provided a natural matte finishing color shade that blended in perfectly with the original midsole. We found that the paint was durable, flexible, and waterproof, ensuring that our shoes looked great for a long time.
However, we did find that it took a few coats to get the desired coverage, and the paint didn’t adhere well to certain materials. Additionally, the tip may dry out if not used frequently, so it’s important to keep the cap on when not in use.
Overall, we would highly recommend Wilkins Premium Midsole Marker for anyone looking for an affordable and effective way to customize their shoes. It’s easy to use, provides great results, and is a great way to breathe new life into old shoes.
Angelus Leather Paint Finisher
If you want a simple product to seal in your leather artwork, then Angelus Leather Paint Finisher is a great option. It provides a semi to high gloss top finish to smooth leather. The product cleans up with soap and water but will not rub off, crack, peel or streak once dry. It is great when used over different finishes where a uniform finish is desired. The product applies simply with just a rag, sponge, wool, spray gun or brush.
Pros
- Provides a semi to high gloss top finish to smooth leather.
- Cleans up with soap and water but will not rub off, crack, peel or streak once dry.
- Applies simply with just a rag, sponge, wool, spray gun or brush.
Cons
- May leave a shinier finish than desired.
- Can be tacky when wet.
- May require extra ventilation due to strong fumes.
We highly recommend Angelus Leather Paint Finisher for anyone looking for a simple and easy-to-use product to seal in their leather artwork. The finish provides a great semi to high gloss shine, and the product is easy to apply with a variety of tools. However, be aware that the finish may be shinier than desired and may be tacky when wet. It is also important to use extra ventilation due to the strong fumes.
Overall, we have had a positive experience with Angelus Leather Paint Finisher and believe it is a great option for anyone looking to add a professional-looking finish to their leather projects.
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint 4oz White
We highly recommend Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint for anyone looking to give their leather goods a new life.
Pros
- Perfect for any smooth leather goods
- Quick drying and flexible
- Water-based formula for easy clean up
Cons
- May require multiple coats for full coverage
- Can be difficult to get an even finish
- May crack or peel if not applied properly
We used Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint to customize a pair of leather sneakers and were extremely impressed with the results. The paint dried quickly and was flexible, so there was no cracking or peeling. We also appreciated the water-based formula, which made clean up a breeze.
One thing to note is that it may take multiple coats to achieve full coverage, especially if you are covering a darker color with a lighter one. It can also be a bit difficult to get an even finish, so we recommend taking your time and using a light touch.
Overall, we were very happy with the results and would definitely use Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint again for future projects.
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint 1oz Black
If you’re looking for a reliable leather paint that’s perfect for any smooth leather goods, then Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is a great choice.
Pros
- The paint is quick drying, flexible, and won’t crack or peel.
- It has a water-based formula that’s easy to clean up with soap and water.
- Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is perfect for any leather surface, not just shoes.
Cons
- The paint may require multiple coats for full coverage.
- It may not work as well on suede or nubuck leather.
- Some users have reported issues with the paint rubbing off after a period of use.
We recently tried Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint on a pair of leather sneakers that had seen better days. The paint was easy to apply and dried quickly, leaving a nice, even coat. We were impressed with how flexible the paint was, even after it had dried. We were also pleased with how easy it was to clean up any spills or mistakes with soap and water.
Overall, we think Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is a great choice for anyone looking to customize or restore their leather goods. With almost 200 colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect shade for your project. And with over 100 years of experience in the shoe and leather care industry, you can trust that Angelus is a brand that knows what they’re doing.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best leather paint for shoes, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors you should keep in mind:
Color Options
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a leather paint is the range of colors available. Look for a product that offers a broad spectrum of colors so that you can match your shoes to any outfit or occasion.
Durability
The durability of the paint is another crucial factor to consider. You want a product that will stand up to everyday wear and tear, as well as exposure to water, sunlight, and other elements. Look for a paint that is specifically designed for leather and offers long-lasting protection.
Ease of Use
You don’t want to spend hours trying to apply a complicated leather paint formula. Look for a product that is easy to use and comes with clear instructions. Ideally, the paint should be easy to apply with a brush or sponge, and should dry quickly.
Coverage
The amount of coverage you need will depend on the size and condition of your shoes. Look for a paint that offers good coverage with just one or two coats, and that can be layered for more intense color.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the leather paint. While you don’t necessarily want to choose the cheapest option, you also don’t want to overspend on a product that doesn’t deliver the results you’re looking for. Look for a product that offers good value for money and fits within your budget.
Overall, when choosing the best leather paint for shoes, consider the color options, durability, ease of use, coverage, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a product that will help you transform your tired old shoes into stylish, like-new footwear.
