Best Acrylic Paint For Shoes

Do you know you can conquer the world with good shoes? Shoes can reveal much about you, from your style and personality to your creativity.

In many ways, shoes are like the paint that fills the canvas of your personality.

You can make them stand out by treating them as the canvas. Whether you want to personalize your shoes or inject new life into an old chafing pair, acrylic shoe paint can help.

But with so many acrylic paints on the market, how can you pick the best paint for shoes?

Painting shoes is my second nature. Let me hold your hand and show you the best acrylic shoe paint to make your effort worthwhile. 

Here are the best shoe paints on the market you could use to get the results you’re looking for.

Best Acrylic Paint For Shoes

1. Crafts 4 All Fabric Paint Set – Best for acrylic shoes
2. ANGELUS LEATHER PAINT SET– Best for leather shoes
3. Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set – Best for nike shoes
4. 4 NEON NIGHTS FABRIC PAINT SET – Best for fashion shoes
5. Uni Poca PaintMarket set – Best for canvas shoes
6. Krylon ColorMaster Gloss Paint + Primer – Best for rubber shoes
7. MONEYSWORTH & BEST BRILLO COLOR SPRAY Paint – Best color spray
8. Midnight Glo UV Blacklight Reactive Paint Set – Best for different types of shoes
9. Magicfly Soft Fabric Paint – Best permanent fabric paint for shoes

Review of the best paints for shoes

Unleash your inner artist and breathe new life into your kicks with the perfect paint.

We’ll delve into a meticulous review of the best shoe paints, considering vibrancy, durability, and ease of application.

1. Crafts 4 All Fabric Paint Set

Crafts 4 All Fabric Paints are made with high-quality materials that ensure longevity and durability.

They have a smooth and creamy consistency. So they are easy to apply on various surfaces. 

I use them on canvas, t-shirts, sneakers, and other surfaces. The colors are vibrant and long-lasting, so your projects will look great for a long time.

I love them because they are versatile. I used them to put my son’s name on his backpack when I was a beginner.

I let them dry overnight, and I was pleased with the results. The only thing that disappointed me a little bit was the consistency in the tube openings.

It was not that great, as some great colors flow faster than others. 

I highly recommend practicing on a scrap piece or old clothing to be on the safe side.

Other than that, the possibilities are limitless with these paints. They’re the best paints on most surfaces as they’re non-toxic, fade-resistant, and long-lasting.

What I liked About the Paints

• Excellent variety as you have twenty-four colors to choose from
• versatility- You can use them to decorate anything
• Permanent- your designs will stay on your fabric for a long time
• The set includes 3D paints to add an extra dimension to your designs.
• Brushes are included in the packing, meaning you don’t incur additional costs on brushes, saving you a few dollars.

What I Didn’t Like

• The paints produce a strong odor-  work in a well-ventilated area.
• They take some time to dry, which can be frustrating if you’re hurrying to finish your project.

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2. ANGELUS LEATHER PAINT SET

If you want to customize your leather shoes or paint sneakers, the Angelus Leather Paint Starter Kit Set of 12 1 Ounce Bottles is an excellent investment.

The high-quality paint is easy to use and is available in a wide color range. I used it to create custom leather shoes, jackets, and bag designs. 

I effortlessly transformed my old leather items into new and unique pieces, and I couldn’t be happier. 

I opted for this set as it contained everything I needed to get started.

This kit comes with everything you need to get started, including 12 paints, a brush, and a mixing jar. You don’t need to buy additional supplies separately.

Have you ever bought something and felt like you just wasted your hard-earned cash? It won’t be the case with this leather paint.

It is a high-quality paint that will not crack, peel or rub off your leather goods.

On top of that, it is easy to apply and gives excellent results even if you are a novice painter.

What I Liked About the Paint

• It has vibrant colors and a smooth texture
• They do not chip easily
• Superb for custom designs and shoes
• What Could Be Improved
• It dries quickly- You need to work faster and put the paint on your palette before painting. 

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3. Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set

The Liquitex Basic Acrylic Paint could be a great way to paint kids’ shoes without breaking the bank.

You get a wide range of high-quality acrylic paints at a reasonable price.

I love this product for two reasons. One of the unique properties why Liquitex basics acrylic paint is good is the number of colors it includes.

It contains 48 different colors, giving you a lot of color options to choose from.

So, if you’re unhappy with one, skip it and find another gorgeous color to work with. The colors are also mixable, creating unique shades and hues.

In addition, the size of the tubes is unique. At 22ml (0.74-oz) each, these tubes are larger than many other acrylic paint sets on the market.

This means you’ll have more paint and won’t have to worry about your color running out before finishing your project. 

Nonetheless, I noticed that the paint was sometimes becoming clumpy, depending on the weather, and I came across almost half-full tubes.

It didn’t bother me much because the containers were big enough. So, the full ones made up for the half-full ones. 

What I Liked About the Product

• Availability different opacities
• The tubes are big and give you color variety to use for a project
• Easy to blend
• They’re ideal for multiple surfaces such as fabric, canvas, etc 

What I Didn’t Like

• Some tubes need to be filled.
• Paint could clump sometimes.

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4. 4 NEON NIGHTS FABRIC PAINT SET

Buying this product could be wise if you are a youngster and want a trendy look.

This is your product if you need shoe paint that can glow under UV, black, or daylight. It will make you stand out at the Halloween party.

I love this product because it can be used on all fabrics to create a lasting impression.

It is the best paint for painting shoes because it can stick appropriately on canvas, cloth, vinyl shoes, t-shirts, acrylic, and other fabrics. 

Wear clothes you do not mind ruining when painting, as you can not see the paint on your pricey cloth until you are in black light.

Please note that paint consistency differs. Some are thin, and others have thick textures. You can thin the clumpy ones with water to get your desired consistency.

Also, note that not all colors will glow in the dark. 

You must place them under a black light to work as needed. Use them for splatter paint on fabric and t-shirts; you will fancy the results as I did.

The colors that will glow are yellow, orange, and green. The others that won’t glow are blue and purple. Note that the glow will last for about fifteen minutes.

What I liked About the Product

• Most colors glow under UV light.
• You can use it on different surfaces
• It’s reasonably priced so that most people can afford it

What I didn’t LIke

• Some colors are clumpy hence challenging to work with
• Not all colors glow as one would expect

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5. Uni Poca PaintMarket set

One of the best ways to customize fabric and canvas shoes is by using paint markers.

They last longer than common markers, meaning that your shoes will look phenomenal for a long time.

I love using these paint pens as they enable me to add intricate designs to shoes and fabric mediums. 

One brand of paint markers that stands out is Uni Poca. These markers are multi-surface and waterproof and don’t bleed through the material.

So you can create detailed designs without worrying about smudging or bleeding. 

However, I’d still recommended using a sealant for added protection against fading and stains.

With Uni Poca markers, you can let your creativity run wild and create unique designs that showcase your style.

Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color or create intricate patterns, these paint markers are a great tool to have on hand for any shoe customization project.

The only downside with these pen markers is that you can’t mix them to create your dream color like standard colors.

So, if you want to mix colors to create specific hues, they might not be your go-to product. 

What I liked About the Product

• Almost odorless
• They’re waterproof
• They don’t bleed

What I Didn’t Like

• Can’t mix to make a new color
• Pricey if you’re operating on a shoestring budget.

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6. Krylon ColorMaster Gloss Paint + Primer

Try this product if you’re looking for shoe paint to give your whole shoe a fresh,  vibrant look.

It gives your shoes a durable finish. The spray paint is resistant to chipping, peeling, and fading.

This means your shoes will remain vibrant emerald-green for a long time. 

You can use it on various surfaces, including wood, metal, and plastic.

This means you can also use it on different shoes, such as leather, canvas, or even rubber, allowing you to create a cohesive look across your shoe collection.

I love this product because of its record drying time, meaning that you can apply multiple coats quickly and get professional results.

However, wait for the first coat to dry before applying a top coat.

I’ve almost finished two cans of this fantastic product and will buy more. It is simple to use.

It does not produce an upsetting odor. So, you can paint your shoes indoors without wearing protective clothing.

Krylon is the particular brand I recommend if you need to prevent your ornamental garden items from fading like I occasionally do.

Just make sure to follow the instructions thoroughly. Before using this product, ensure the humidity and outdoor temperature are low enough.

Shake the can for two minutes before and frequently throughout each application.

What I liked About the Product

• It dries easily
• It is effortless to apply
• It doesn’t produce an upsetting odor
• You can use it on multiple surfaces

What I Didn’t Like 

• It leaves a lot of fume residue -covering everything. 

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7. MONEYSWORTH & BEST BRILLO COLOR SPRAY Paint

I had a great experience with the Moneysworth & Best Brillo Nu-Life Leather/Vinyl/Plastic Color Renew Spray.

I was skeptical about spray paint on my shoes, but I wanted to try something that worked faster and could make them look brand new again.

This product exceeded my expectations. The spray was easy to apply and dried more quickly than expected.

The color was vibrant and did not rub off even after frequent use.

I was also impressed with its ability to resist soil, stains, and water, making my shoes look great for an extended period despite the weather.

I spot-tested the product in a hidden shoe part to see if I liked the colors. I then cleaned my leather sas and shoes and sprayed them with this color.

I also used a foamy pledge to spread the product on the above items and wipe it off.

They looked brand new. The unwanted marks were wiped off effortlessly, and my skin had no color transfer.

You could use it on a pulse that won’t accept ordinary paint. It will give you superb coverage, and you’ll use your beloved pulse again. 

It is also ideal for an old leather sofa with fading color spots. Three light coats will be all you need to give them a new lease of life.

You’ll be amazed at the coverage, color match, and versatility.

What I Liked About the Product

• Ease of use
• Versatility
• Superb coverage

What I Didn’t Like

• It left a film I had to clean afterward to avoid damaging the fabric

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8. Midnight Glo UV Blacklight Reactive Paint Set

The Midnight Glo UV Blacklight Reactive Paint Set is the perfect solution for anyone looking to add a pop of color to their art. It could be an ideal gift for friends and family.

The package contains eight fluorescent colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and white.

So, you’ll have a wide range of colors to work with,  even if you are picky.

The paint is blacklight reactive, making it superb for parties, festivals, or any other occasion where you want to stand out.

With this paint set, you can create stunning, bold designs to impress the crowd.  It is non-toxic, so you can use it without worrying about the safety of kids and pets.

I used it for sign-making, and it worked like a charm. Please note that purple, blue, and white colors won’t glow under the backlight, but the others will.

You can always have options with this product. Try it on your Halloween pumpkin, place it in your backyard, and scare some people.

Be sure to put it under a black light to let your creativity come to life.

What I Liked About the Product

• Works as marketed
• It gives you intense colors
• You can use it on most surfaces, including shoes

What I Didn’t Like

• You need to apply several coats to cover a project fully

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9. Magicfly Soft Fabric Paint

This could be your product if you need a suitable gift for DIY enthusiasts on Christmas or other holidays.

It is professionally wrapped in an exquisite colored box, making it look expensive even if it is relatively affordable.

The set includes 14 bottles of permanent fabric paint in various vintage, neon, and metallic colors.

It also has three brushes to help you paint shoes in your dream color without incurring an additional cost when buying a  brush.

In addition, the paint is machine washable, making it convenient and practical for creating designs on cloth shoes that need to be washed regularly.

The good news is that this fabric paint set is soft and flexible, making it ideal for a durable design that won’t crack or peel off after repeated washing.

This paint is better than oil paints for transforming boring plain t-shirts, jeans, bags, and canvas into unique durable masterpieces because it is available in various colors, giving you color options.

So, If you do not like a particular color, you move on to the next effortlessly.

Besides, No heating is needed so you can finish your project quickly and faster.

Also, you can apply the paint on other textured surfaces such as walls, glass, paper, wood, and all other DIY projects.

What I liked About the Product

• It is a superior fabric paint
• It’s not runny
• The colors come out beautifully.

What I Didn’t Like

• Getting them out of the bottle can be challenging, but they have unbeatable quality.

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Best Acrylic Paint For Shoes Comparison Table

Tips For Using  Shoe Paint

Using paint to change the look of your shoes can be fun and exciting. It can also be pricey and daunting if you do it wrongly and ruin your shoes.

Follow these tips to help you paint shoes with acrylic effectively

1. Prep the shoes

Preparing your shoes before painting is essential to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts longer.

Here are the steps to prepare your shoes for painting:

• Clean the shoes thoroughly using a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any dirt or grime.

• If there are any scuff marks or scratches on the shoes, use sandpaper or a fine-grit sanding block to smooth the surface.

• Remove the laces and other accessories from the shoes to avoid getting paint on them.

• Apply a deglazed or rubbing alcohol to the shoes to remove any remaining dirt or oils. This will also help to strip off any factory finish or coatings that may interfere with paint adhesion.

• Let the shoes dry completely before applying the paint. Use a fan or hair dryer on the fantastic setting to speed up the drying process.

• You’re ready to start painting once your shoes are clean, dry, and free of any factory coatings!

2. Choose the right paint:

It is crucial to use the appropriate paint specifically designed for shoes.

Acrylic paints are a popular choice because they are durable and can be used on various surfaces.

3. Use a base coat

Applying a base coat to help the paint adhere better to your shoes’ surface.

Use a light-colored base coat if you want to paint a light color or a dark-colored base coat if you want to paint a dark color.

4. Apply thin layers

It’s better to apply multiple thin layers of paint than one thick layer. This will help prevent the color from cracking or peeling off over time.

Factors to Consider When Buying Paint for Shoes

You don’t walk to a nearby paint shop or order any paint for shoes. You may be disappointed if you follow that path.

Have these factors in mind when shopping for the best shoe paint

Material 

When selecting paint for custom shoes, examining the material your shoes are made from is critical. Each material has unique qualities that need special paint.

While acrylic paint is suitable for most surfaces, using a paint designed expressly for the textile medium of your shoes can yield better results.

Shoes could be made of leather surface, canvas, or fabric. 

Types of paint

Consider the type of paint you buy for your shoes, as not all paints are created equal.

Different paints have different properties. There are four types of paints you could use on your shoes.

1. Leather paint

Leather paint is designed for use on leather shoes and other leather products. It is flexible.

So, it moves with the leather as it flexes. That’s why it hardly cracks or peels over time.

High-quality leather paints are water-resistant, therefore protecting your shoes from water damage.

The paint is easy to apply with a brush or sponge, making it an excellent option for DIY shoe projects.

2. Spray paints

Acrylic spray paints are a popular choice for shoes because they dry faster, like water-based paints, and are water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. Some spray paints work on leather, fabric, and rubber.

You can use glow-in-the-dark spray paints to create shoes that light up in the dark, ideal for nighttime events.

Using spray paint is a great way to change your shoes’ color for the new season.

Unlike ordinary dyes, spray paint stays only shoes’ surface. So, you can easily strip it and repaint your shoes.

3. Fabric paints

Use fabric paint on silk, linen, cotton, and synthetic materials. You could also use it on accessories, shoes, and home décor items.

Use it to add designs or logos to t-shirts, hats, or bags. It is also excellent for restoring faded or stained upholstery or drapery.

4. Acrylic paints 

Here’s when to use acrylic paint

• Acrylic paints are suitable for simple  DIY shoe projects, such as adding patterns to canvas sneakers or customizing plain white sneakers.

• Light use: They work well for shoes primarily used for fashion purposes rather than for heavy usage or athletic activities.

• When you are touching up small areas, such as adding details on shoes

• When you’re painting canvas, fabric, or suede shoes.
• When you need an affordable option to upgrade and customize your shoes as they are cheaper than other shoe paints. 

You pay attention to the type of paint you can use on your shoes for the reasons below.

Appearance: Some paints have a matte finish, while others have a glossy finish. Choosing the right finish will help you achieve the look you want.

Adhesion: Some types of paint adhere to certain materials more than others.

Acrylic paint works well on leather but may only adhere well to fabric if the fabric is primed and sealed.

On the other hand, fabric paint is explicitly designed for textiles but will also adhere well to most materials.

Read also: How to remove acrylic paint from shoes

FAQS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcHn5Yb25pU

Final thoughts on the best shoe paint 

The best shoe paint depends on the type of shoes, the intended use, and the desired finish.

Use leather or acrylic paints mixed with a flexible medium on leather shoes.

For fabrics, go for fabric paints or acrylic paints mixed with a fabric medium.

Clean your shoes thoroughly and wait for them to dry before applying paint. Apply the paint in thin coats and seal them when you finish.