10 Best Fabric Paint For Shoes In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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Table of Contents

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint READ REVIEW Runner Up: OPHIR Acrylic Airbrush Paint READ REVIEW Best Color Selection: U.S. Art Supply 24 Color Acrylic Airbrush READ REVIEW Best No Heating Set: Magicfly Permanent Soft Fabric Paint Set READ REVIEW Best User-Friendly: Tulip 10 Color Dimensional Paint, 10 Pack, Multicolor READ REVIEW Best Spray Paint: U.S. Art Supply 12 Color Acrylic Transparent Colors READ REVIEW Best UV Fabric Paint: Photochromic UV Fabric & Airbrush Paint READ REVIEW Best Pigmented: COLORFUL Fabric Paint Set READ REVIEW Best Professional-Grade: Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set READ REVIEW Best for Kids: Acro Color Acrylic Leather Paint for Shoe READ REVIEW

1. Best Overall: OPHIR Acrylic Airbrush Paint

Why We Think It's Great

• 24 BOTTLES IN A SET: You will never run out of color options to experiment with different designs and styles.
• WIDE VARIETY OF COLORS: Offers endless possibilities for customizing shoes and other fabrics.  
• NON-TOXIC: Allows you to paint shoes without worrying about harmful chemicals.
• BRIGHT COLORS: Provides vibrant and intense hues, perfect for creating eye-catching designs. 
• QUICK DRY: Makes it easy to work with and allows you to finish your projects in a short time.

What We Don't Like

• Requires dilution
• A bit more expensive than other similar products

What Our Editors Say

“We like this product because of the sufficient number of bottles included in the set, providing an extensive range of colors to choose from. Imagine a 24 bottles color palette; with each bottle containing a different shade, you can create endless possibilities for customizing shoes and other fabrics.

We also love that the paint is non-toxic, which makes it safe to use and perfect for projects that come in contact with skin. The bright and vibrant colors thrill us whenever we use these shoe paints to customize our shoes. It's amazing to see the transformation of a plain white sneaker into a one-of-a-kind work of art.”

2. Runner Up: DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint

Why We Think It's Great

• WIDELY USED: Allow you to use it on different surfaces such as wood, fabric, ceramics, and more.
• GREAT COLOR SELECTION: You can easily match any color scheme or create unique designs. 
• STICKS WELL: Ensures that your finished project will have a smooth and even finish without the risk of the paint chipping, peeling, or flaking off. 
• PIGMENTED: Ensures that your finished project will have a vibrant color that will not fade or lose its intensity over time.

What We Don't Like

• Requires thinning 

What Our Experts Say

According to Mark from ParentalQueries, "I've been an avid DIYer for years and have used fabric paint on almost everything. My most recent project was using the best fabric paint for shoes to give my old sneakers a new life. After trying out a few different brands, I found that the DecoArt Americana line of paints worked the best.

They didn't smudge or rub off, and the colors were still vibrant after wearing them for a couple of weeks. The vibrant colors and washable, non-toxic formula made it easy to achieve my desired look. Plus, it was incredibly durable and stayed looking great even after multiple wears and washes."

3. Best Color Selection: U.S. Art Supply 24 Color Acrylic Airbrush

Why We Think It's Great

• WIDE RANGE OF COLOR OPTIONS: Includes 24 vibrant and true-to-color shades that allow for a wide range of creative possibilities.
• NO THINNING REQUIRED: Eliminates the need for additional preparation and saves time and effort.
• NO HARSH ODOR: This makes it a great option for people who are sensitive to strong odors or have respiratory issues.
• VERSATILE: It works well on various surfaces, including fabric, paper, and canvas.

What We Don't Like

• Duplicated colors
• Not for beginners

What Buyers Say

"I am very happy with the quality. I am able to paint right out of the bottle with no modification. I have not had any clogs, and the paint goes smoothly with vibrant colors. There is also a great color choice, so this paint will last me a long time.

While it comes with cleaner, it does go fast. If you are new to airbrushing, be sure to purchase cleaner. Overall I am very happy and would purchase again."

4. Best No Heating Set: Magicfly Permanent Soft Fabric Paint Set

Why We Think It's Great

• EASY TO USE: With no heat, this paint set is easy for both beginners and experienced crafters. 
• STAYS VIBRANT: Ensures your designs remain bright and beautiful even after multiple washes.
• SEMI TRANSPARENT: Allow you to use it on synthetic and natural fabrics.
• MANY COLOR SELECTIONS: It makes it easy to match the color of your fabric.
• VIVID COLORS: Highly pigmented and vibrant, providing a rich and long-lasting finish.

What We Don't Like

• Looks and feels rubbery after dry
• It may not work with darker fabrics

What Our Experts Say

As stated by Heather Welch, the Resource Manager at Ukulele Tabs, it can be tough to choose a good fabric paint for shoes. I've used a couple of different ones before and find that some just do not cut - especially when it comes to shows or fabrics that are not "conventional" or "traditional."

I only recently discovered a brand known as Magicfly and decided to try their metallic fabric paint. It's definitely worth it. You don't need to heat the paint, and it's really permanent - even washing the shoes afterward does not cause the paint to come. Off." 

5. Best User-Friendly: Tulip 10 Color Dimensional Paint, 10 Pack, Multicolor

Why We Think It's Great

• FOR CRAFTERS OF ALL SKILL LEVELS: Perfect for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
• EASY TO DISPENSE: Makes it easy to control the amount of paint dispensed, ensuring a clean and precise application.
• CRACK RESISTANT: This makes it ideal for fabrics that will be stretched or moved often.
• BRIGHT COLORS: Provides a bold and vibrant finish.
• NO DUPLICATE COLORS: Ensures you have a wide range of options to choose from.

What We Don't Like

• Takes too long to dry
• Bottles are not as big as similar products

What Our Editors Say

“When choosing the best paint for fabric, we first look for ease of use. Finding out the bottles are easy to dispense made us happy, as it allowed us to apply the paint smoothly and evenly without any mess or fuss.

The easy squeeze bottle made it easy to control the amount of paint being applied, allowing for more precise coverage. The result was a professional-looking paint job that exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use paint solution that delivers great results.”

6. Best Spray Paint: U.S. Art Supply 12 Color Acrylic Transparent Colors

Why We Think It's Great

• SAFE TO USE: It conforms to ASTM D-4236 safety standards, making it safe for adults and children.
• WORKS ON MOST MIXED MEDIA: You can use it with any surface, including fabric, paper, and canvas, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities.
• WATER-BASED: Makes it easy to clean up and maintain, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals or solvents.
• PROFESSIONAL-GRADE: Provides high-quality, consistent results, making them a great choice for both professional artists and hobbyists.

What We Don't Like

• Requires a little thinning
• Requires knowledge about mixing

What Buyers Say

"I just started using an airbrush and didn't know what brand to buy, but after reading the reviews, I'd try them. The variety of colors is greatly purchased, both primary and secondary. After using them, they work great, the cover we'll dry quickly, and most of all don't need to use a reducer; just shake the paint, add it to the airbrush, and away you go."

7. Best UV Fabric Paint: Photochromic UV Fabric & Airbrush Paint

Why We Think It's Great

• WATER RESISTANT: Ensures a long-lasting finish on your shoes.
• COLOR CHANGING PAINT: Allows the color of the shoes to change in response to different temperatures or lighting conditions.
• INCLUDED 6 LARGE BOTTLES: Allow you to create a wide range of colorful designs and projects.
• GREAT VERSATILITY: Works for various surfaces, including shoes, wood, paper, and canvases.
• WATER-BASED: These paints are water-based, making them easy to clean up and safe for use on most surfaces.

What We Don't Like

• A bit sticky, making it hard to apply when using cotton

What Our Editors Say

“This product made us feel young again. The color-changing feature brings us joy whenever we go for outdoor activities. The water-resistant feature is also a plus, as we don't need to worry about the paint fading when exposed to rain.

The long-lasting finish ensures the shoes will maintain their look and function for a long time. Overall, we highly recommend this product to anyone who likes transforming their shoes to the next level!”

8. Best Pigmented: COLORFUL Fabric Paint Set

Why We Think It's Great

• EXCELLENT CONSISTENCY: Gives precise and smooth coverage. 
• COLOR STAYS BRIGHT: Provides a long-lasting vibrant color even when exposed to elements.
• QUICK DRY: You can move on to your project's next step without waiting for long hours.
• WIDE APPLICATIONS: Makes its perfect for DIYers.
• WATER PROOF PAINT: Protect shoes from water and moisture, which can cause discoloration, staining, and damage to the fabric

What We Don't Like

• A little bit patchy 
• The tubes could be bigger.

What Buyers Say

"This is an amazing fabric paint set. It includes six different sizes of brushes, twelve colors, and one palette. The colors are vibrant and do not fade after wash."

9. Best Professional-Grade: Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set

Why We Think It's Great

• ARRAY OF COLORS: With a pack of 24 tubes, you'll never run out of color options, making it perfect for transforming your shoes to a new level. 
• EASY TO BLEND: Minimizes mistakes and allows for smooth and seamless application. 
• CAN BE USED FOR VARIOUS SURFACES: Allows you to use it on various surfaces, including leather and cloth, making it perfect for all shoe customization projects. 
• BEGINNER-FRIENDLY: Makes it easy for anyone to use, even those who are new to shoe customization. 
• CREAMY AND RICH COLOR: Provides a vibrant color, resulting in a professional-grade finish.

What We Don't Like

• Some colors are different from what should be in the package.
• The tubes are not full all the way.

What Our Editors Say

"We love these fabric paints because we can use them easily. Unlike any other similar products that are watery, this one has a creamy consistency that makes it easy to blend. The vibrant colors are also a huge plus, allowing us to be more creative.

We also love that we can use them on various surfaces, including leather and cloth. Whether we're adding some personality to our everyday sneakers or creating a one-of-a-kind pair for a special occasion, this set has done it all.”

10. Best for Kids: Acro Color Acrylic Leather Paint for Shoe

Why We Think It's Great

• MANY COLOR OPTIONS: You can choose from primary colors to more advanced shades such as beige and hot pink.
• KIDS CAN USE: Allow you to do other chores instead of supervising your kids when painting their shoes. 
• BOLD AND THICK COLORS: Allow you to get vibrant and bold results.
• ACRYLIC FINISHER: Provides added durability and protection to your shoe paint.
• SUITS ANY SURFACE: Allow you to use them on fabric and leather items.

What We Don’t Like

• The tubes could be larger.

What Our Editors Say

“This product gives us so much joy because, aside from the array of colors available in the set, it brings us peace of mind knowing that our kids can use these paints safely. This was beneficial to us, as we didn't have to babysit while they were painting their shoes.

We also love this shoe paint set because we can paint almost all kinds of shoes in our house without having issues with compatibility. The paint sticks to any surface, from fabric to leather. However, we find out that the paint easily peels off when it is incorrectly applied. We solved that by ensuring the surface was clean and dry before applying the paint.”

Final Verdict

After thorough research, it is clear that OPHIR Acrylic Airbrush Paint is the best overall choice for fabric paint for shoes. This paint is widely used, allowing you to use it on different surfaces such as wood, fabric, ceramics, and more. This makes it versatile and suitable for different projects.

Aside from its excellent versatility and high quality, it also stands out from its rival because of its comprehensive package of 24 bottles in a set. This gives you a wide variety of color options to experiment with different designs and styles. The quick-drying formula of the paint also makes it easy to work with and helps you finish your projects in a short time.

Best Fabric Paint For Shoe Buying Guide

When it comes to fabric paint for shoes, you should consider a few factors before making your purchase. Here are some of the important ones:

• Quality of the Paint

The first and most important factor to look for in fabric paint is quality. High-quality fabric paint will be less likely to fade, crack, or peel over time, so your shoes will maintain their look and function for longer.

Also, high-quality paint will be more resistant to water, which means that the paint will not come off or fade when the shoes are exposed to water. This is especially important if you plan to wear the shoes in wet conditions. Lastly, high-quality paint will also provide a smooth finish, giving your shoes a professional look. 

• Range of Colors

A wide range of colors will give you more options and flexibility when customizing your shoes. For example, if you want to add a pop of color to your shoes, it's important to have many options to choose from.

In addition, if you plan on creating a specific design or pattern, having many colors at hand will allow you to create a more intricate and detailed design. 

• Versatility

Before buying fabric paint, check if the fabric paint is suitable for different shoes and fabrics. This will give you more flexibility when customizing your shoes, as you won't have to limit yourself to certain types of shoes or fabrics.

Additionally, versatile fabric paint will also be suitable for indoor and outdoor use, which means you can use it to customize shoes for different occasions and purposes. This will save you time and money as you won't have to buy multiple types of paint for different projects.

• Safe to Use

You need to find a fabric paint for shoes that is safe to use because some paints may contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation or other health problems. Using paint that is not safe for use on fabrics can damage your shoes and make them less durable.

To determine if fabric paint is safe, check the product label for information about its ingredients and any warnings or precautions. It would be helpful to look for fabric paints specifically designed for shoes and labeled as safe for use on fabrics.

• Type of Paints

It is also important to consider the types of fabric paint for shoes because they have different properties and are suitable for different projects. Each type of paint has advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right one is essential to achieve the desired results.

1. Water-based acrylic paint: It is a water-based paint that is easy to use, dries quickly, and is available in many colors. It is suitable for canvas shoes, leather, and synthetic materials. It is easy to clean and can be thinned with water to create a transparent effect.
2. Fabric dye: Fabric dye is used to change the fabric's color. It can be used to create a variety of effects and is available in a wide range of colors. However, it may not be as durable as some other types of paint.
3. Fabric markers: These are pens filled with fabric paint and used to create fine lines and detailed designs. It is suitable for leather, fabric, and canvas shoes.
4. Fabric spray paint: This shoe paint is sprayed onto fabric and is available in many colors. It dries quickly and can be used to create a variety of effects. However, it may not be as precise as other types of paint. It can also be used for leather, rubber, fabric, and canvas shoes.

Fabric Paint for Shoes FAQ

What type of paint should I use for painting my own shoes?

Acrylic paints are a great option for painting shoes. They are water-based, easy to use, and dry quickly. They are also suitable with many surfaces, canvas, leather, and synthetic materials.

Is spray paint good for shoes?

Spray paint can provide quick and even coverage on shoes, and it can be used to create a variety of effects. However, It can be difficult to achieve precision and control with spray paint, and it can be challenging to paint intricate designs or patterns.

It's also important to remember that some spray paints contain chemicals that can damage or weaken the fabric of the shoes, so it's best to choose a spray paint formulated for use on fabrics. 

Is fabric shoe paint exclusively for fabric only?

Fabric paint is primarily designed for use on fabric materials, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and canvas. However, some fabric shoe paints can be used on other surfaces, such as rubber and leather shoes.

The key is to check the product information and the manufacturer's recommendations, as some fabric paints may not be suitable for certain surfaces. Some fabric paint may not be flexible enough for rubber shoes and may not adhere well to leather or synthetic materials.

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