Dying leather shoes. Does it ever work well?

[MrsLettuce]

Just got two pairs of unworn, leather, second hand mary janes that fit me like a dream. 40 euros in total. One pair are black (with 110 euro price sticker still attached) and one pair is a pale beige.

I'm not a 'nude shoe' kind of woman, really not at all. But, no way was turning my nose up at cheap, good quality, well fitting footwear - it's a rare thing. I have very, very, wide feet with a slim heel

So, yeah, I'd like to dye the beige pair. Ideally a mustardy yellow. Is there actually any chance of it working well though? Would rather not fuck them up entirely. I've never tried but I've dyed a few dresses in my time and that usually involves a lot of faff with seams, zips and trims.

WWYD?

It does work, but it's a massive faff. You have to remove all the coatings from the leather, dye & buff, dye & buff again ... If they're worth an investment, you could take them to be done professionally. If you're not that bothered about your dye job lasting, just follow the instructions on the bottle and be aware it will come off.

Personally, I'd wear 'em as is, but I find beige shoes quite useful.

Thank you!

I don't mind a faff if the result is good, just CBA if they are going to look crappy. Sound like it might be worth the cost and effort though.

I've found my yellow bag (which is now verging on Just Too Tatty) really, really handy over the years, was surprised to find that it goes with most things. Can take an outfit from Meh to Fuck Yeah. TBH I started lusting after yellow shoes years ago but I doubt a pair has ever been made that'd fit me!

Heel and sole are beige and not leather, I think that should work with yellow - any opinions? Might have to get DP to do a quick photoshop job for me...

Sounds like...

I dyed my pale coloured ankle boots black and it worked brilliantly. There was no faff of any kind: just made sure they were clean and then painted them as per the instructions. They're nubuck, so not sure if that makes a difference. I've worn them a few times since and none of the dye came off

I got some shoe dye from the shoe and boot menders and it was faff free. Dye them two or three times for a non patchy finish.

Ooh, excellent. I shall risk it!