Can leather shoes be dyed?

fairy_lights

I've got a pair of cherry red Dr Martens, as lovely as they are I think I'd wear them more if they were a less vibrant colour and have been thinking about dying them black or dark brown. Would this even be possible? Would it work with Dylon?
They're ankle boots, not the lace-up type and made of a more porous looking leather than the shiny stuff the classic ones are made form, if that makes a difference.

allybee101

Hmm, can't say I've ever tried Dylon, but you can achieve some colour change with shoe polish. I've used navy polish on a pair of mid blue shoes which has slightly darkened the colour - sufficient for my needs. I think you would have to apply multiple times to see a significant change.

meritaten

it depends on if the leather has been 'treated'. could you buy a bottle and try it on the tongue part? this is usually hidden by the laces - so if it doesn't work it isn't a disaster. if the dye 'takes' alright then go ahead and do them. make sure you buy enough dye though.

madnotstupid

You can buy paint on leather dye for shoes, also worked on a pair of suede effect walking boots I had. ebay?

JIL

I was given a lovely pair of shoes by my sister in law. She didn't like the gold colour. I bought a shoe dye and brushed it on and turned them dark grey. A few months later she was admiring my shoes when I had to confess they were once hers!!
I would think if you are not wearing them now because of the colour, you have nothing to lose.
I use brown leather shoe dye to touch up scuffs on my sofa. It works fine.