Okay, so today I’m gonna share my little project: pink and grey Vans. It’s nothin’ fancy, just a fun way to spice up some old shoes.

The Starting Point: Beater Vans
First things first, I grabbed my old grey Vans. They were lookin’ kinda sad, you know? Worn out, faded… perfect for a makeover! I figured if I messed up, no biggie, they were already on their last legs.
Gathering Supplies: Pink is the Word
Next, I went to the craft store. My mission: pink fabric dye. I wanted a nice, vibrant pink, nothin’ too pastel. I also snagged some masking tape and a couple of cheap paintbrushes. Oh, and don’t forget some rubber gloves! Trust me, you don’t want pink hands for a week.
Prep Work: Taping Time

This part was kinda tedious. I carefully taped off the areas I didn’t want to dye pink. Basically, I wanted to keep the soles and some of the grey trim untouched. Good masking is key, otherwise you will end up with paint on places you don’t want.
Dye Time: Dipping and Hoping
- I followed the instructions on the fabric dye. Usually, it involves mixing the dye with hot water. I used an old plastic container for this.
- Then, I carefully dipped the front part of the Vans into the dye, making sure to get even coverage. It was a bit messy, gotta admit.
- I let them soak for the recommended time, checkin’ the color every now and then.
Rinsing and Drying: The Waiting Game
After the soaking, I rinsed the Vans under cold water until the water ran clear. This is important to get rid of all the excess dye. Then, I stuffed them with paper towels to help them keep their shape and let them air dry for like, two days. Patience is a virtue, folks.
The Reveal: Not Bad!

Once they were completely dry, I peeled off the masking tape. And… not bad! The pink was vibrant, the grey was still grey. There were a few little spots where the dye bled under the tape, but nothing too noticeable. It kinda added to the “custom” look, if you know what I mean. Adds character!
Finishing Touches: Laces and Love
I swapped out the old grey laces for some fresh white ones. Made a huge difference! And that was it. My pink and grey Vans were born!
Lessons Learned: Next Time…
If I were to do it again, I’d probably invest in some better masking tape. And maybe practice my dipping technique a bit more. But overall, I’m happy with how they turned out. A cheap and easy way to give some old shoes a new life. Give it a try!
