How to Get Sharpie off Shoes: Step-By-Step Guide
Have you ever caught yourself panicking and desperately looking for ways how to eradicate Sharpie stains on the most favorite shoes? Don't worry, removing Sharpie off shoes it's not as difficult as it would appear. We'll show you how to get rid of those tough stains without causing any damage to your shoes in this comprehensive tutorial.
While you're at it, why not look into Vessi's waterproof sneakers that are both fashionable and easy to maintain? Vessi shoes are a must-have for everyone who appreciates both functionality and style because of its 100% waterproof construction, breathability, and lightweight comfort.
But if you’ve found yourself with Sharpie marks on your Vessis (or any other shoes), this step-by-step guide will help you restore them to their former glory.
How to Remove Sharpie Stains off Shoes
Sharpies are among the global bestselling and widely used permanent markers. It is also its main attribute as a permanent marker – Sharpies write on and do not fade away from almost all types of surfaces.
It is very hard to remove Sharpie ink from any type of shoes and though it can be done, it takes a while. But it is not a tough task to erase the stains if you want to clean your favorite pair. Well, how do you eliminate dried Sharpie marks on various kinds of shoes?
1. Rubber shoes
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Image Credit: thespruce.com
Erasing sharpie stains from rubber shoes might be quite challenging, however, doing that successfully is not impossible by use of adequate tools and procedures. Now I will show you how it is possible to remove those Sharpie stains off your rubber shoes.
Materials needed
To remove Sharpie stains off rubber shoes, you will need the following materials:
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Rubbing alcohol
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Cotton balls or swabs
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Baking soda
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Water
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A clean, dry cloth
Methods for removing Sharpie stains off rubber shoes
a) Using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works well for removing Sharpie stains from rubber shoes. Here's how to use it:
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Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or swab.
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Rub the cotton ball or swab onto the Sharpie stain. Rub gently but firmly, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Once you cover the entire stain, use a clean, dry cloth to remove excess rubbing alcohol.
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Repeat steps 1-3 until you completely remove the Sharpie stain.
b) Use baking soda
Baking soda is another useful way to remove Sharpie stains from rubber shoes. Here's how to use it:
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Mix equal parts of water and baking soda to form a paste.
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Apply the paste to the Sharpie stain on your rubber shoes.
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Rub the paste onto the stain using a clean cloth or toothbrush. Be gentle but firm, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Rinse the shoe with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
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Repeat steps 2-4 until the Sharpie stain is gone completely.
2. Leather shoes
Every person who-ever has owned leather shoes knows just how challenging it is to maintain them so that they always look shiny and new. Leather shoes are very commonplace for individuals to wear and regrettably, Sharpie marks easily set in these shoes. Erasing Sharpie stains off leather shoes is quite tricky since leather fabric is quite sensitive.
Here's how to remove sharpie stains off leather shoes:
Materials needed
To remove Sharpie stains off leather shoes, you will need the following materials:
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Rubbing alcohol
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Cotton balls or swabs
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Leather cleaner
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Leather conditioner
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Sunscreen (preferably with a high SPF rating)
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Magic eraser
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Dishwasher soap
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Water
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A clean, dry cloth
Methods for removing Sharpie stains off leather shoes
a) Using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another efficacious way to remove Sharpie stains from leather shoes. Here's how to use it:
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Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or swab.
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Rub the cotton ball or swab onto the Sharpie stain. Rub gently but firmly, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Once you've covered the entire stain, use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess rubbing alcohol.
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Repeat steps 1-3 until you remove the Sharpie stain completely.
b) Using leather cleaner
Leather cleaner is another method to remove Sharpie stains from leather shoes. Here's how to use it:
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Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean, dry cloth.
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Rub the cloth onto the Sharpie stain. Rub gently but firmly, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Once you've covered the entire stain, use a dry cloth to remove the excess leather cleaner.
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Repeat steps 1-3 until the Sharpie stain is gone completely.
c) Using leather conditioner
Leather conditioner is a great option for removing Sharpie stains off leather shoes while conditioning the leather. Here's how to use it:
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Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean, dry cloth.
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Rub the cloth onto the Sharpie stain. Rub gently but firmly, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Once you cover the entire stain, use a clean, dry cloth to remove the excess leather conditioner.
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Repeat steps 1-3 until you fully remove the Sharpie stain.
d) Sunscreen
Sometimes sunscreen serves as a shield that safeguards our skin against the scorching sun, the same product can be used to get rid of Sharpie stains on our leather shoes. This method is most suitable in repairing lighter shades of leather.
Here's how to use sunscreen to remove Sharpie stains from leather shoes:
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Apply a pea-sized amount of sunscreen onto the Sharpie stain.
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Rub the sunscreen directly onto the Sharpie stain with a cotton ball or swab. Rub gently but firmly, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Once you cover the entire stain, let the sunscreen sit on the stained area for a few minutes.
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Rinse the stained area with warm water and dishwasher soap.
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Use a clean, dry cloth to remove the sunscreen.
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Repeat steps 1-4 until you completely remove the Sharpie stain.
e) Using a magic eraser

Image Credit: hunker.com
One of the most effective means for eliminating a permanent marker stain on genuine leather or fabric shoes is a magic eraser. You should consider using a magic eraser if you get permanent marker ink mark on areas that include leather and fabric sections.
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Wet the magic eraser by running a clean sponge under cool water and then squeeze any excess water.
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Use circular motions to gently rub the Sharpie ink marker stain using gentle but firm pressure. Do not rub too hard to avoid lifting the coloring of the leather.
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Rinse the stained area with water and mild soap using a clean cloth.
3. Plastic shoes
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Image Credit: bhg.com
Non-slip shoes are made of ordinary plastics which are cheap, water-resistant, and easy to clean but are not good with Sharpie marks. Using Sharpie on plastic shoes is a crazy idea but removing it can be a difficult task, however, you know what to do. The following guide explains how to get Sharpie stains out of plastic shoes.
Materials needed
To remove Sharpie stains off plastic shoes, you will need the following materials:
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Rubbing alcohol
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Cotton balls or swabs
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Nail polish remover
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A clean, dry cloth
Methods for removing Sharpie stains off plastic shoes
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Image Credit: realsimple.com
Of the aforementioned methods of eradicating permanent marker stains from plastic shoes, one of the taken is writing over the permanent markings using a non-permanent dry-erase marker. The solvent in the permanent marker removes the permanent ink labels and by using the clean cloth or a tissue, youcan wash away the stains from the marker.
If the mentioned method involving the use of a dry-erase marker doesn’t prove effective, then there are many other ways of trying to eliminate the marker stain. They include:
a) Using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is another proper method for removing Sharpie stains off plastic shoes. Here's how to use it:
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Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball or swab.
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Rub the cotton ball or swab onto the Sharpie stain. Rub gently but firmly, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Once you cover the entire stain, use a clean, dry cloth to remove excess rubbing alcohol.
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Repeat steps 1-3 until you completely remove the Sharpie stain.
B) Using nail polish remover
Nail polish remover is another reliable way to remove Sharpie stains from plastic shoes. Here's how to use it:
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Pour a small amount of nail polish remover onto a cotton ball or swab.
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Rub the cotton ball or swab onto the Sharpie stain. Rub gently but firmly, making sure to cover the entire stain.
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Once you cover the entire stain, use a clean cloth to remove excess nail polish remover.
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Repeat steps 1-3 until you can no longer see the Sharpie stain.
Tips and Tricks for Removing Sharpie Marks
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Image Credit: realsimple.com
When it comes to erasing sharpie mark off shoes, there are tips which you could maybe try. Learning the right techniques to apply and mistakes to avoid will let you be confident that you can erase any permanent marker stain off any shoe material without causing any more harm.
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Before applying the care products to your shoes, first look at the shoe labels to ensure you are not harming the material of the shoe. If there are no instructions, consult the instructions on the fabric to know the right way of cleaning stains.
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Do not let the sharpie marks to stay for a long time before erasing instead try to erase them when they are still wet. In the case where you are unable to treat your material right away the recommended course of action is to wash it with cold water so that the Sharpie ink does not seep deeper into your shoe.
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Like with any cosmetic fix, you should test on a small area of your shoe before trying any removal method.
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Also, do not scrub the affected area with a sharpie because it only transfers the sharper ink into the fabric of shoes. However, place the stained part facing down in clean cloths or paper and attempt to remove the stain starting from the underside.
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When using removal methods such as an acetone nail polish remover or WD-40, ensure you work in a well-ventilated area.
Why Vessi Shoes Are the Best Option for Lives That Are Often Messy
Let's be honest: life is messy. Whether you're running after children, enjoying the great outdoors, or just getting by on a wet day, your shoes will inevitably get a few stains. In this situation, Vessi shoes excel.
Vessi footwear is designed to be completely waterproof and is built to withstand spills, splashes, and even Sharpie markings. They are ideal for all-day wear due to their lightweight design and breathable knit material, which guarantees your feet stay comfy. With options available for both men and women, it is also possible to combine fashion and functionality.
And the best part? Cleaning Vessi shoes is easy. Whether you have Sharpie stains, dirt, or coffee spills, a short wipe or light scrape can return them to their original condition.
Conclusion on How to Get Sharpie off Shoes

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Sharpie stains do not have to be the end of your shoes' existence. Even the worst ink stains may be removed in a few simple steps. Remember to verify the materials of your shoes and apply the proper cleaning technique.
While you're at it, try upgrading to Vessi's waterproof shoes to prevent having trouble wiping sharpie stains later. Vessi's shoes, with their elegant designs, comfort, and water-resistant technology, are ideal for people looking for both style and utility.