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How to Tie Dye Crocs: Easy Shaving Cream Tutorial

the finished DIY dyed crocs on the table with the title "tie dye crocs"
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I have been wanting to make my own tie dye Crocs for a while, but after researching how to do it, all I found was dip dyeing or hydro dyeing with spray paint. While the hydro-dyed Crocs look cool at first, spray paint gets expensive, has age restrictions, and eventually chips off as the shoe bends and moves.

So I created a way to truly dye the Crocs so you don’t have to worry about chipped paint! The only thing to know is that Crocs are made of a unique type of plastic that resists dye. The results turn out as soft, muted pastels. It is a super easy method to make permanent pastel tie dye Crocs.

By the way, this exact same shaving cream technique works to dye disc golf discs! If you want to dye canvas shoes instead, check out my tutorial on how to make tie dye shoes. These would also look adorable paired with some matching tie dye socks, sweatshirt, shorts, and shirts.

You can also use code ABCRAFTY for 20% off all things tie-dye at Jacquard. If you make your own pair, tag me on Instagram @ab.crafty!

Table of Contents

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finished diy dyed crocs in the top photo and holding one of them in the bottom photo with the title "tie dye crocs"

Why Use Synthetic Dye Instead of Hydro Dipping?

Crocs are made out of a flexible, closed-cell resin foam called Croslite.

When people hydro-dip Crocs, they float spray paint on top of water and dip the shoe in. The spray paint sits as a layer on top of the plastic. Even if you spray a clear sealant over the paint, the shoe flexes every single time you take a step. That constant bending forces the paint to detach, creating ripples, cracks, and peeling over time.

By using a synthetic dye such as Jacquard’s iDye Poly, the color actually penetrates the plastic surface itself. The finished colors are soft pastels, but they’re completely permanent and won’t ever chip or peel off.

Materials to Make DIY Pastel Tie Dye Crocs

The key to dyeing Crocs is using dye specific to synthetic material. The most common brands are Jacquard iDye Poly (get it here for 20% off using code ABCRAFTY) and Rit DyeMore Synthetic (Amazon or Michael’s).  I prefer iDye Poly powder because you can control the intensity and add water, either works. (If you use Rit, do not add water.)

  • White Crocs (link to adult sizes)
  • Acetone or Nail Polish Remover (Amazon)
  • Paper Towels
  • Shaving Cream
  • iDye Poly (get it 20% off with code ABCRAFTY from Jacquard or find it on Amazon) Use one color or multiple – I used purple, green, blue, and turquoise
  • Cups for Each Color
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Water
  • Latex Gloves (Amazon)
  • Swirling Tool (popsicle stick, back of spoon, etc)

Note: Even though I used both blue and turquoise iDye Poly, I didn’t see much of a difference between them so if you want a blue, I recommend using just the blue.

By the way, you can absolutely mix the colors to make new ones!

Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs (Best Sellers), White, 9 Men/11 Women6%
Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs (Best Sellers), White, 9 Men/11 Women
$49.99
SuperNail Pure Acetone, 4 Fl Oz Nail Polisher Remover, Lightly Scented
SuperNail Pure Acetone, 4 Fl Oz Nail Polisher Remover, Lightly Scented
Jacquard iDye Poly Blue 0.05 pounds - For Synthetic Fibers like Polyester and Nylon, Fabric Dye
Jacquard iDye Poly Blue 0.05 pounds - For Synthetic Fibers like Polyester and Nylon, Fabric Dye
Dre Health Medium Clear Vinyl Medical Exam Gloves - Pack of 10020%
Dre Health Medium Clear Vinyl Medical Exam Gloves - Pack of 100
$9.98 ($0.10 / Count)

How to Tie Dye Crocs (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prep the Crocs with Acetone

Wiping down the shoes isn’t strictly mandatory, but it removes dirt, oils, and factory coatings so the dye penetrates as vividly as possible.

1. Remove the back straps from both Crocs. These are the ones I used.

2. Pour acetone onto a paper towel and wipe down every exterior surface of the Crocs and straps.

3. Note: Wear gloves while handling acetone, but be aware that acetone can break down or melt thin plastic gloves. 

rubbing acetone onto crocs with the straps off

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Step 2: Mix the Synthetic Dye and Shaving Cream

1. Squirt a small amount of shaving cream into individual cups for each color you want to use. 

spraying shaving cream into a paper cup

2. Sprinkle a pinch of iDye Poly powder into each cup. (this is the green I’m using) – don’t forget to save 20% by using code ABCRAFTY.

Tip: After opening your dye packets, store each opened packet inside a Ziploc bag along with the cardboard label. Synthetic dye powders look extremely dark in powder form, so keeping the label inside helps you identify colors later!

shaking green idye poly into a cup with shaving cream

3. Add a few drops of water to make the mixture creamy and easier to swirl, then mix thoroughly.

4. Repeat the process for with each color of dye you want to use. This is the blue and this is the purple I used.

pouring water into a cup with shaving cream and green idye poly dye

Step 3: Create the Shaving Cream Dye Bed

1. In a large bowl, add a generous amount of shaving cream and mix in water a little bit at a time until you reach a smooth, creamy texture (similar to whipped meringue). 

pouring water into a bowl with shaving cream

2. Lay down sheets of plastic wrap on your table, overlapping layers so the sheet is larger than the shoe. 

3. Spread the plain shaving cream mixture onto the plastic wrap in a rectangle roughly the size of one Croc.

spreading shaving cream and water mixture into a rectangle on plastic wrap

4. Drop dots, lines, and blobs of your mixed colored dyes across the shaving cream bed. 

dropping green dyed shaving cream onto plain shaving cream with blue, purple, and green dye and shaving cream

5. Use a popsicle stick or marker end to drag swirls and patterns through the dye and shaving cream.

using the back of a pen to draw a line through swirls in shaving cream with drops of blue, purple, and green dyed shaving cream

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Step 4: Apply Dye to the Crocs and Straps

1. Flip one Croc upside down and press it face down into the swirling shaving cream bed.

putting a white croc into a rectangle of shaving cream with blue, purple, and green shaving cream swirled throughout

2. Pull the edges of the plastic wrap up around the sides of the shoe, removing air pockets so the dye touches the plastic everywhere.

pulling up the plastic to the sides of a white croc with shaving cream with blue, purple, and green shaving cream swirled throughout

3. Lay another piece of plastic wrap over the top, wrap it tightly, and smoosh the shaving cream around to cover all outer surfaces. 

placing another piece of plastic around the croc wrapped in shaving cream and dye

4. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the second Croc.

squishing the outside of a croc wrapped in plastic filled with shaving cream and dye

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5. To dye the straps, make a smaller shaving cream bed, lay both straps down side-by-side, wrap tightly, and smoosh. 

both croc straps in a rectangle of shaving cream and dye
both crocs straps wrapped in plastic filled with shaving cream and dye

Step 5: Set, Rinse, and Reveal

1. Leave the wrapped Crocs undisturbed to set for at least 6 hours (a full 24 hours is best for maximum color absorption).

2. Unwrap the plastic and rinse off all shaving cream and excess dye under warm running water until clean. 

3. Your permanent pastel tie dye Crocs are ready to wear!

Tip on Using Heat: Synthetic dyes generally bond better with heat. While I didn’t use heat on mine and still got great pastel results, placing the wrapped shoes in a warm, sunny spot can help deepen the color transfer. Just be careful not to apply excessive heat (like a hot oven or high hairdryer setting), as high temperatures risk shrinking Croslite plastic!

 

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holding both finished DIY pastel tie dye crocs

I always have a preference when I make two of something, and this one is my favorite. Something about the green spot on the front.

holding one of the pastel tie dye crocs with blue, green, and purple swirls

And I actually love how the bottom of the tie dye Crocs turned out. I get the sense the bottoms are made out of a different material since they turned out more vibrant than the rest.

showing the bottom of the blue, purple, and green tie dye croc

If you make your own pair of tie dye Crocs, I would absolutely love to see them! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @ab.crafty.

the finished pastel tie dye crocs on the table

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tie Dye Crocs

Which Crocs are Best to Tie Dye?

White Crocs are the best choice because they allow the muted pastel shades to pop as brightly as possible. You can dye any style, including classic clogs, sandals, or platform Crocs.

Why Didn't You Hydro Dip the Crocs?

Hydro dipping applies a thin layer of spray paint over the shoe. Because Crocs flex and bend continuously as you walk, spray paint can’t maintain a flexible bond. Over time, the paint ripples, cracks, and peels off. This shaving cream method truly dyes the plastic so the color won’t chip.

Why Can't I Use Regular Tie Dye Dyes to Make Tie Dye Crocs?

Standard tie dye kits  contain fiber-reactive dyes designed strictly for natural cellulose fibers such as cotton, linen, or rayon. Because Crocs are made of synthetic foam plastic, standard dye won’t bond and will rinse completely down the drain. Synthetic dyes such as Jacquard iDye Poly or Rit DyeMore are required.

I like to use iDye Poly – you can get it here for 20% off with the code ABCRAFTY

More Tie Dye Projects

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finished diy dyed crocs in the top photo and holding one of them in the bottom photo with the title "tie dye crocs"

DIY Pastel Tie Dye Crocs

Learn how to make custom pastel tie dye Crocs at home using synthetic dye and shaving cream for permanent colors that won't chip!
Yield 1 Pair of Tie Dye Crocs
Print Pin Share Tweet
Project Time 30 minutes
Setting Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 30 minutes

Materials
  

  • White Crocs
  • Acetone
  • Paper Towel
  • Shaving Cream
  • iDye Poly Dye One or multiple colors
  • Cups for Each Color
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Water
  • Latex Gloves

Equipment

  • Bowl

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crocs

  • Remove the straps from the Crocs and wipe everything with acetone using the paper towel.
    White Crocs, Acetone, Paper Towel, Latex Gloves
    rubbing acetone onto crocs with the straps off

Prepare the Dyes

  • Add some shaving cream into a cup and sprinkle in some of one of the dyes.
    Shaving Cream, Cups for Each Color, iDye Poly Dye
    shaking green idye poly into a cup with shaving cream
  • Add a little bit of water to make the mixture creamier and easier to work with.
    Water
    pouring water into a cup with shaving cream and green idye poly dye

Dye the Crocs

  • Put a bunch of shaving cream into a bowl. Then mix in some water a little bit at a time until you get a creamy texture.
    Shaving Cream, Water
    pouring water into a bowl with shaving cream
  • Place plastic wrap on the table. Spread the shaving cream mixture onto the plastic.
    Plastic Wrap
    spreading shaving cream and water mixture into a rectangle on plastic wrap
  • Take each of the dyes and drop dots, lines, swirls, or whatever else you'd like across the shaving cream.
    dropping green dyed shaving cream onto plain shaving cream with blue, purple, and green dye and shaving cream
  • Draw swirls and lines through the shaving cream and dye.
    using the back of a pen to draw a line through swirls in shaving cream with drops of blue, purple, and green dyed shaving cream
  • Place one of the Crocs face down into the shaving cream and dye mixture.
    White Crocs
    putting a white croc into a rectangle of shaving cream with blue, purple, and green shaving cream swirled throughout
  • Lift the sides of the plastic up and around the shoe. Make sure the dye completely touches the shoe.
    pulling up the plastic to the sides of a white croc with shaving cream with blue, purple, and green shaving cream swirled throughout
  • Wrap the plastic all around and then grab another piece of plastic to cover the opening.
    placing another piece of plastic around the croc wrapped in shaving cream and dye
  • Smoosh the shaving cream all around the Croc so that the dye gets everywhere.
    Repeat the process with the other shoe.
    squishing the outside of a croc wrapped in plastic filled with shaving cream and dye

Dye the Straps

  • Repeat the process for the straps.
    both croc straps in a rectangle of shaving cream and dye

Set and Wash

  • Leave everything to set for at least 6 hours, but a full day is best just to make sure.
    Then rinse off the dye and shaving cream and they're ready to wear!
    the finished pastel tie dye crocs on the table
Keyword Accessory, Crocs, Pastel, Shoes, Tie Dye
Picture of Daniela Kretchmer

Daniela Kretchmer

Daniela is a lifelong crafter who loves to share her passion for crafting. Through classes or learning on her own, she likes to say she'll do pretty much any craft aside from scrapbooking. Her current personal obsessions include garden crafts, felting, and spinning yarn.

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