How to Dye Leather Birkenstocks with Tarrago Shoe Cream | Step-by-Step Recoloring Guide

Originally posted September 2019.
Updated October 2025.

how to change the color of leather birkenstocks

How to Recolor or Refresh Leather Birkenstocks with Tarrago Shoe Cream

Have you ever wished your Birkenstocks came in the perfect shade of red, blue, or even emerald green?  I know I have.  That’s why I decided to take matters (and Tarrago Shoe Cream) into my own hands and dye my leather Birkenstock Seres sandals myself.  In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to recolor or refresh your leather Birkenstocks — safely, easily, and without ruining that signature Birkenstock comfort.  Whether you’re restoring old sandals or creating a custom color, this DIY project proves that a little shoe cream can go a long way in transforming your favorite pair.

Family Birkenstock Styles: Classic, Camo, and Custom Red Seres

Three generations of style, one shared love for comfort — our family Birkenstock lineup featuring camo Arizonas, classic black with socks, and my DIY red leather Seres colored with Tarrago Shoe Cream.

Turning Brown Birkenstock Seres into Bold Red Beauties

Last weekend, I shared a photo on social media that stopped my Birkenstock friends in their tracks — a gorgeous pair of red Birkenstock Seres sandals. My inbox exploded with messages asking where I found them.  The truth?  I didn’t find them... I colored them myself!

If you’re familiar with the Birkenstock Seres, you already know they were only released in brown and black leather, which never quite matched my colorful California vibe.  So, I decided to change that.  Using Tarrago Shoe Cream,  I transformed my neutral Seres into a rich, vibrant red that looks straight from the Birkenstock factory (but better).

Longtime readers of I Love Birkenstocks know this isn’t my first DIY adventure — I’ve been “blinging out” my Birks for years (remember my Birkenstock Diva project?).  Tarrago Shoe Cream has become my go-to for recoloring leather Birkenstocks because it’s affordable, comes in tons of shades, dries quickly, and delivers deep, even color with minimal effort.  And using color cream is a heck of a lot less of a mess than what I experienced when dyeing Birkenstocks in my earlier project — How to Dye Leather Birkenstocks.

Tarrago Shoe Cream Color Chart from their webpage  for Leather Birkenstocks 

As of 2019 Tarrago Shoe Cream offers dozens of rich, highly pigmented shades — perfect for customizing or recoloring your leather Birkenstocks. Whether you want a bold red, classic brown, or soft neutral tone, there’s a color for every Birkenstock lover. Photo: Tarrago.

Choosing the Perfect Color for Your Leather Birkenstocks

My goal was to transform my brown leather Birkenstock Seres into a rich, deep burgundy — something bold but timeless.  I pulled out my DIY toolbox and lined up three different shades of red Tarrago Shoe Cream, ready to test which hue would bring my dream color to life.  Each shade promised a slightly different finish, from cherry red to wine-toned leather perfection.

Tarrago Shoe Cream in Morello Cherry — My Pick for Dyeing Leather Birkenstocks

My winning shade: Tarrago Shoe Cream in Morello Cherry (#56). This deep red hue gave my brown leather Birkenstock Seres the rich burgundy finish I was dreaming of. It’s vibrant, easy to apply, and delivers that perfect “fresh-from-the-factory” look.

Testing the Perfect Shade for My DIY Birkenstock Makeover

Before committing to a color, I tested each shade of Tarrago Shoe Cream on the underside of my Birkenstock Seres leather straps and let them fully dry.  From my past Birkenstock dyeing projects, I knew that the final color always dries a shade or two darker — especially on a brown leather base. Sampling the colors first gave me a true sense of how each red would look once set. After comparing all three, the Morello Cherry shade (#56) stood out as the perfect deep, burgundy red to bring my custom leather Birkenstocks to life.

What You’ll Need to Dye or Recolor Leather Birkenstocks

Before you start your DIY Birkenstock recoloring project, gather your supplies to keep the process clean, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need to dye or refresh your leather Birkenstocks using Tarrago Shoe Cream:

✅ Items Needed:

• Birkenstocks (leather only) – Do not use on Birko-Flor or synthetic materials.
• Cotton balls or swabs – Perfect for testing color or cleaning edges.
• Non-acetone nail polish remover – Helps deglaze the leather and remove the factory finish.
• Colored shoe cream (like Tarrago Shoe Cream) – Choose your desired shade.
• Application brush – Use a small, even-width brush for precise color coverage.
• Soft rag or cloth – To wipe off any excess color cream.
• Paper towels – Protect the cork footbed from accidental drips or stains.
• Masking tape – Keep the dye off unwanted areas like the edges or soles.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Dye Leather Birkenstocks with Tarrago Shoe CreaM

✅ Step 1: Protect the Footbeds
Cover the cork footbeds of your Birkenstocks with a few layers of paper towels before you begin. This keeps any accidental drips or splashes from staining the footbed during the coloring process.​

Preparing Birkenstocks for Dyeing — Protecting Footbeds with Paper Towels

Before applying Tarrago Shoe Cream, I covered the Birkenstock footbeds with a few layers of paper towels to catch any accidental drips. This simple step keeps the cork clean and mess-free — a must for any DIY Birkenstock recoloring project.

✅ Step 2: Prep and Deglaze the Leather
Use a cotton ball or swab dipped in non-acetone nail polish remover (I recommend Angelus Professional Leather Preparer & Deglazer) to gently wipe down the uppers. This removes the factory finish and helps the new color absorb evenly into the leather.

Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer & Cotton Balls — Essential Step Before Dyeing Birkenstocks

A leather preparer should be used before color cream application.

✅ Step 3: Let the Leather Dry
Allow the straps to air-dry completely before moving on. This usually takes several minutes, but patience pays off—wet leather won’t hold color evenly.

✅ Step 4: Tape Off the Straps
Apply masking tape to the back side of each leather strap to prevent color from bleeding through or staining areas you don’t want to dye.​

Using Masking Tape to Protect Birkenstock Straps During DIY Recoloring

To keep things neat, I used masking tape on the back of the Birkenstock leather straps before applying Tarrago Shoe Cream. This step helps prevent unwanted color transfer or staining on areas that shouldn’t be dyed — a small detail that makes a big difference in achieving a clean, professional finish.

✅ Step 5: Apply the First Coat of Tarrago Shoe Cream
Once the leather is dry, use a thin brush (ideally the same width as the straps) to apply your first coat of Tarrago Shoe Cream to the top and sides of the straps. Avoid coloring the underside—it can transfer color when worn. Allow each coat to dry fully for about 5–10 minutes before applying the next layer.​

Applying Tarrago Shoe Cream with the Right Brush for Birkenstock Recoloring

Always use the correct brush size when applying Tarrago Shoe Cream to your leather Birkenstocks. A small, flat brush gives you better control for coating straps evenly and prevents color from bleeding onto unwanted areas. Precision is key to a flawless Birkenstock DIY makeover.

✅ Step 6: Build Up the Color
Continue applying thin coats until you achieve your desired shade. On my Birkenstock Seres, it took about three to four coats of the Morello Cherry cream to get that deep, rich burgundy finish.

✅ Step 7: Trust the Process
Don’t panic if the first coat looks uneven or lighter than expected! This DIY project takes time. Remember — the color deepens and evens out as it dries and layers build up.

✅ Step 8: Be Patient
Don’t get freaked out when the first coat does not give you the color for which you aim.  This is a process and takes time.  It may take several coats.

⚠️ Pro Tip:
You can’t make leather lighter with shoe cream — only darker.  If you’re after a lighter color transformation, use Angelus Leather Paint instead and follow my step-by-step guide in “Bespoke Birkenstock”. ​

How to Seal and Protect Dyed Leather Birkenstocks

Once you’ve finished coloring your Birkenstock straps, you might notice a few stray drips or smudges on the footbed or soles — it happens to the best of us! Don’t panic. Cleaning up is simple: just dab a cotton ball soaked in non-acetone nail polish remover onto any unwanted color marks. The Tarrago Shoe Cream will lift right off, leaving your Birkenstocks looking flawless.


After cleaning, let your leather Birkenstock sandals dry completely for at least 24 hours. This gives the color time to fully cure before sealing.  To lock in your hard work, apply a Suede and Nubuck leather protector or a conditioning balm. I personally love Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam because it does double duty — it seals in the rich Morello Cherry color, protects against fading or scratches, and softens the leather straps for that perfect, broken-in feel.

Before and After: My Red Birkenstock Seres Transformation

Here’s the proof that a little Tarrago Shoe Cream can make a big impact! Below are the before and after photos of my Birkenstock Seres sandals — once a basic brown leather pair, now a bold, custom red-burgundy masterpiece. The color turned out smooth, rich, and evenly coated, giving my sandals a fresh “just out of the box” look while still keeping that signature Birkenstock comfort.


Whether you’re restoring worn leather or personalizing your favorite pair, this DIY project shows just how easy it is to recolor Birkenstocks at home and create a unique style that’s 100% you.

Before: Brown Leather Birkenstock Seres Sandals Ready for a DIY Color Makeover

Before the transformation — my well-loved brown leather Birkenstock Seres sandals in their original state. These comfy classics were the perfect canvas for my DIY Tarrago Shoe Cream recoloring project, turning them into bold red beauties.

After: Red Leather Birkenstock Seres Sandals Dyed with Tarrago Shoe Cream

After the makeover — my once-brown Birkenstock Seres sandals transformed into stunning red beauties using Tarrago Shoe Cream in Morello Cherry (#56). The color turned out rich, smooth, and perfectly even — proof that recoloring leather Birkenstocks at home can look factory fresh.

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Recoloring My Birkenstock Seres: 2025 Update: From Brown to RED

Nearly six years after I first transformed my brown leather Birkenstock Seres into a deep, custom cherry red, I’m still rocking them! In this short video, you’ll see how the color has aged beautifully over time, how the leather has softened, and why these sandals continue to deliver that unbeatable Birkenstock comfort and craftsmanship.

If you’ve ever wondered how DIY recolored Birkenstocks hold up years later — this is your proof that Tarrago Shoe Cream and Birkenstock quality are the perfect match.

Watch the Youtube Video: Recoloring My Birkenstock Seres — The 2025 Update

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The Final Results — Bold Red Birkenstocks in Under an Hour

From start to finish, the entire Birkenstock recoloring process took less than an hour — and cleanup was a total breeze.  Using Tarrago Shoe Cream made it easy to transform my plain brown Birkenstock Seres sandals into a vibrant red showstopper that looks professionally finished.  The color applied smoothly, dried evenly, and left the leather soft and supple without sacrificing that signature Birkenstock comfort.


I couldn’t be happier with how my custom red Birkenstocks turned out — they’re bold, beautiful, and uniquely Gina Mama.  Now, if only Birkenstock would take the hint and start releasing more of their classic styles in fun, colorful shades beyond brown and black... (hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge, nudge!) 😉

Red Leather Birkenstock Seres — Instagram Poll Results After DIY Recoloring

The results are in! After recoloring my Birkenstock Seres sandals from brown to red with Tarrago Shoe Cream in Morello Cherry (#56), 76% of my Instagram followers voted YES — they love the red better than the original brown. Looks like bold color wins every time!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dyeing or Recoloring Birkenstocks

Q: Can you dye or paint leather Birkenstocks?
A: Absolutely! You can use Tarrago Shoe Cream for recoloring or Angelus Leather Paint for lighter or custom shades.  For a full painting guide, read DIY Painted Birkenstocks: How to Paint Leather Birkenstocks.

Q: What’s the difference between painting and dyeing Birkenstocks?
A: Dyeing with Tarrago Shoe Cream penetrates the leather for a rich, natural color, while painting creates a surface finish with more control over lighter or metallic tones.  I compare both in How to Dye Leather Birkenstocks.
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Q: How do I protect my dyed Birkenstocks so the color lasts?
A: After recoloring, seal the leather with Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam or a Suede & Nubuck Protector.  For full care tips, check out How to Break In Your Birkenstocks and How to Care for Birkenstocks.

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Related Reads: How to Break In, Clean, and Customize Your Birkenstocks

If this project inspired you, there’s a whole world of Birkenstock care and customization tips waiting for you. Dive into my other guides below — they cover everything from deep-cleaning to creative makeovers:

• How to Break In Your Birkenstocks – My tried-and-true routine to soften straps, shape the footbed, and get that perfect broken-in feel fast.
• How to Care for Your Birkenstocks – A full maintenance guide for every material: leather, suede, nubuck, Birko-Flor, and EVA. Plus, learn how to protect cork and revive tired footbeds.
• How to Clean White Sole Birkenstocks – A quick and easy 15-minute method using household products to restore bright, clean soles.
• How to Break In Leather Birkenstock Straps – Learn my favorite tricks for loosening stiff straps with coconut oil, gentle sanding, and my signature “sock hack.”
• How to Clean Nubuck Uppers – Keep your nubuck sandals looking soft and smooth with simple tools like brushes, erasers, and protectant sprays.
• How to Clean Birkenstocks with Birko Flor Uppers – Discover why Birko Flor is the ultimate easy-care material and how to keep it spotless in seconds.
• How to Dye Leather Birkenstocks – My DIY transformation story: from dull metallic Arizonas to rich red showstoppers using professional leather dye.
• How to Fix Squeaky Leather Solovair Derby Boots – A little bonus project! I share how I silenced my Solovairs while keeping that comfy Birkenstock feel inside.
• How to Break In Dr. Martens, the Birkenstock Way – My crossover experiment comparing two cult classics — and how Birkenstock tricks saved my feet from blister city.
  
  

👉 Whether you’re restoring, recoloring, or reviving your sandals, these posts are filled with real-life experiments and step-by-step tutorials to help you make your Birkenstocks last for years.

If you prefer to watch instead of read, check out my Videos Page — I walk you through Birkenstock care, break-in, and styling tips on camera!

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Brown Leather Birkenstock Seres Sandals — Follow me on Instagram @ilovebirkenstocks to see the video and watch these sandals in action!

My well-loved brown leather Birkenstock Seres sandals — proof that comfort never goes out of style. □ These beauties have carried me through countless days (and dog walks). You didn't think I painted my only pair of brown Seres in this DIY blog, did ya?

Black Birkenstock Seres Sandals on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, California
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Sunny days, salty air, and my black Birkenstock Seres sandals taking in the view from Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. Proof that Birkenstocks aren’t just comfortable — they’re California adventure-ready.

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