How to remove sharpie from the bottom of thrift footwear.

Picture this: you're strolling through a thrift store, and your eyes land on a pair of shoes that catch your interest. Naturally, you search for the price, which is often scribbled in sharpie on a side tag, sticker, or even the rubber sole.

Once you've made the purchase, it's time to tackle the task of removing that unwanted price tag.

While removing tags or stickers is usually a breeze, it's a different story when it comes to stubborn sharpie or pen marks on the bottom rubber sole.

Fear not, my thrift shopping friend! A quick search on the trusty Google tells us that sharpie and pen ink is alcohol soluble.

Armed with this knowledge, I've compiled a list of 16 tools that you can potentially use to erase those markings. Remember to use your chosen tool with a gentle touch to avoid any unintended damage to the rubber sole.

(Article Updated on May 29th, 2023)

As fashion journalists, we write about things that we love and think you like too. Men of Thrift often has affiliate partnerships, and may generate some revenue from links at no cost to you.

---

1 of 16, Acetone

2 of 16, Citrasolv Oil

3 of 16, Goo Gone

4 of 16, Baking Soda

---

5 of 16, Coconut Oil

6 of 16, Rubbing Alcohol

7 of 16, Hand Sanitizer

8 of 16, Paint Thinner

---

9 of 16, Dishwasher Soap

10 of 16, Bon Ami Powder

11 of 16, Duck Adhesive Remover

Great for silver sharpie marks.

12 of 16, Sunscreen

Spray onto the permanent and pen marks, then wipe it off.

---

13 of 16, OxyClean

Make a paste with the OxyClean and let it sit for a while over the permanent and pen marks, then scrub it.

14 of 16, Magic Eraser

Rub over the permanent and pen marks, then wipe the area with a wet cloth.

15 of 16, Clorox Wipes

16 of 16, Dry Cleaning Fluid

---

Since you’re here…

…we have a small favor to ask. Men Of Thrift's independent, fashion journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we believe our perspective matters – because it might well be your perspective, too.

If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as $1, you can support Men Of Thrift – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

---