Iconic Foot Tattoo Cover Up Designs You Shouldn’t Miss

A foot tattoo offers the perfect balance between discretion and style, making it a popular choice for those who want to keep their ink hidden. But when the shoes come off, your foot tattoo gets its moment to shine, adding a touch of allure.

While some women in Central London search for the perfect pair of shoes, others see foot tattoos as the ultimate accessory—earning them the reputation of being “simply sexy.”

However, there are a few things to consider before getting a foot tattoo.

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Foot tattoos can cause more discomfort than tattoos on other parts of the body. Additionally, foot tattoos are more prone to ink migration, causing the design to blur over time. This is where cover-up work comes in.

There are many reasons you might need a cover-up—whether the original tattoo was poorly done, its meaning no longer resonates, or you’re simply ready for a new design.

You can return to the same artist for the cover-up, but if you’re looking for a fresh start, visit our Central London studio for a new design. At Pearl Lemon Tattoos, we help you choose a design that suits your style, inked by a professional who brings your vision to life.

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What is a Foot Tattoo Cover Up?

The foot is a popular spot for tattoos, often chosen by those looking to convey a sense of mystery. While foot tattoos may be small due to limited space, their meanings can be deeply personal, serving as a lasting tribute to the people and moments that matter most.

However, life can change, and you may find yourself wanting to modify, refresh, or completely change your tattoo. In these instances, our tattoo artists in Central London often recommend a cover-up.

A cover-up involves layering new ink over the existing design, blending the colours of the old tattoo with the new ink to create a fresh look. Essentially, you’re transforming the old tattoo into something entirely new and meaningful.

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Pros of Foot Tattoo Cover Up

A foot tattoo cover-up is the most practical choice for people seeking to conceal an undesirable foot tattoo. The following considerations may lead one to consider a foot tattoo cover-up:

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Designs

There are many different designs of foot tattoo cover-ups, ranging from simple to complex, and they are popular among people of all ages.

Hiding

Body art, including tattoos, is prohibited in the workplace and other public areas. They are banned in several government facilities. 

You can permanently conceal your black ink tattoo under your boots to get over this ban and keep your employees in government services. You can even opt for a larger design than your original foot tattoo.

Ink

The quick fading of the ink adds a lovely visual dimension to the artwork. Many people like getting tattoos on their feet because of this. 

Cons of Foot Tattoo Cover Up

A tattoo cover-up is an option for those desperate to hide a foot tattoo. Few apparent factors, however, prevent tattoo artists from doing foot tattoos.

Pain

Tattoos on foot can be pretty painful compared to tattoos on other parts of the body. Only the most skilled artists can keep up with the risks involved.

Healing

After getting a foot tattoo cover-up, you should wait until the ink has completely healed before putting on shoes again. If you have a tattoo on your foot, it is important to wear footwear that will not rub against it. 

You may need to wear slippers instead of shoes until the area heals and the tattoo is done.

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Ink Migration

The foot is the most likely spot to get a tattoo. As time passes, the ink will migrate, causing the design to become less visible. If that’s the case, you’ll need to reink it in after some time has passed.

Infection

Since your feet are easily in contact with the ground and all the dust, there is a greater potential that you may get infected. It will recover quicker if you take the necessary tetanus shot and other prescribed treatments.

Close to Bone

Your feet have numerous bones, which can make the tattooing process painful. The tattooing instrument can dig into your flesh, posing significant risks if not handled correctly.

That’s why it’s essential to have your foot cover-up tattoo done by a professional.

At Pearl Lemon Tattoos, we have extensive experience in foot tattoo cover-ups. We understand the risks associated with tattooing such a delicate area, and we can recommend designs that seamlessly blend with your existing tattoos for a natural look.

For consultations on your design, contact us today.

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Best Foot Tattoo Cover Up Designs

You should give serious thought to any new tattoo before getting it, but if you change your mind later, there’s always a method to cover it up or make it something new. 

The following are some of the most iconic and compelling tattoo cover-ups for your feet based on the recommendations of our iconic tattoo artists.

Mandala

The mandala is a popular tattoo design that looks stunning on the foot. Made up of circular patterns and symbols, these intricate designs are rich in symbolism and often associated with peace and tranquillity.

While they take time to create, mandalas have a calming effect, reminding you to find balance in life. You could opt for a half-mandala on each foot or go for a bold, vibrant design that catches the eye.

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Butterfly

In many cultures, butterflies represent transformation.

Tattooing a butterfly on your skin is a fantastic way to show your feminine side. Perfect for a woman in transition or to mark an achievement, the flying insect is a symbol of beauty, independence, and metamorphosis. 

The butterfly is a common tattoo subject, yet it can take several forms and come in many hues. If you want to add some flair to your work, try adding flowers or inspirational quotations to your tattoo cover.

Rose

Regarding tattoo cover up, a rose is one of the women’s most popular and appealing options. The flower has several meanings, including life, beauty, purity, and remembrance. 

It symbolises the duality of pleasure and agony, as both the flower and its thorns are fascinating.  There’s also a wide range of hues and techniques you can use to create your masterpiece, each of which carries its message.

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Compass

A compass symbolises the values of direction, fortitude, and optimism. For a long time, sailors and mariners relied on this navigational aid to get them where they needed to go and back home again safely. 

It can also symbolise the hope that comes after adversity and the confidence that you can find your way out of any circumstance. 

It’s easy to see why people are drawn to this piece. Moreover, there are various ways to design a cover up compass tattoo, from simple to complex.

Lion

The lion reigns supreme as the most feared creature in the animal kingdom. The huge cat represents majesty, valour, and monarchy. Since lions are social animals that hunt as a group, this symbol can also stand in for the family. 

A cover up lion tattoo can remind you of the values you hold dear or a symbol of the pride you feel for your own family. A lioness is another option; she represents femininity and fertility. The jungle king works well with many kinds of art, from geometric to realistic.

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Tattoo master preparing sketch for tattoo

Dragon

Cover up dragon tattoos have significant metaphorical meanings, including bravery, tenacity, and knowledge. 

They also mean something different in the East compared to the West. Even though dragons are usually associated with greed and evil in the West, in the East, they can be signs of good luck and money in the East

Although the foot isn’t the most prominent region to get inked, it’s an excellent site for dragon tattoos because of the variety of designs and colours available. Wrap your dragon around your toes or ankle, or keep it simple with only an outline.

Phoenix

The mythical bird phoenix has deep symbolic meanings related to rebirth, death, and revival.

The firebird’s ability to self-renew and rise from the ashes of its predecessor is seen by many as symbolic of the resilience required to overcome adversity and emerge triumphant. Furthermore, it can stand for tenacity and optimism. A cover up tattoo of this design will surely cover most of your foot and change the previous one you have.

Artist making Phoenix Tattoo on arm
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Sunflower

Cover up tattoos of sunflowers symbolise undying affection, faith, joy, and optimism. 

The flowers’ inclination toward the sun may represent God’s love or commitment to one’s faith, and this design can be used to commemorate one’s religious views.

Elephant

The elephant symbolises knowledge, strength, majesty, and good fortune. The symbolic meaning of elephants makes them an excellent subject for body art, and the wide range of available tattoo designs makes them an excellent option for anyone interested in getting a cover up tattoo. 

You can choose between a simple outline of this magnificent creature and a highly realistic rendering of it.

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Snake Tattoo

Snake

Cover up snake tattoos have the power to be daring, terrifying, and totally hip. The serpent represents death, peril, vengeance, and change. This might also be tricky, especially when you have quite a big and wide tattoo on your foot.

Both good and bad things can be associated with snakes; some see them as symbols of sin, while others see them as symbols of good fortune and wealth. They also pair nicely with other visuals, which can change the message in subtle ways. 

Let our tattoo artists know about your old tattoo, how it looks, how big it is, and many more. This way, they can analyse and give you design recommendations that will suit the previous tattoo and cover it up completely. Book a call today to get started.

Why Choose Pearl Lemon Tattoos?

Pearl Lemon Tattoos is committed to providing exceptional service to each and every one of our customers, whether they are seasoned tattoo enthusiasts or curious newcomers. 

Artists at Pearl Lemon Tattoos each have online portfolios with magnificent tattoo ideas ranging from cute small tattoos to the largest ones. If you visit the shop during business hours, the tattooists will be happy to talk to you about their work. And possible tattoo aftercare for your future cover up.

We also have laser tattoo removal if you decide that you want to permanently get rid of a tattoo you don’t want anymore.

The most important thing is ensuring they’re happy with their tattoo and have a positive overall experience.

Portrait of pensive tattoo master with tattooing machine

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