Plain sneakers are fine, but why settle for fine when you can make them uniquely yours? Shoe charms, creative lacing techniques, and fun accessories transform basic sneakers into personal statements without permanent modifications. Whether you’re into subtle upgrades or bold customization, there are endless ways to make your shoes stand out.
Here’s how to level up your sneaker game with charms, laces, and accessories.
Sneaker Charms and Jibbitz
The easiest way to personalize shoes without any permanent changes.
What are sneaker charms? Small decorative pieces that attach to shoe laces, holes, or specially designed shoes (like Crocs). They’re removable, swappable, and let you change your shoe’s vibe whenever you want.
Types of charms:
- Jibbitz-style charms (originally for Crocs, now adapted for sneakers)
- Lace locks with decorative elements
- Clip-on charms for laces
- Shoelace beads and spacers
- Metal tags and plates
- Custom acrylic charms
- Enamel pins adapted for shoes
Where to attach them: Thread charms onto laces before lacing, attach to lace holes using jump rings, clip onto the tongue or lace loops, or use specially designed charm holders that attach to laces.
DIY charm ideas: Make your own using polymer clay, resin molds, shrink plastic, or repurpose small toys and trinkets. Drill small holes for attaching to laces or add jump rings for hanging.
Creative Lacing Techniques
Transform your sneakers just by changing how you lace them.
Straight Bar Lacing: Clean, minimalist look where laces run straight across without visible diagonals. Perfect for dress sneakers or anyone who likes neat, organized aesthetics. This technique also reduces pressure on the top of your foot.
Ladder Lacing: Creates a woven ladder effect up the tongue. Looks intricate and eye-catching, especially with contrasting lace colors. Works best on high-tops or boots where you have more eyelets to work with.
Checkerboard Lacing: Uses two different colored laces woven together to create a checkerboard pattern. This looks incredibly complex but is actually straightforward once you understand the weaving pattern. Great for making a statement.
Hidden Knot Lacing: Laces tie on the inside of the shoe for a super clean look with no bow showing. Perfect for sleek, minimal aesthetics or when you want the shoe design to shine without distraction.
Zipper Lacing: Creates a centered zipper-like effect down the middle of the tongue. Unique and edgy, this works well on chunky sneakers or streetwear-style shoes.
Loose Lacing: Leave laces loose for a relaxed, effortless vibe. Works particularly well with vintage or skate-style sneakers. Just make sure they’re secure enough for actual walking.
Loop Back Lacing: Creates small loops along the sides that can hold charms, pins, or decorative elements. Functional and provides built-in charm attachment points.
Colored and Patterned Shoelaces
The simplest upgrade with maximum impact.
Color coordination strategies:
- Match laces to outfit color schemes
- Complement shoe accents (if your shoe has red details, try red laces)
- High contrast for pop (neon laces on black shoes)
- Monochrome sophistication (all white or all black)
- Rainbow or ombre for playful vibes
Lace materials and styles: Flat laces for classic sneakers, round laces for athletic shoes, reflective laces for safety and style, elastic no-tie laces for convenience, rope laces for a rugged look, satin or silk laces for dressy sneakers, and patterned laces (stripes, polka dots, camo).
Mixing lace colors: Use different colors on each shoe for asymmetrical style, alternate colors on the same shoe for checkerboard or striped effects, or use gradient ombre laces that transition between colors.
Where to buy: Specialty sneaker shops, online retailers like Lace Lab or Amazon, athletic stores, and craft stores (for DIY customization).
Lace Locks and Aglets
Small details that make a difference.
Lace locks: These stoppers sit on your laces to keep them at the perfect tightness. They come in metal, plastic, or decorative styles. Beyond function, they add visual interest—choose bold colors, metallic finishes, or branded options.
Custom aglets: Aglets are the plastic or metal tips on shoelace ends. Replace worn aglets with custom colored or metallic ones. You can buy replacement aglets or make DIY versions with heat-shrink tubing in various colors.
Decorative lace tips: Some companies make decorative metal tips that replace standard aglets with skulls, stars, or other shapes. These add personality to otherwise plain laces.
Metal lace tags: Small metal plates that thread onto laces with messages, initials, or designs. Position anywhere along the lace for customizable placement.
Sneaker Pins and Patches
Temporary or permanent customization options.
Enamel pins on sneakers: Attach small enamel pins to canvas shoes, shoelaces, or the tongue. Use the pin backing as normal, or for added security, add a rubber pin back. Pins work best on canvas sneakers like Vans or Converse.
Patches: Iron-on or sew-on patches personalize canvas sneakers. Popular options include band logos, embroidered flowers, cartoon characters, or custom designs. Apply to the sides, tongue, or heel.
Pin placement ideas:
- Small pins on shoelaces threaded through the loops
- Pin clusters on the tongue for statement pieces
- Single accent pin on the heel tab
- Asymmetrical placement (pins on one shoe only)
Patch application: For iron-on patches, follow package instructions carefully and use a pressing cloth. For sew-on patches, use strong thread that matches the patch or shoe color.
Sneaker Accessories for Function and Style
Shoe shields and toe protectors: Keep sneaker toes crisp and crease-free. These prevent that worn crease line that develops with wear. Particularly popular for keeping clean sneakers pristine.
Insole upgrades: Swap standard insoles for colored, patterned, or branded ones that show when you slip shoes off. Some people coordinate insole colors with outfit elements for that extra detail.
Heel tabs and pulls: Add decorative heel tabs or pulls for easier on-off access and visual interest. These come in leather, fabric, or novelty designs.
Sneaker shields and guards: Protect shoes from rain, dirt, and damage. While functional, they now come in clear, colored, or patterned options that add style while protecting your investment.
Shoe trees: Maintain shape while adding style. Wooden shoe trees come in various finishes and sometimes include aromatic cedar. They keep shoes looking fresh between wears.
Odor eliminators: Cute deodorizer pouches in fun shapes and scents. These are more about function but choosing fun designs (like little sneaker-shaped sachets) adds personality.
DIY Shoe Charm Ideas
Polymer clay charms: Sculpt small shapes, bake according to package directions, and drill holes for attaching. Create anything from miniature food to animals to abstract shapes. Paint with acrylics and seal with varnish.
Resin charms: Use silicone molds to create resin charms. Add glitter, dried flowers, or small objects inside for unique effects. Attach hardware while resin is still tacky.
Beaded charms: Thread beads onto wire or cord with loops at both ends for attaching to laces. Mix colors, sizes, and materials for custom designs.
Upcycled toy charms: Small toy figures, Lego pieces, or game pieces can become shoe charms. Drill careful holes or attach with wire wrapping.
Bottle cap charms: Flatten bottle caps, add images or designs inside with resin or clear adhesive, and attach jump rings. Lightweight and infinitely customizable.
Friendship bracelet style: Make small woven or braided pieces that tie onto laces as decorative elements. Use embroidery floss in multiple colors.
Themed Sneaker Styling Ideas
Kawaii/Cute style: Pastel laces, character charms (Hello Kitty, anime characters), heart and star charms, pastel or rainbow beads, and soft, feminine colors.
Goth/Alternative: Black accessories with silver hardware, skull and crossbone charms, chain lace locks, dark purple or blood red laces, and metal studs or spikes.
Streetwear/Hypebeast: Branded lace locks, bold contrast laces (neon on black), metal tags with logos, reflective elements, and minimal but high-quality accessories.
Boho/Festival: Beaded lace charms, natural materials (wood, stone beads), macramé lace decorations, earth tones or rainbow colors, and feather or tassel accents.
Sporty/Athletic: Reflective laces for visibility, elastic no-tie laces for quick changes, performance-focused accessories, team color coordination, and minimal charms that don’t interfere with activity.
Vintage/Retro: Thick flat laces in vintage colors, simple metal aglets, classic colorways (red, blue, yellow), and understated charm choices.
Mixing and Matching Tips
Color theory basics: Complementary colors create contrast (red and green, blue and orange), analogous colors create harmony (blue and purple, yellow and orange), and monochromatic looks use different shades of one color.
Balance is key: If using bold laces, keep charms minimal. If charms are the statement, keep laces neutral. Too many elements competing creates visual clutter.
Consider the shoe: Chunky sneakers can handle more accessories, while sleek minimalist shoes look better with subtle touches. Match accessory style to shoe style.
Occasion appropriate: Work or professional settings call for subtle customization. Casual outings and creative environments allow more expression. Match accessory intensity to the setting.
Swap for variety: The beauty of removable accessories is swapping them out. Keep a collection and change based on mood, outfit, or occasion.
Where to Find Shoe Accessories
Online retailers:
- Lace Lab, Rope Lace Supply, Slickies (specialty laces)
- Etsy (handmade and custom charms)
- Amazon (wide variety, good for basics)
- AliExpress (affordable, slower shipping)
- Sneaker boutiques (higher quality, curated selections)
Physical stores:
- Sneaker specialty shops
- Skate shops (often carry unique laces and accessories)
- Craft stores (for DIY supplies)
- Streetwear boutiques
- Athletic shoe stores
DIY supplies: Craft stores like Michael’s or Joann’s stock polymer clay, resin, beads, and hardware for making your own accessories.
Caring for Customized Sneakers
Cleaning considerations: Remove charms before washing shoes. Hand wash delicate laces separately. Store removed charms in small containers organized by theme or color.
Preserving charms: Keep charm collections in jewelry organizers or small boxes. Metal charms may need occasional polishing. Resin and polymer clay charms should stay dry.
Lace maintenance: Wash laces separately in mesh bags to prevent tangling. Air dry to maintain shape and prevent shrinking. Replace laces when they show wear.
Storage: Store shoes properly to maintain both shoe and accessory condition. Shoe trees help maintain shape. Keep accessories organized for easy swapping.
Budget-Friendly Accessorizing
Start simple: Colored laces are the most affordable upgrade ($5-10) with immediate impact. Build your accessory collection gradually.
DIY saves money: Making your own charms costs pennies compared to buying custom ones. Polymer clay, beads, and basic supplies go a long way.
Buy in bulk: Purchase laces in multipacks or charm-making supplies in bulk for better value. Split costs with friends doing similar projects.
Repurpose and upcycle: Use broken jewelry parts, old toys, bottle caps, or other found objects as free charm materials.
Sales and secondhand: Check clearance sections at craft stores, browse secondhand shops for unique charm materials, and watch for sales at sneaker accessory shops.
Why Sneaker Customization Works
Sneaker accessories let you express personality without commitment. Unlike permanent customizations (painting, cutting), charms and laces are completely reversible. Swap them out when you’re bored, match them to outfits, or change them with seasons.
With endless options for charms, laces, and accessories, your sneakers never have to look the same twice. That’s the beauty of removable customization—infinite possibilities, zero permanence, and all the personal style you want.