Cheap Ways To Customize Your Sneakers
A custom pair of sneakers is such a cool style statement- unique, one-of-a-kind and such a comfy way to reflect your personality with every step.
Sure, you can spend $1000+ for a limited edition or one-of-a-kind designer pair, but why would you? With these easy and affordable sneaker customization ideas, you can upgrade your favorite kicks for free (or, depending on your craft supply closet stash, as little as $5 a pop!)
Here are a few easy ways to customize sneakers- we upgraded both my daughters and my own Nikes with a combo of the below- and you can easily do the same.
1: Change out the laces. You can find SO many cute colorful options (from light up to ombre and every color imaginable) on this list!
2: Decorate laces with pony beads and letter beads. Less is more here- I like to do one row on one shoe and then 3 rows on the other shoe so it isn’t too matchy-matchy and also not too overwhelming on the eyes! I mean, sure, I LOVE these $560 Golden Goose sneakers as much as the next suburban mom but I love an easy DIY way more. For real. (For the record, I also love these beaded Golden Goose low tops that come in just under $400).
3: Revisit your friendship pin trading days and make a few friendship pins in different sizes to hang off your laces. Bonus points for getting your friends to trade with you :) Check out this pair of designer sneakers embellished with friendship pins- the price is NUTS, right?! You can go as subtle or as over the top as you want here- I love the idea of using gold safety pins and pearl and rhinestone beads for a little glitz & glam, but also adore the throwback vibe of classic rainbow colors lined up on a tiny silver pin. Lots of options on this list to get started!
4: My favorite trend to customize your sneakers is by clipping a chain to the sides of your laces and letting it drape snugly across the back of the heel. This is best with chunky Nike Air Force Ones, the newer Nike Blazer Mid '77 style or Converse Chuck Taylors. You basically assemble the most fun beaded strand you can dream up onto a strand of clear elastic cord- honestly, the more colorful and eclectic, the better! Then, affix a lobster claw clasp onto either side of the beaded cord- you will use these to clip the chain onto the sneaker. Before you do that though- one VERY IMPORTANT STEP. Like, VERY IMPORTANT. Trust me.
Apply a thick coat of clear nail polish around the elastic cord knot on each lobster claw clasp! Let it dry for a minute or two. It seals the knot so you aren’t walking down the street and all of the sudden, a trail of beads is left in your tracks. No matter how fancy of a knot you may know how to make, sealing it with clear polish is always a good idea!
Okay, now that we have that out of the way, let’s customize your sneakers, shall we? For thicker sneakers like Nike Air Force Ones, it is easiest to clip the claw clasps around the actual laces right on the outside of the top lace opening (you can knot each lace on the other side of the clasp to secure it if you want). For a thinner canvas sneaker like a Chuck Taylor, you can often clasp the chain right through the top eyelet just before the laces are meant to be tied!
These affordable shoe customization hacks can be used in any and all combinations to create a one-of-a-kind pair of kicks that is uniquely YOU! And the best part? You can switch them up as often as you wish- to suit your outfit, your mood, or even to cheer on your favorite sports team!
Dress up your sneakers, or keep them casual- all it takes to transform them are a few supplies from THIS AMAZON LIST and some creative inspiration!
THE BEST BASIC SNEAKERS TO CUSTOMIZE:
SOME OF MY FAVORITE “READY TO WEAR” CUSTOM SNEAKERS: