How to Make Sneakers Noticeable

Add some bling to your humdrum pair of sneakers.

While sneakers are primarily considered a shoe for sports and athletic activities, with the right decorative touches, you can make them a fashion accessory. There are a number of ways to jazz up canvas sneakers, in particular, to make them stand out. Adding pops of color and embellishments can turn your plain old sneakers into wearable works of art, and a great conversation piece.

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Brightly colored laces
Fabric paint
Acrylic paint
Leather paint
Spray paint
Needle and thread
Decorative gems
Fabric glue
Glitter spray paint
Clothing dye

Instructions

- 1
  
  Switch out plain white laces for brightly colored, thick ones. Use neon green, pink, or orange to make a bold statement. You can use one color of laces on both shoes or mix it up and use a different color for each shoe.
- 2
  
  Paint your sneakers a bright color and/or add a design. Fabric or acrylic paints work well on canvas sneakers, while leather paint -- which you can find at a crafts supply store -- is best for leather sneakers. Spray painting is another way to add color to your sneakers.
- 3
  
  Embroider your sneakers. For those who have canvas sneakers and are handy with a needle and thread, embroider a design on the sides of your shoes. Add your nickname, a monogram, or any design that you like.
- 4
  
  Add shiny embellishments. Make your sneakers really stand out with decorative gems, such as rhinestones, which you can buy at a crafts supply store, and can attach with fabric glue. You can also spray glitter spray paint on your shoes after painting them to make them glisten in the sun.

Tips & Warnings

If your sneakers are primarily made of canvas, you can dye them by soaking them in a clothing dye mixture.
Use spray paint in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside.