Add sparkle to every step with blinged-out sneakers or rhinestone-studded heels. If you want to know how to bedazzle shoes, you’re in the right place.
Learn about the tools and materials you need, the bedazzling process, popular project ideas, and where to get your supplies below.
Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right Shoes and Rhinestones for Your Project
- Essential Tools and Materials for Bedazzling Shoes
- Step-by-Step Shoe Bedazzling Process
- Popular Design Ideas for Bedazzled Shoes
Choosing the Right Shoes and Rhinestones for Your Project
Be sure to choose the right pair of shoes and stones for the best results. Shoe materials like canvas, leather, and suede are ideal because adhesives fuse well to them, but avoid synthetic, slippery materials like nylon or spandex. Also, consider what you use the shoes for when choosing your materials, as your daily go-to sneakers might need stronger adhesives and simpler designs than kicks you plan to wear once for a special occasion.
The best rhinestones for bedazzling shoes are flatback rhinestones or pearls that you secure with glue for a strong hold. Consider an assortment of sizes and shapes for a dynamic look, and don’t forget about color. Clear gems give you a subtle sparkle, and colorful ones make your design pop.
If you need inspiration, popular canvases include high-top Converse, classic Vans, your favorite Nike shoes, your special wedding shoes, formal heels that need some sparkle, boring flip flops, or even rain boots.
Essential Tools and Materials for Bedazzling Shoes
Round up these essential tools for bedazzling before you get started to make sure you have strong adhesives, beautiful designs, clean shoes, and a look that lasts:
- Adhesive: We recommend E6000 glue because it’s strong and long-lasting, allowing for permanent, durable bedazzled designs.
- Application tools: Tweezers, wax pencils, and rhinestone pickup tools help you create clean designs with precision.
- Design supplies: Use painter’s tape for flawless lines and paper templates for complex patterns to achieve a professional look.
- Prep materials: Make sure your shoes are as clean and dry as possible before you start. Use rubbing alcohol with cotton swabs or a microfiber towel to clean the surface and leave it bone-dry.
- Protective finish: It’s optional, but we highly recommend using a clear acrylic sealer after applying rhinestones to lock in the design and help it last longer through repeated wear.
Step-by-Step Shoe Bedazzling Process
Now, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bedazzle shoes like a pro.
1. Prep the Shoes
Use shoe cleaner, baking soda, dish soap, laundry detergent, or distilled white vinegar to clean the shoes thoroughly. Allow them to air dry and then wipe the surface with rubbing alcohol to leave them squeaky clean.
2. Plan Your Design
Create or buy stencils, sketch out patterns, lay out rhinestones flat without using adhesive yet, and mark up the shoes with tape for perfect alignment. It’s best to experiment with your design before bringing glue or heat tools into the equation.
3. Apply the Adhesive
When you settle on your design, place a few tiny dots of glue where you plan to put the rhinestones. Use a small tool like a toothpick to apply the adhesive.
4. Place the Rhinestones
Use your tweezers or other placement tools to add one rhinestone at a time directly onto the tiny dots of glue. Apply slight pressure as you place the rhinestones to help the adhesive fuse them to the textile.
5. Allow Time for Curing
The E6000 glue takes 24–48 hours to dry. Leave the shoes in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight while the adhesive sets. Don’t wear them yet or fiddle with the rhinestones during this time.
6. Seal the Design (Optional)
If you decide to use a clear sealer coat on top, apply this after the initial 24-hour drying period. Then let the shoes dry for another 24–48 hours.
Popular Design Ideas for Bedazzled Shoes
If you need more inspiration, consider these design ideas:
- Full coverage: Go full bling by adding rhinestones to every inch of the shoe, including the upper, toe cap, and rubber sides.
- Accent details: A little sparkle goes a long way, so bedazzle logos, add stripes, or create artsy designs for a unique accented look.
- Ombre effects: Use different rhinestone sizes, colors, or spacing to create mesmerizing ombre effects.
- Monograms and text: Personalize by adding names, initials, numbers, and other words with rhinestones.
- Bridal shoes: Create shoes for your special day with white and silver rhinestones, clear gems, pearls, and accents.
Make Your Shoes Shine
You never have to wear boring footwear again now that you know how to bedazzle shoes. With cute shoes, strong adhesive, helpful tools, top-quality rhinestones, and some design inspiration, you can make every shoe shine.
Get everything you need for your fancy footwear projects at Planet Rhinestone, the ultimate destination for rhinestones, gems, and bedazzling supplies!
FAQs
Find more helpful information below.
Will rhinestones fall off my shoes when I wear them?
If you apply the rhinestones properly, the design should be permanent. E6000 is a permanent adhesive, but flexible enough to withstand wear and long-term use.
Can I bedazzle any type of shoe?
Tragically, not every shoe can be bedazzled. It makes us sad too, but luckily, there’s still plenty of footwear bedazzling to do. Choose materials like suede, leather, and canvas. If you want to use synthetics, roughen the surface with sandpaper so the adhesive can better grip the material.
How long does it take to bedazzle a pair of shoes?
It depends on the design! Bedazzling a logo and other small, simple designs can take 2–4 hours. Full-coverage or more complex and intricate designs can take 8–12 hours, divided into several sessions. This doesn’t include drying time.
Where can I buy supplies for bedazzling shoes?
Planet Rhinestone is your one-stop shop for shoe bedazzling tools! You can find professional-grade rhinestones, E6000 adhesive, helpful application tools, design inspiration, and more to get you started.