Attaching shoe decorations – How to keep everything secure

At a glance: Shoelace charms are threaded onto the shoelaces: open the shoe, thread the charm through, tie the shoe again. Done. No tools required, no marks on the shoe, and easily interchangeable. Most charms fit regular and flat shoelaces.

The good news: You don't need any tools or special skills. Shoelace charms can be attached in seconds – and removed just as quickly. This guide will show you step by step how to properly attach your shoe decorations and what to pay attention to so that everything stays securely in place.

Step-by-step: Threading shoelace charms

Threading all shoelace charms works according to the same principle:

Step 1 – Open the shoelaces: Loosen the shoelaces of your shoe up to the point where the charm should be attached. Usually, it is sufficient to undo the top two or three crossings.

Step 2 – Threading the charm: Thread the end of the shoelace through the charm's eyelet. Most charms have an opening that a flat shoelace can easily fit through.

Step 3 – Relacing the shoe: Lace the shoe up again as usual. Make sure the charm is positioned between two eyelets – this will automatically secure it.

Step 4 – Adjusting the position: Slide the charm to the desired spot. Most wearers place their charms in the middle of the lacing, where they are clearly visible and secure.

The charm then sits securely between two loops and won't slip during normal wear. The entire process of threading it on and off takes less than 30 seconds.

Which shoelaces work best?

Not every shoelace is equally suitable. The width and the material play a role:

Flat shoelaces are ideal. The charm sits particularly securely on them and is unlikely to slip. Flat shoelaces are standard on most sneaker models – from Nike Air Force 1 and Adidas Superstar to Converse Chuck Taylor.

Round shoelaces also work. However, the charm might shift a little more easily because the round shape offers less friction. Tip: Position the charm close to an eyelet so that it gets caught between the eyelet and the intersection of the laces.

Very thick shoelaces (e.g., on some hiking boots or rope laces) may not fit through all charm openings. Check beforehand whether the shoelace fits through the charm's eyelet.

Waxed shoelaces are smoother and offer less grip. The charms will still work, but can slip more easily. Placing the charm directly at an eyelet intersection helps in this case.

For a complete overview of which shoes and shoelace types are suitable, please see our article "Which shoes fit?".

Tips for optimal hold

To ensure your shoe jewelry stays securely in place all day, follow these tips:

Choose the position: Place the charm so that it is slightly caught when tying the laces – ideally between two lace crossings. The middle to upper part of the lacing offers the best combination of visibility and security.

Don't lace them too loosely: Loosely laced shoes give the shoe more room to slip. You don't need to lace them extra tightly, but the laces should be normally snug.

Distribute multiple charms: If you're wearing several charms, distribute them evenly along the lacing. This creates a balanced look and helps the charms stabilize each other. You can find out how many charms are ideal under "How much shoe jewelry?"

Symmetry or asymmetry? Both options work. Symmetrical placement (same charms on both shoes, same position) looks clean and neat. Asymmetry (different charms on the left and right) looks more creative. Learn more about combining shoe jewelry .

Overview of other fastening methods

Besides threading them onto shoelaces, there are other ways to attach shoe decorations. Here's a brief overview:

Lacelocks: These are attached to the top of the shoelaces and hold them together. Most lacelocks have a clamping mechanism – insert the shoelace, squeeze, and you're done.

Shoe clips: These clip onto the shoe's edge or tongue without piercing the shoe. They also work on shoes without laces, such as ballet flats or loafers.

Shoe pins: These are inserted directly into the shoe material using a needle. They hold very well but leave a small hole. Suitable for canvas and fabric shoes.

You can find out in detail which type of fastening suits your shoe type in our article What is shoe jewelry? – there you will find all 9 types compared.

Avoid common mistakes

Charm too close to the end of the shoe: If the charm is placed right at the bottom of the toe, it is barely visible and can drag on the ground when walking. Better: Mid to upper area.

Too many charms at once: Too many charms in a small space make the lacing stiff and uncomfortable. Start with 1-2 charms per shoe and gradually increase the number.

Incorrect shoelace width: If the shoelace doesn't fit through the charm eyelet, don't force it through. This will damage the charm. Check beforehand if your shoelace type is compatible.

Forgot to remove charms when washing your sneakers? Before putting them in the washing machine, remove the charms! The charms themselves should be cleaned separately. You can find tips on caring for shoe jewelry under "Shoe Jewelry Care" .

Fastening on children's shoes

Children of primary school age and older can usually thread their charms onto their shoes themselves. The attachment method is identical to that used on adult shoes. Important: Make sure the charm is securely attached and cannot easily come loose from the shoelace – especially for younger children. You can find more information on safety and age recommendations under Shoe Charms for Children .

The best thing about shoelace charms: they leave no marks on your shoes. You can try them out, change them, and swap them between different shoes without worry. There's no risk in permanently altering your sneakers.

Frequently asked questions about fastening

Do I need tools to attach shoelace charms?

No. Shoelace charms are simply threaded onto the shoelaces. You don't need any tools, glue, or special skills.

Can the charm fall off while running?

When correctly positioned between two eyelet intersections, the charm sits securely and won't slip. It can shift more easily with loosely laced shoes – in that case, simply tighten the laces a little.

Do charms work on round shoelaces?

Yes, charms work on both round and flat shoelaces. They sit a bit more securely on flat shoelaces. For round shoelaces, place the charm close to an eyelet.

Do shoelace charms leave marks on shoes?

No. Shoelace charms are only attached to the shoelace and do not touch the shoe material. You can remove them at any time without leaving any marks.

How many charms can I wear per shoe?

Technically, you can add as many charms as there's room on the laces. For a balanced look, we recommend 1-3 charms per shoe. You can find more information in our article "How much shoe jewelry?"