Even the best of outfits is incomplete without two key elements: a matching, stylish pair of shoes and accessories to bring out the best in the rest of the clothing. Whether these aspects are flashy or minimalist, most would agree that they boost the quality of any look.

While I agree, I like to take things a step further and combine the two; why stop there? Why not accessorize shoes as well?

That’s exactly what I’ve been doing since I was about four years old. I started off with a bright pink pair of Crocs that probably strained the eyes of my preschool teachers. As if those weren’t loud enough, I would have a plethora of jibbitz on them, from Nemo to hearts. 

Truth be told, I am not a fan of Crocs anymore. Some people like them for comfort, but I never found them to be appealing regarding usefulness and style. However, I think there is something to be said for how they can contribute to certain looks for teenagers and young adults. If you are one of those few people who can execute a kidcore look without looking strange, Crocs with a variety of jibbitz might be a great option for footwear. They are creative, fun, and say a little bit about the interests of the wearer. 

Now that I have grown older, I find myself seeking out more subtle and elegant charms for my shoes. Although I have yet to purchase charms that are sold separately from my shoes, I have begun to grow more intrigued by these as I see them on the footwear of others and increasingly myself.

When I finally got around to getting my custom Nike Air Force 1’s, I was pleasantly surprised by the upper lace charm that was included in my purchase. I was a tad bit confused when I first saw it; I had no idea what to make of it. A golden toothbrush was clipped onto the lace of one of my shoes. Of course, it was removable, but I chose to keep it due to the unusual little glimmer it gave to my pair of new shoes.

Another one of my favorite charms that I have seen was on each shoe of junior Kiera Kemppainen. A second Nike entry, these shoes had their charms near the tips, strung across the last lace that horizontally crosses the shoe. A cute, neon smiley face with a Nike swoosh as the mouth is symmetrical on each shoe and complements the pops of color elsewhere. These are a more fun but not overpowering focal point of this pair of fashionable sneakers.

My next endeavor will be seeking out shoe charms that are independent of shoes; I have already begun to compile some of my favorites.

If I decide to go the extra mile and spend a little more money to get some custom charms, I will most likely seek out some for my horizontal laces on Etsy. I’ve always had great experiences with custom sellers on Etsy, so I am eager to find some bling for my tennis shoes on this site; I already have multiple sellers in mind.

On the other hand, pre-made charms are usually cheaper and more readily available in bulk. Such selections are typically in a variety, but also narrow down the endless possibilities that can be impossible to decide that customs present. Pre-made charms also have cute and flashy designs that are universally liked, so being worried about having an oddity on my shoes isn’t much of a concern. The artists of these designs have some degree of experience, so the look will undoubtedly be impressive.

I really am a fan of shoe charms; the complexity they add to even the busiest shoes is always a positive in my eyes. Overloading every pair isn’t a good look, but adding a couple to at least one pair of more basic shoes, such as white Nike Air Force 1’s, makes them subtly stand out. Even those who aren’t as willing to be eye-catching will be able to stray a bit away from a too-basic look.