Bedazzled Nike Sneakers: Adding Shine and Glamour to Your Footwear Collection

Gluing rhinestones onto trainers is as popular as it is notoriously tricky to do! If you don't know the vitally important, yet startlingly simple, tips and tricks that guarantee the strongest possible bond between the surface of the trainer and the crystals, we’re here to help! In the following guide, we’re going to show you how to bedazzle any pair of Nike sneakers using our tried-and-tested methods, and as we’re extra nice, we’re even throwing in a video tutorial for good measure! So let’s take a look.

How to Add Crystals to Nike Sneakers: Step-by-Step

Follow this simple ‘how to’ guide and whether it’s onto leather, pleather or rubber, your rhinestone embellishment will be a success! You can also watch us embellish our own pair of NIKE AIRMAX trainers on Youtube:

Cleaning

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the section of the trainer that you intend to embellish. Pay particular attention to this preparatory stage; any dirt or grease can negatively impact the adherence of the glue and consequently, the durability of your design. If it's your beloved Nike sneakers with rhinestones that you're working on, cleanliness is especially crucial given their high-quality material. Ensure that the surface is completely dry before moving onto the next step.

Buff if necessary

Once cleaned, the surface may appear glossy, and this smooth finish is counterproductive to the adhesion process, as it provides a less favourable surface for the glue to stick to. To create the optimal texture, lightly sand or buff the surface to remove any shine. Aim for a dull and slightly scratched finish. Exercise caution so as not to damage any of the seams: keeping the integrity of the seams intact will ensure the longevity of your bedazzled Nike blazers, for instance. Plus, any fluffy threads from damaged seams can complicate the embellishment process.

Mixing and applying glue

The next phase involves the application of your adhesive. When decorating hard-wearing objects such as crystallised Nike shoes, we advocate using a two-part glue known as CG500 Resin Glue. To achieve the desired results, mix the two components in a 50/50 ratio. Altering this ratio can affect the drying time, potentially jeopardising your design. We suggest mixing the glue with a disposable tool, such as a toothpick. To ensure a clean application, consider using greaseproof paper to carefully pipe it onto your surface.

Wait patiently

After applying the glue, patience is key. Allow the resin glue to sit for 15-20 minutes: this resting period lets the glue get tacky and fully settled on the surface, resulting in a smooth and shiny texture. The tackiness of the glue enhances the adherence of the rhinestones, ensuring a long-lasting finish on your rhinestone Nikes.

Pre-application planning

Planning is critical before you start applying your rhinestones, and you’ll want to ensure you have procured a sufficient amount to fulfil your design vision. A handy tool that can assist with this is the crystal calculator on our website - this tool is especially beneficial when working on large projects, as it can estimate the quantity of rhinestones needed.

For the Nike Airmax project showcased here, the Serinity Crystal AB Dream Mix was selected. This mix was chosen due to the variety of flatback crystal sizes it offers. It's perfect if you're seeking both quantity and versatility for your project. Besides, a wholesale pack of each size is included, making it an excellent value for your investment.

Apply the rhinestones

Now, onto the fun part – applying the rhinestones! Utilising a Wax Pen, begin placing your Serinity rhinestones onto the prepared surface. In this instance, the scatter embellishment style was employed. This method is highly adaptable, accommodating changes in the size and shape of the section you're decorating. Note that if you plan on using wholesale Swarovski flat back crystals, you’ll need to get permission first - this is in line with the brand’s 2020 policy changes on commercial selling.

Whether you're implementing the scatter, honeycomb, or straight line method, always initiate the process from the outside. Why so? A disorganised edge is far easier to spot and can disrupt the overall look of your design.

Let your design dry

Now it’s time to let your trainers dry! CG500 Resin Glue grants you several hours of work time, providing you with the flexibility to work at a pace that suits you, preventing any rush or pressure. Nonetheless, once your masterpiece is complete, let it dry overnight. This will ensure a secure bond between the rhinestones and your sneakers.

After the drying process, admire your work. Now is the time to show off your dazzling, customised footwear to the world! Don't forget to share your stunning results on social media and tag us. We'd love to celebrate your creativity and potentially inspire others to embark on their own rhinestone embellishment adventure.

Bedazzled Nike Sneakers: Video Tutorial

Prefer a visual instructor? Follow this simple how-to guide below, and whether you’re working with leather, pleather or rubber, your rhinestone embellishment will be a success! You can also watch us embellish our own pair of NIKE AIRMAX trainers on Youtube.

Dream Mixes

Serinity Crystal Dream Mixes come in Crystal and Crystal AB and versions of it can also be found on our website with Preciosa Rhinestones and Estella Flatback Crystals. If you are embellishing trainers or shoes with crystals, you can also gain approval to use Swarovski Crystals for your product range.

FAQs

How many rhinestones will I need to bedazzle a pair of Nike shoes?

The quantity of rhinestones needed depends on the area you want to cover and the size of the rhinestones you're using. For precise calculations, consider using the crystal calculator on our website.

How long does it take for the glue to dry?

Once you've applied the rhinestones, let your shoes dry overnight. This will ensure a secure bond between the rhinestones and your sneakers.

Can I wash my bedazzled Nike sneakers?

While the CG500 Resin Glue is water-resistant, it's advisable to avoid machine washing your bedazzled shoes. Instead, clean them gently with a soft, damp cloth to maintain the shine and durability of the rhinestones.

What if a rhinestone falls off my Nike sneakers?

In the event a rhinestone falls off, you can simply reapply it with a bit of glue. This is why it's a good idea to buy some extra rhinestones when you start your project.

Can I use any type of rhinestone to bedazzle my shoes?

For the best results, we recommend using high-quality rhinestones such as Swarovski crystals. They have a superior shine and a strong backing which is ideal for such projects.

Can I remove the rhinestones from my Nike sneakers once they're applied?

Removing rhinestones can be challenging and may damage the shoe surface. If you think you might want to change the design later, consider using less permanent methods of embellishment.

Check out our most popular Swarovski Flatback Rhinestones Crystals