Shoe charms: Add style & drama to your feet

Time of India

4 hours ago

AI-generated image for representative purposes only
Turn your shoes into a canvas that narrates your story. From your favourite cartoon characters, food items, to even dainty accessories like bows, safety pins, chains, bears, etc.
, your shoes can hold all kinds of charms that best depict your personality. What started as a trend in the West has now spread among shoeheads in India as well.
According to Neeti Patwa, founder of a bespoke jewellery boutique store, 'The trend allows individuals to personalise their look. Just like jewellery, shoe charms can reflect your mood, personality, or even the occasion. They're small, but they stand out, and they can make even the most basic pair of shoes pop.'
Coach, Miu Miu offer charms made of leather, with metal accents and branded motifs. Simone Rocha's collaboration with Crocs is one of the best-known interpretations of this trend. Labubus, the internet's hottest charms for handbags, can be easily clipped to your footwear too, for a quirky twist
Meghna Ghodawat
Simone Rocha's collaboration with Crocs (@simonerocha)(left)/Labubu shoe charm(right) (@essentiacollections)
An extension of one's personality
Personalising any item from your wardrobe reflects your personality. The same goes for shoes. Suhana Sethi, a sneakerhead and digital creator, was first introduced to this trend when she was in London. She says, 'Customising my sneakers with charms of various kinds is an extension of my personality. They tell my story.' Nandini Sharma, a digital content creator, explored the trend on Pinterest. She says, 'I've been hooked ever since.
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It's the easiest way to show style... a sneak peek into my personality.'
Suhana Sethi likes changing her shoe charms from time to time
There is a thought behind every charm
A combination of factors determines the choice of the charms. Mainak Chakraborty, a shoe enthusiast, picks charms depending on the occasion. 'If I am hanging out with friends, I choose a fun set. For a special movie outing, I try to match the charms to it. For me, my charms need to mean something.' For Suhana, the choice of charms depends largely on her outfit, likes and mood.
'Jordans, French fries, macaroons, sports games I follow, etc.
, are a few things I like. So I buy and use those charms.' Meanwhile, Nandini opts for a mix of fun and cute elements. 'It's like building a tiny red carpet moment for my feet. My shoes keep up with the drama.'
Experiment with styles
Although most popularly used on sneakers, charms can also be added to heels or boots. They are easily available on e-commerce websites at affordable prices. Here are a few styling tips to get you started:
Thread a pair of broad satin ribbons with glass beads or pearls to lace up your sneakers
Opt for safety pins with little charms in fruit shapes or Korean-themed bows to add zest to your regular sneakers
Adorn your heels with crystal pins, floral motifs, or pearl strands. These can be worn across your ankle or added to the straps of your shoes
You can loop small charms through your shoelaces for a fun, personalised detail
Use a delicate chain with charms across the back of boots for a subtle but different look
Add a single statement charm near the tongue of the shoe to draw attention
Opt for symbolic charms to make it personal
(Tips by Meghna Ghodawat, luxury fashion stylist, Neeti Patwa, founder of a bespoke jewellery boutique store)
Just like custom embroidery or monogrammed bags, charms offer a small yet powerful way to say something personal. Whether it's initials, a symbol of love, or a charm that reflects a mood, each one becomes a wearable part of your story
Tanushri Biyani
Don't damage shoes
Avoid overloading the shoes with too many charms
Choose charms with smooth finished backs to prevent abrasion
Always remove charms before storing the shoes to prevent dents or impressions
Secure them tightly so they don't swing excessively
(Tips by Tanushri Biyani, founder of a bridal sneaker and footwear brand)