How to Hand Place Rhinestones on Converse Shoes: Step-by-Step Guide

Hand-placing flatback rhinestones on the toe of shoes is a stunning way to transform ordinary footwear into dazzling custom creations! Whether you're a beginner or experienced crafter, this guide will walk you through the process of creating professional-looking rhinestone shoes that will catch everyone's attention!

Materials You'll Need

• Flatback Rhinestones: We recommend our LUXE flatback rhinestones with their stunning 2088 precision-cut, 16-facet brilliance. Popular sizes for shoes include SS10 (2.8mm), SS16 (4mm), SS20, (5mm) and SS30 (6mm)
• Adhesive: Multi-grab Supertite 360 is best suited for rubber surfaces. 
• Application Tools: The rhinestone pickup tool enables quick, high-quality work.
• Small nail file or sandpaper: works great to prepare the area for placement
• Rubbing Alcohol: For cleaning the shoe surface

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Surface

Use a nail file or a small piece of sandpaper to scuff the surface. Clean the toe area of your shoe thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, oils, or residue. This ensures maximum adhesive bond. Let the surface dry completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Plan Your Design

Follow the pattern image provided by applying the outside row as your base.

Step 3: Apply Adhesive

Use an applicator bottle or syringe to apply a small dot of adhesive at each rhinestone placement. Work in small sections (about 5-10 stones at a time) to prevent the adhesive from drying before you place the stones. Less is more—you only need a tiny amount!

Step 4: Place Your Rhinestones

Pick up each rhinestone with a rhinestone application tool and gently press it into the adhesive. Position it carefully—you have limited time to adjust before the adhesive sets. Press firmly but gently to ensure good contact without excess glue squeezing out.

Step 5: Let It Cure

Allow your shoes to dry completely—at least 24 hours, or follow your adhesive manufacturer's instructions. Avoid wearing or flexing the shoes during this time to ensure a strong bond.

Pro Tips from Annette

• Avoid Adhesive Overflow: Use a glue application bottle to apply tiny dots of glue. If excess glue does squeeze out, quickly wipe it away with a toothpick before it dries.
• Work with Curves: Smaller rhinestones perform better on curved surfaces, such as shoe toes. They conform to the shape more easily than larger stones.
• Color Combinations: Create dimension by mixing crystal stones with colored rhinestones, or use a single color for a bold statement. Our LUXE line offers brilliant color options!
• Fix Mistakes: If a stone is misplaced, gently remove it within the first minute using tweezers. Clean any adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol before reapplying.
• Test First: If you're new to this, practice on an old pair of shoes or fabric scrap to get comfortable with the technique.
• Spacing Matters: Leave a small gap between stones for flexibility, especially on shoes that bend with each step. We call this embracing the space.
• Do Not Overlap: Do not place stones that sit on or overlap another rhinestone. This will cause the rhinestone to fall off more easily. Instead, use a small stone that fits the area better.

Care Instructions

To keep your rhinestone shoes sparkling:

• Spot clean only—avoid machine washing
• Avoid excessive bending or flexing of the rhinestone area
• If stones become dull, gently wipe with a soft, damp cloth

Ready to Create Your Own?

Browse our complete selection of flatback rhinestones and rhinestone supplies to get started on your shoe transformation project. Our LUXE flatback rhinestones deliver exceptional brilliance without the high-end price, making them perfect for both beginners and professional designers.

Share your creations with us! Tag #BeCreateful on social media—we love seeing what our creative community makes!

Have questions about which rhinestones or supplies are best for your project? Contact us—our team is here to help you bring your vision to life!