Sneaker Chains: The Rise of Shoe Accessorizing in Streetwear Culture

The Rise of Sneaker Chains

Sneaker chains have become an increasingly popular fashion accessory among teenagers and young adults in recent years. Often associated with "eshay" culture, sneaker chains allow wearers to add some flair to their shoe game while also showing off their style and interests.

A sneaker chain is a chain, usually made of stainless steel or silver, that attaches to the laces of sneakers. They come in different lengths, with longer chains that wrap around the shoe several times being more popular. Sneaker chains range from simple silver chains to more elaborate designs with pendants or charms on them.

Sneakerhead Culture

The popularity of sneaker chains connects back to sneakerhead culture, which is all about collecting, trading, and showing off rare and exclusive sneaker models. Sneakerheads have been customizing their shoes with shoelaces, paint jobs, and other embellishments for decades.

Adding a chain that dangles from the laces is another way to make a statement and stand out. The chain draws attention to the shoes, dangling and jingling with movement. Sneakerheads may choose chains that have unique charms or logos related to their favorite brands, like Nike or Adidas.

Eshay Subculture

In Australia, sneaker chains have become strongly associated with the eshay subculture. Eshays are teenagers who engage in hip hop culture and urban streetwear. The typical eshay look includes polo shirts, sportswear, caps, and of course, sneaker chains.

Eshays often wear "TN" shoes, which stands for Nike's Air Max Plus model with a recognizable ridged sole. A #niketuned chain swinging from a pair of TNs is an eshay calling card. Chain length and thickness signifies status and street cred.

Customizing Sneaker Chains

One of the appeals of sneaker chains is the ability to customize them. Chain style and length can be chosen based on personal taste. Many sneakerheads and eshays get customized chains made with unique pendants.

Popular sneaker chain pendants include:

• The Nike Swoosh
• Air Jordan wings logo
• Adidas trefoil
• Brand logos like Louis Vuitton or Gucci
• Pendant with initials or name
• Iconic sneaker model pendants, like Air Force 1

Custom pendants or charms let you show off your brand loyalty and interests. Chains can also be wrapped in different colored threads or tape for more design options.

How to Style Sneaker Chains

Pulling off the sneaker chain look starts with choosing the right shoes. The most popular shoes to style chains with are:

• Nike Air Force 1
• Nike Air Jordan 1
• Nike Air Max
• Adidas Superstar
• Converse Chuck Taylor
• Vans

Classic, chunky sneaker silhouettes work best to handle the weight of a chain. Low tops that expose the shoe's laces also allow the chain to drape nicely.

Chain Length and Size

Next, choose the right chain length for your shoes. Long, multi-wrap chains look best on chunky mid- or high-top sneakers. Shorter single-wrap chains suit low-top sneakers.

Pick a chain thickness that balances with your shoes. Light sneakers like Converse or Vans pair well with thin chains. Heavyweight sneakers can handle thicker, more heavy-duty chains.

Where to Attach Chains

Most sneaker chains are designed to loop directly through the lace holes on each side of the shoe. This attaches the chain securely and allows it to swing freely with each step.

Some shoelaces don't have open holes, like rope laces. In that case, the chain can be looped under the laces or attached to the shoe's loops or hooks.

Styling the Rest of the Outfit

A sneaker chain is often the central statement piece of an outfit. Keep the rest of the look simple to let the shoes take center stage.

For a streetwear vibe, pair chained up sneakers with joggers, ripped jeans, or shorts and a graphic tee or hoodie. Athletic wear like track pants and bomber jackets also complement the sporty shoes.

Some style tips:

• Stick to a tonal color palette - an all black outfit really makes the metal chain stand out.
• Keep logos and loud graphics to a minimum.
• Size up on bottoms to avoid looking top heavy.
• Add some subtle glam with a pendant necklace.

Popular Sneaker Chains

Many brands now offer ready-made sneaker chains in different styles.

Rope Chains

Rope chains are made of interwoven small metal links, giving the look of a delicate, layered rope. They come in silver, gold, and rose gold metals. Rope chains have a clean, minimalist look great for any sneaker style.

Box Chains

Box chains are made up of small, linked square boxes. They lie flat and have an edgy, street style vibe. Box chains come in a variety of metals and finishes like brushed steel.

Figaro Chains

The Figaro chain has a repeating pattern of a longer flattened link connecting with several smaller round links. This gives figaro chains a neat, tailored look. They are made from materials like sterling silver, gold, and stainless steel.

Cuban Link Chains

Cuban link chains are made of uniformly sized oval links that lay neatly together. They are a popular, stylish choice for sneaker chains and come in silver or two-toned gold/silver.

DIY Sneaker Chains

For crafty sneakerheads, it's also easy and fun to make your own custom sneaker chains.

Supplies Needed

• Chain - start with a silver necklace chain or keychain chain. Purchase bulk bead chain for less cost.
• Findings - clasps, jump rings, lobster clasps to connect the chain ends.
• Pendants - charms, jewelry pendants, or found objects to dangle from the chain.
• Pliers, wire cutters, jump rings - to cut chain and connect findings.

Assembly

Cut the chain to your desired sneaker chain length plus a couple extra inches. Use jump rings to attach your chosen pendants and chain findings. Connect the lobster clasp to one end and the other finding to the opposite end.

Decorating and Coloring

Personalize your chain even more by:

• Stringing beads onto the chain for color
• Wrapping part of the chain in colored embroidery floss
• Painting chain links or pendants with nail polish or acrylic paint

DIY-ing your own chain means you can get just the look you want while adding sentimental pendants or color schemes.

Caring for Your Sneaker Chain

Like any accessory, sneaker chains will look their best with proper care and cleaning. Here are some tips for maintenance:

• Use a polishing cloth on metal chains to keep them shiny and prevent tarnishing.
• If chains get dirty, clean gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap and water.
• Store chains in a box or pouch to prevent tangling and damage when not worn.
• Remove chains before showering or swimming to prevent rust and wear.
• Don't weigh down chains with too many heavy pendants.

Check clasps and links periodically for damage to detect wear before it turns into breakage. Take chains off your shoes before active sports.

The Appeal of Sneaker Chains

Sneaker chains continue to grow in popularity across the world and within several subcultures. Much like the sneakers themselves, adding a chain is an inexpensive way for people to show their personal style and interests.

The ability to customize chains with unique pendants gives wearers a fun, creative way to express themselves. Sneaker chains also represent youth culture and the enormous influence of hip hop, streetwear, and sneakerhead communities.

While some schools and dress codes prohibit visible chains for safety reasons, many young people enjoy styling and collecting chains as statement pieces. The trend doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon as sportswear continues to dominate mainstream fashion.

Whether you're a serious sneaker collector or just want to add some flair to your everyday looks, sneaker chains let you accessorize with your shoes. The jingling, dangling chains draw attention and show the wearer's sense of style wherever they go.

FAQs

How long should a sneaker chain be?

Chain length depends on the shoe style. Longer, multi-wrap chains look best on high-tops. Low-tops suit shorter single-wrap chains. Make sure the chain doesn't drag on the ground.

What shoes look best with sneaker chains?

Chunky retro sneaker styles work best like Air Force 1s, Air Jordan 1s, Air Max, and Adidas Superstars. Low-top shoes that expose the laces also complement dangling chains.

How do you attach a sneaker chain?

Most sneaker chains have clasps to loop directly through the lace holes on each side of the shoe. For shoes without open holes, loop the chain under laces or on shoe loops/hooks.