How to Decorate Birkenstocks with Paracord and Beads: A DIY Kit Born from Decades of Devotion

I've been wearing Birkenstocks for as long as I can remember. My first pair? Saved up my own money because my parents refused to drop $100 on shoes for a kid. Twenty years later, I finally let that original pair go in what I can only describe as a nearly spiritual release.  They weren't serving me anymore, but they were an icon of who I'd become.

I own more pairs than anyone I know. It's all I wear.

So when I started seeing people blinging out their Birks over a year ago, I needed to jump on board. But here's the thing about being a perfectionist with half your planets in Virgo: you don't release anything until it's right. A year passed. Then another season. And suddenly I'm thinking, "Did I miss the boat?" Then I saw Birkenstock themselves pushing the trend just this month, and I thought, “ok, I have to do this.” And here we are.

But you know what? I'm a Birkenstock girl year-round. Are you with me?

Here's what makes this kit different:

This isn't your basic craft-store bling situation. We're talking American-made paracord (inspired by a trend I spotted in Spain a few summers ago), large-hole beads you won't find anywhere else, European resin, bone beads, and our signature artisan-made tassels. No big-box store faux-anything. Just the good stuff.

Because if you're going to accessorize your accessories, (and let's be real, that's why you're here) you deserve materials as iconic as the shoes themselves.

Why Birkenstocks, though?

It's the durability. The longevity. The fact that they're the original hippie shoe and fashion houses like Manolo Blahnik want to collaborate with them and Target knocks them off. They scale up and down simultaneously. Everybody wants a pair.

We just want ours covered in beads and tassels.

A few things before you dive in:

We've given you more paracord and beads than you need for one pair, so you can choose which colors pair best for you. What to do with the leftovers? Make a keychain. A bag charm. Bling out your sneakers. Go wild.

And don't stress about perfection. This project is completely forgiving. Tie a knot you don't love? Untie it. Want the pink bead on the other shoe? Switch it. Easy.

Two quick tips:

1. Always melt the ends of your paracord with a lighter. This keeps it from fraying and makes threading easier. Melt the center core to the outer part so the inside doesn't slide out. And if you’re young, do this part with a parent.

2. Some bead holes are snug. The paracord varies in softness and stretch. Can't get it through? Use needle-nose pliers.

Now let's get to the fun part.

What's in the Kit (and What Else You'll Need)

Kit Contents:
6 Assorted Neon Large Hole Czech Glass Beads
5 Assorted Enamel Pony Beads
4 Assorted Gemstone & Glass Large Hole Beads
1 Silver Plated Enamel Flower Charm
2 Silver Plated Textured Enamel Pony Beads
Approx. 17 Large Hole Bone Heishi Beads
1 European Resin Charm on a jump ring
1 Mini Silky Tassel on a jump ring
Skill Level: Beginner; no tools needed
Great For: DIY jewelry, friendship bracelets, creative gifts, teens, tweens + grown-up makers

Other things you'll need:

-a lighter 

-a pair of birkenstock clogs or other shoes  to decorate!

Before You Start: How to Seal Paracord Ends

Cut around 20-25” of paracord and be sure that you've made a nice clean cut to ensure the paracord stays intact. Use a lighter to gently melt the end of the paracord;  you only need to do this for a few seconds. While the end is still melted and hot, push it against the side of your lighter to create a clean end for beading! You can also wet your fingers and use your fingers to flatten the end, but this is not recommended because you can easily burn yourself. 

Now to start customizing your Birkenstock clogs!

Step 1: Creating the Paracord Bow

*disclaimer* This may take a few tries to perfect, but is well worth it!

1. Thread half of your cord into the top of your clogs

2. With the shoe facing away from you, cross the left side over the right and create a knot. 

3. Next, create two loops and cross the right loop over top of the left loop.

4. Now take the back loop (on the right side)  and top paracord end and flip it inside the middle, toward the toe of the shoe. 

5. Take the other loop and end (on the left side) and push it back through the middle so when you flip it through it's facing you. 

6. Pull both ends evenly at the same time to create your bow.

7. Adjust by pulling ends and bunny ears, or by pushing the two parallel loops in the center of the bow together until you're happy with how it looks. 

8. If you want a second bow, repeat these steps with your desired paracord color. 

9. Now you are ready to begin beading! 

Step 2: Beading/decorating your birkenstock clogs.

*P.S. - Some cords are more pliable, while others hold their shape, and bead holes may vary too. Try wiggling, using needle nose pliers, or your own creative techniques  until you land  on the look you love! 

1. Map out your bead combinations before tying them on to make sure they all fit and give you your desired look. 

2. Bead your beads onto the cord, and if you are not using a charm or tassel, tie a knot.

3. If you are adding a tassel or charm, put the jump ring onto the cord, and while tying a knot, make sure you are tying the jump ring into the knot. 

4. Adjust and re-tie until you get you’re happy with the lengths of your paracord ends.

5. Trim the ends, and seal the ends with a lighter  the same way you did to begin the project, to avoid fraying. 

And just like that, you're done!

Time to enjoy your newly customized Birkenstocks that feel like YOU!

FAQ 

• Can you customize Birkenstocks?
  Definitely, and we hope you do! Cords, charms, and beads are an easy way to turn a classic pair of shoes into something that is yours. 
  
  

• Will paracord damage suede Birkenstocks?
  With everyday wear, you may notice a little rubbing or indentation. Think of it as part of your shoe’s story! If you tie your cord snug but not tight, that can help prevent indentation. 

• What size beads fit 550 paracord? 
  A 4-5mm hole size is ideal for 550 paracord. 

• How much paracord do I need for one pair?
  Four 20-24” strands of paracord is ideal for one pair of shoes with two bows on each shoe. 

• Can I take the beads off later?
  Absolutely! Paracord is sturdy, but should be able to untie pretty easily with a little elbow grease. 

• Does this work on Arizonas or only Bostons?
  It wouldn't sit the exact same, but it can be done. There are many other ways you could tie cord onto Arizonas to create a similar look!
  
  

Get your kit from WomanShopsWorld. Kit drops on Friday, September 25 at 11am EST.