Fitness DIY! Ombré Laces for Your Workout Shoes

Recently my good friend Kristen Turner, a DIY expert who runs the popular blog Glitter 'N Glue, sent me the most awesome handmade gift—ombré shoelaces for my workout shoes! In her opinion, even workout shoes can use that DIY touch. And as we all know, all it takes is some new, fun gym gear to help inspire you to work out. Here's how to make your own!

You Will Need

• white 100% cotton* athletic shoelaces
• fabric dye (like RIT)
• boiling hot water
• bowl
+ any extras needed to mix your dye; check the instructions

*Note, many shoelaces are polyester, but those won't hold dye as well as 100% cotton. 

DIY Ombré Shoelaces

1: Prep your dye, following the instructions on the back of your dye box (follow instructions for bucket dye); usually, you'll add the dye powder to boiling water. Stir it well to make sure that color is blended.

2: Fold the laces in half (hold at the top) with the tips facing the dye. Dip the tips into the dye so that about 1/3 of the laces are submerged. Leave them there about 3 to 4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired color. The longer you let the laces sit, the richer your color will be. Then remove. 

3: Now re-dip the laces, so that 2/3 of the length is submerged. Let them sit for 2 minutes. (We added more dye for a darker color.)

4: Rinse the laces under cold water and let dry. 

5: Lace up your shoes, and hit the ground running!

Try them in a lighter shade for a soft lavender. Leave them in for a shorter amount of time or use less dye.

Kit Rich is Los Angeles-based fitness trainer with endless exercise and nutritional know-how. Hollywood's hottest stars are addicted to Kit's unique, multi-disciplined approach that combines cardio, yoga, Pilates, and weight training. Kit's clients are immediately taken by her funny and honest approach to health and fitness. She treats her clients as she treats herself, "with a hard challenge, sensibility, sensitively, and a good laugh." Follow Kit on Twitter @kitrichfitness.