Customizing shoes?

[redstripedsock.livejournal.com]

I want a new pair of shoes and so I thought that I would buy a plain pair and customize them. I checked the memories, but I couldn't find exactely what I was looking for.
I'm thinking of getting a pair of these shoes or these or just some plain chucks .
What could I use to customize these shoes?
Sharpies? If I use sharpies, will the spread throughout the canvas? will the sharpie fade/come out if they are put through the wash?
Paint? What kind of paint? I live near a Michael's and a Jo-ann's so I can go there to buy anything that I need.

Thanks in advance!