Lacing styles have been an integral part of the sneaker industry since its inception. Over the years, lacing styles have changed and evolved, reflecting changing tastes and trends.
In the 1980s, the popular ‘fat laces’ style emerged, in which oversized shoelaces were used to create a bold, statement look. This style was paired with either low or high-top sneakers, both creating a distinct and memorable silhouette. We saw films like ‘Beat Street’ popularise models like the Puma Suede where B-Boys were swapping out laces from slim to thick ones and matching up the colours to the form stripe.
Up stepped Run DMC with their own spin on lacing styles, by removing them altogether. Their adidas Superstar trainers were worn with their signature ‘no laces and tongue out’ look – inspired from prison, whereby laces are removed from shoes to avoid self-harm to prisoners.
In the 1990s, lacing styles became more experimental and varied. The ‘criss-cross’ style, in which laces are woven back and forth across the shoe, became popular, as did the ‘bar style’, in which the laces are tucked under the side of the shoe. Lacing also became more colourful and playful, with bright neon laces and patterns becoming a common sight. And lets not forget the Checkerboard phase, where you would inter-twine two different colours to create a weave.
For the OGs amongst you, remember back when PUMA looked to reinvent lacing altogether in 1992, by way of the Disc – a system that utilised a clutch wheel and a series of integral cables to wind up tension in the sneaker. The loose casual look continued on models such as the Max 90 and BW, where people would lace their shoes to the last eyelet but not tie a bow and just leave the ends hanging out on either side or tuck them in so you couldn’t see the loose lace at all.
In the early 2000s, lacing styles became more streamlined and minimalist. The ‘straight bar’ style, in which the laces are simply threaded straight across the shoe, became popular, as did the ‘hidden lace’ style, in which the laces are hidden under a flap of material. This minimalistic approach reflected broader trends in fashion at the time, which emphasised simplicity and understated elegance. For the non-conformist kids, we would see them flip the style totally on its head and lace their shoes with the bow at the first lace.
In the world of sneaker fashion, it’s clear that history repeats itself: enthusiasts continually adopt lacing styles from the late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s as a testament to the timeless nature of these looks.
The trend of ‘fat laces’ from the 90s, for example, has seen an enviable resurgence in popularity, with oversized laces being used on various sneaker styles to great effect. Additionally, many sneakerheads have wisely opted for the ‘loose lace’ style for a clean and streamlined look that’s sure to impress. Sail laces, too, have become a veritable sensation, adding a vintage touch with their cream or off-white colour. Ultimately, sneaker enthusiasts continue to experiment with different lacing techniques, colours and styles, showcasing their creativity and individuality.
A while back we asked the Offspring Community how they lace their shoes… a subject that caused much debate at HQ and evokes a lot of conversation on pick up days. Straight out the box and on foot with the factory lacing. Lace them over. Lacing them under. The dreaded straight lace. Which lace system are you?
“Over, Under or Straight Lace really depends on the type of shoe. But one thing is always a given – they all get a re-lace before wearing. I even sometimes take the laces out, ironing them and put them back in exactly the same! Lol. (Virgo trait that) but in my defence – a dope shoe with crinkled/creased laces isn’t a good look!”
LOOSE TREND
“Depends on the shoe but mostly unlaced or made loose – both feet in and relace, that way both laces are equal length and not one longer than the other lol.”
“Love a white lace with most of my shoes. Gotta be over and loose tho, don’t catch us strangling our sneakers.”
SAIL LACE
“I usually put a sail lace in majority of my shoes. I love the vintage aesthetic it gives, especially on a pair of AM1/AJ1. I lace them over; the straight lace is a no.”
“Been relacing for years, there’s no issue with it, if you think another pair will work better then do it. I’ll always make sure when relaced the inside of the shoe is on top of the outside… I’ll always relace @theeastlondonedit pairs even without her asking!”
LACE OVER
“Over looks better, under is easier to loosen up. I do love re-lacing shoes as I find it therapeutic however, I don’t always do it straight away and sometimes I don’t have the time when I grab a pair to wear that hasn’t been re-laced. I really do wish brands didn’t put their shoes in a chokehold in the box!
Also, if you guys can keep a secret, I have bar laced at times back in the late 90s/early 2000s. I am man enough to own up to my mistakes.”
“Over and under for me and the lace colour has to match the tongue, gotta be done, just looks so much cleaner when it matches.”
FACTORY LACING
“Lazy as they come, happy with factory laced but when a pair needs a change up, I try to stay as close as possible to original.”
“It’s straight out the box. However, the shoe is laced is how it stays! No lace swaps for me.”
Share your lacing styles with us on #offspringhqcommunity
Happy lacing!
