Types of Shoelaces: Which Ones Fit Your Kicks Best?

Shoelaces might be the smallest part of your kicks, but don’t sleep on them! Switch the laces, and you can change the entire vibe of a sneaker. But style isn’t the only thing that matters. Different types of shoelaces come with different shapes, materials, and uses.

And these little sneaker essentials have a story of their own… check out the history of sneaker laces to see how laces became part of sneaker culture.

So, which pair deserves a spot on your sneakers? Let’s lace up and find out!

Flat Shoelaces: The Sneaker Classic

Flat shoelaces are basically sneaker royalty. Their wide, flattened design makes them a familiar sight on casual and athletic kicks. They’re simple, versatile, and give sneakers that classic finish.

If you’re replacing the laces on your favorite pair, just remember that length matters too. Different sneakers can require different lace lengths depending on their size and number of eyelets.

Round Shoelaces: Ready for the Rough Stuff

Round laces have a narrower, cord-like shape. You’ll commonly spot them on boots, hiking footwear, and other shoes built for outdoor use.

And visually? They can give footwear a more rugged look than traditional flat laces.

Oval Shoelaces: Athletic Energy

Can’t decide between flat and round? Oval laces sit somewhere in the middle. Their slightly rounded yet flattened shape makes them a popular option for athletic footwear.

They’re also among the lace styles you’ll find when exploring different Nike shoelaces.

Waxed Shoelaces: Keep It Clean

Want something a little more polished? Waxed shoelaces feature a wax coating that gives them a smoother, more refined finish. You’ll often see this style paired with dressier footwear and boots.

Basically, when regular laces feel too casual, waxed ones can clean up the look.

Elastic & No-Tie Shoelaces: Forget the Bow

Tired of tying and retying your shoes? Elastic shoelaces stretch as your foot moves, while no-tie systems can use locks or alternative fasteners instead of the classic bow.

Convenience: unlocked.

Reflective Shoelaces: Shine After Dark

Reflective shoelaces incorporate light-reflecting elements that become more noticeable in low-light conditions. They can add visibility while giving your kicks an extra visual twist.

Which Type of Shoelace Should You Choose?

There’s no universal winner in the shoelace game. Flat laces keep things classic, round laces bring a rugged feel, waxed laces look polished, and elastic options prioritize convenience.

Whatever you choose, match the lace shape, material, length, and style to your footwear. And once they start looking rough, don’t instantly toss them! Our guide on how to clean shoelaces might help you bring them back to life.

After all, fresh kicks deserve fresh laces!

Lace Up With TSB

The right laces can pull a pair together, and the right setup can do the same when it’s time to cop. With 1M+ items secured and $50M+ in profit generated by members, TSB has the track record to back the talk.

If you’re ready to keep your sneaker game tied together without leaving your next cop hanging by a thread, make sure your TSB key is ready.