by Shannon Scott May 03, 2022

Shoelaces or shoestrings, as they’re often referred to, secure shoes on your feet. They also ensure that your shoes fit correctly. Beyond their functionality, shoelaces influence the shoes’ overall appearance.

If you are looking to spice up your wardrobe any time this year, you should pay close attention to your shoelaces. The best thing is shoelaces come in different styles and colors, so you can be sure you’ll get some that match your sense of style.

This article discusses everything you need to know about shoelaces, including; materials used to make them, aglets, popular lacing techniques, and the latest trend of multi-colored laces. Read on.

 

 

Materials used to make shoelaces

Manufacturers use different shoelace materials for different kinds of shoelaces the same way they use various shoe materials for different shoe types. The most common materials for shoelaces are cotton, spun polyester, textured polyester, elastic, and nylon.

Cotton

Most round and flat laces for fashion shoes and tennis shoes are made of cotton. They come in different colors, including black, white, red, yellow, rainbows, and glitters.

Depending on your preferences, you can choose between flat and round laces. Although the two are different, they serve the same purpose.

Cotton shoelaces are relatively easy to clean. You can wash them with cold water and soap. However, it would be best not to place them in the dryer because aglets may melt or get damaged. Instead, place them in a well-ventilated area and let them air-dry.

Cotton laces are affordable. You can easily replace them if you lose them or they wear out. They are also readily available in shoe stores.

Spun polyester

Spun polyester laces are smooth and uniform. They are durable but soft enough to sag and bend under their weight.

You can wash them by hand or in the washing machine and air-dry them to avoid damaging the aglets.

Textured polyester

Textured polyester laces are typical on work shoes and boots. They are water-resistant and last for a long time.

Unlike cotton shoelaces, textured polyester laces don’t come in many colors. The only colors you are likely to find are black and white.

You can wash these laces in your washing machine, but don’t dry them in your dryer as they may get damaged. Instead, air-dry them.

Elastic

Elastic shoelaces are very convenient. They allow you to slip your feet into shoes without adjusting the laces. Typically, you attach them to horizontal holes of the shoes.

Elastic laces are an easy way to transform shoes into no-tie versions, ideal for people who have trouble tying shoelaces.

Nylon 

If you are looking for durable shoelaces, consider buying the ones made of nylon. Compared to other shoelaces, they are expensive. However, they are worth every coin because they will serve you for a long time.

Aglets

Aglets are the hard coating you see on both ends of your shoelace. They ensure that the shoelace doesn’t fray and make it easier to lace up your shoes.

Most aglets are made of plastic, but different varieties are available, including threaded aglets, metal aglets, nail polish/glue aglets, and adhesive tape aglets.

Threaded aglets

You can choose to make a threaded aglet by wrapping thread around the age of the shoelace. Threaded aglets are visually appealing and cheap. However, the thread hardly stays in place, so you’ll have to rethread it multiple times.

Metal aglets

Most high-quality shoelaces, including leather laces, come with metal aglets because they are long-lasting. As the name suggests, a metal aglet is made of metal.

You can buy them in hobby stores near you.

Nail polish/glue aglets

These aglets are made by coating both ends of the shoelace with superglue to prevent fraying.

Adhesive tape aglets

If you ever need a quick solution, wrap the ends of your shoelace with adhesive tape to create an aglet.

 

Popular lacing techniques

Here are a few standard lacing methods you can use to tie your shoe.

Straight bar lacing

Straight bar lacing makes shoes look neat and put together. Generally, it makes shoes look more elegant.

This lacing technique only works on shoes with an even number of eyelets. If the eyelets on your shoes are an odd number, this technique will make the shoes look messy.

Criss-cross lacing

This lacing style is ideal for sneaker and athletic shoes. In addition, this method accommodates the thickness of socks you’ll wear. 

Sawtooth lacing

This technique requires you to lace your shoes at the bottom of the eyelets horizontally. The laces are usually misaligned, so it may be difficult to tighten your shoes.

Sawtooth lacing is relatively easy. So you won’t spend too much time lacing your shoes.

Commando lacing

Commando lacing gives your shoes a straight-laced look. The best part is you can use it on shoes with an odd number of eyelets.

Biking/hiking lacing

If you plan to go biking or hiking, you are better off using the biking/hiking lacing technique because it ensures your laces don’t get caught in the wheel when riding the bike or get undone when you are hiking.

Your shoelaces should not be too long. It would also be best to tie the knots on the sides of your shoes.

Multi-colored laces are in style

Multi-colored laces are trending this year. To achieve this style, all you need to do is lace your shoes with two laces (of different colors) instead of one. This way, you achieve a stylish multi-colored contrast.

The most straightforward technique that uses two different colored laces is the double-sided technique. Here is how to do it;

1. Choose the two shoelaces you want to use. They should be the same length and ideal for the type of shoe you want to wear.
2. Align the flat side of the two laces.
3. Lace your shoes using the traditional criss-cross lacing technique. The lace at the top should change every time you insert the laces in a new eyelet.
4. Finish by tying the laces in a bow.

Conclusion

Shoelaces are essential accessories for shoes. They are also a great way to express yourself.

The lacing style and shoelace color you use can transform your boring shoes into a stylish pair. There are endless possibilities. Try buying different-colored shoelaces and change your lacing technique to enhance your style.

Buy high-quality laces at COMUNITYmade today. All our products are handmade in the United States. 

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