Introduction
Shoelaces are an essential part of footwear. Apart from keeping our shoes secure on our feet, they also add a touch of style to our looks. However, gapping or frayed shoelaces can decrease the durability and comfort of footwear. Knowing how to replace and customize your laces is an important skill that every shoe wearer should have. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of removing and relacing different types of shoes, from sneakers to dress shoes.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
The first step to relacing your shoes is to ensure that you have the necessary tools at hand. These include a new pair of shoelaces and a pair of scissors to cut the old laces. If you’re relacing leather shoes, it’s also a good idea to have a lubricant, such as mink oil or saddle soap, to prevent the leather from cracking. Here are our simple and easy-to-follow steps for removing and replacing laces:
- Remove the old shoelaces by pulling them through the eyelets of your shoes.
- Take the new shoelaces and measure them against the old laces to ensure they’re the right length. If they’re too long, trim them with scissors.
- Thread one end of the new lace into the bottom eyelet, starting from the inside of the shoe, and knot it on the outside of the shoe. This helps to keep the lace in place so you can thread it through the rest of the eyelets easily.
- Thread the lace through the eyelets, crossing them over each other as you go. This creates a “crisscross” pattern that ensures your shoes stay secure on your feet.
- Once you reach the top eyelet, knot the lace on the outside of the shoe. Repeat the process for the second lace on the other shoe.
Don’t forget to adjust the laces to ensure a comfortable and snug fit.
Highlight Materials
Shoelaces come in different types of materials, including cotton, nylon, leather and even metal. It’s important to choose the right material based on your needs and the type of footwear. Nylon laces, for example, are durable and provide excellent support for athletic shoes. Cotton laces are comfortable and offer breathability. Here are some tips for selecting high-quality laces:
- Measure the length of your old laces to determine the correct size.
- If you’re using leather laces and the eyelets are tight, use a lubricant to make the threading process easier.
- For a secure knot, look for laces that aren’t too slippery.
- For greater customization, invest in laces with different textures and patterns.
Customize with Color
If you want to make a bold fashion statement, a colorful shoelace is an easy and inexpensive way to achieve this. You can choose a hue that complements your shoes or find a complementary shade for contrasting glam. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing different colors and textures of laces. Here are a few suggestions for adding some color to your shoes:
- Replace white shoelaces with black ones to create a sleek and stylish look.
- Use bright colored laces, like neon pink, to give a pop of color to your sneaker collection.
- For a quirky twist, use two different-colored laces on the same shoe to create a cool look.
- Choose lace patterns that complement your style.
Use Lacing Patterns
Different lacing patterns not only provide style but also enhance the fit, comfort and support of your shoes. Here are some lacing techniques to try:
- Crisscross lacing for sneakers or casual shoes, providing a secure hold and evenly distribute pressure.
- Straight lacing, which is perfect for dress shoes.
- Runner’s knot, for a secure and comfortable grip, especially when running.
- Bow-tie knot, for a classic bow-tie look, and to avoid tripping.
Playing around with lacing patterns can help you achieve a distinct look, customize the comfort your shoes offer, solve individual issues such as persistent heel slippage or wider feet, and allow you to skillfully put on your feet the fantastic new innovative feet gear we see all around us.
Aim for Comfort
Comfortable laces can make all the difference to your footwear choice. If you’re prone to blisters, select shoes with padding or cushioning. You can also add insoles and heel pads for extra comfort. Here are some tips for practicing comfort:
- Choose flat laces over round laces if you prefer comfort and easier slip-on motion as they trace out the natural contours of your foot.
- Opt for laces with moisture-wicking capabilities if you’re into sports or intense physical exercise.
- Add soft padding to your existing laces for extra protection.
- Use a slow and gentle lacing technique to avoid lacing the shoe too tightly, and allow for a snug and comfortable fit.
These simple tips can help you avoid blisters and other common shoe-related discomfort, allowing you to enjoy the stylish look of your new laces.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to properly remove and replace laces of your shoes, you can give new life to your old pair and customize new pairs to make them your own. With different lacing techniques, materials, and even colors, the possibilities are endless.
