Sneaker laces wear out faster than the shoes: flat, round or corded, they can be changed in two minutes and transform a pair. Next to that, touch-up pens, erasers and wipes take care of the little everyday scuffs.
A colour lace is enough to give a second life to a plain pair.
This page brings together small accessories: spare laces, paint markers for touch-ups or personalisation, cleaning rubbers, wipes and sprays. For a complete clean, whether leather, suede or canvas, the sneaker care guide details each step and the right products.
The flat lace is what most casual sneakers use: it holds the knot well and lies flat on the tongue. The round lace, thinner, is found on running shoes or high-top pairs. The corded lace, thick and braided like a rope, gives a more pronounced, almost outdoor look.
The simplest way is to measure the old lace, end to end. If not possible, count the pairs of eyelets: the more there are, the longer the lace should be. A low cut requires shorter laces than a high cut. If they're too long, they drag on the ground; if too short, they make it hard to tie a solid knot.
The cross lacing, in an X from one eyelet to another, remains the most common and holds the foot well. The straight lacing, where the lace runs horizontally across the top, gives a cleaner look, highly valued on white leather sneakers. On a running pair, the last eyelet is used to lock the heel in place.
A paint marker can cover a scuff on a sole or trim, or add a design to a plain pair. Clean and dry the area, apply thin layers letting each dry in between, and test first on a discreet spot. Check the instructions for compatible materials with the marker.
Between washes, a cleaning rubber removes marks on suede and nubuck without water. Wipes can easily fit in a bag to wipe a sole or a fresh stain on leather or canvas. The quicker the stain is treated, the easier it comes out.
Tonally matched laces make a pair look more understated; contrasting laces, like white laces on a black pair or colourful laces on a white pair, make it stand out more. Corded laces add dimension to a minimalist pair. A few spare pairs are enough to vary the looks throughout the week.
Laces, markers and cleaners can be bought all year round. Take advantage of Black Friday or sales to stock up on discounted laces and care products, along with a new pair.
Discounts can be found on the Black Friday page in November, the Sales page during the sales season, and the promotional accessories page in between. Fast shipping and guaranteed best price.
Make a double knot, or loop the lace twice before tightening. Flat laces also hold the knot better than very smooth round ones.
A tight piece of adhesive tape wrapped around or a heated shrink tube can replace a tip. Otherwise, the easiest solution is to change laces.
Yes, by hand in soapy water or in the machine in a mesh bag or closed sock. Let them dry flat to prevent them from twisting.
Fully loosen them, then pull them out eyelet by eyelet, without forcing a knot. Fabric eyelets tear more easily than metal ones.
Yes, even if only one is worn: a new lace next to an old one stands out, as the colour has faded. Changing the pair keeps a uniform look.