The cheapest refresh in sneakers costs about five dollars: new laces. A lace swap can make a tired pair feel brand new, tone down a loud colorway, or completely change a shoe's personality. Here is how to do it right.
Why laces change everything
Laces are the frame around the whole shoe — swap them and the eye goes somewhere new. Cream or sail laces on white Air Force 1s add instant vintage character. Rope laces on Dunks give them a rugged, workwear edge. Black laces on a colorful Jordan 1 calm the whole shoe down. It is a small change with an outsized visual payoff, and it takes two minutes.
Lace types and where they work
Flat laces are the classic default — clean on AF1s, Dunks, and Blazers. Oval or rope laces add texture and work best on Dunks and Jordan 1s. Waxed laces bring a dressier, premium feel and hold knots better. Reflective laces are a fun night-time flex on runners like the Vomero 5. Match the vibe of the shoe: rugged shoe, rugged lace; minimal shoe, minimal lace.
Lengths and combos to try
Getting the length right matters more than people think. Air Force 1s and Dunk Lows take 45-inch laces; Jordan 1 Mids want 54 to 63 inches; Jordan 1 Highs need 63 to 72 inches depending on how you lace. For color theory, start simple: pull one accent color from the shoe, or go tonal — cream laces on a sail shoe, grey on grey. Two-tone lacing (one color per shoe, or split down the middle) is the advanced move once you are comfortable.
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