When it comes to footwear, many men spend hours choosing the right pair of shoes—be it leather dress shoes, casual sneakers, or durable boots. Something many men overlook, however, is shoe lace styles.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, the shoe lace styles you select can significantly influence the overall look and feel of your footwear, adding a personal touch and ensuring your shoes stand out.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of shoe laces available and how they can enhance your style. From materials to colors and lengths, choosing the right shoe lace style is a small detail that makes a big difference.
Cotton Shoe Laces
One of the most common shoe lace styles is the traditional cotton lace. These laces are soft, flexible, and breathable, making them ideal for most casual and formal shoes.
Cotton laces are typically flat and come in various thicknesses, which allows you to experiment with different looks.
Why Choose Cotton Laces?
- Versatile and work well with dress shoes, casual shoes, and boots.
- Durable and easy to clean.
- Available in a variety of colors and patterns, giving you the freedom to personalize your style.
Waxed Shoe Laces
Cotton shoe laces are the go-to choice for men looking for a reliable lace that can transition from the office to the weekend without skipping a beat.
For a more polished, formal look, waxed shoe laces are a popular choice. These are often made of cotton but coated with a thin layer of wax, giving them a sleek finish and added durability.
Dress shoes often feature this shoe lace style. The wax helps the laces maintain their shape and prevents fraying.
Why Choose Waxed Laces?
- Ideal for formal or business attire – they add a clean, shiny touch to your shoes.
- Water-resistant – making them practical for rainy or damp conditions.
- Stiff texture – helps them stay tied, reducing the need for constant adjustments.
Round Shoe Laces
Waxed shoe laces are often used in dress shoes like Oxfords or Derby shoes, giving the overall outfit a polished and refined look.
Round laces are a classic choice, often associated with formal shoes like Oxfords and brogues. However, not all round laces are created equal—some are thick and sturdy, while others are thin and delicate.
This shoe lace style tends to offer a cleaner appearance than flat laces and is often preferred for a more elegant, understated look.
Why Choose Round Laces?
- Offer a timeless, clean aesthetic suitable for formal footwear.
- Work well with boots due to their sturdy construction.
- Come in both waxed and unwaxed versions for added versatility.
Round shoe lace styles are the go-to for men who prefer a more streamlined look and want to keep things simple yet sophisticated.
Leather Shoe Lace Styles
If you want to add a touch of rugged luxury to your footwear, leather shoe laces are the way to go. Typically used in boots and more casual shoes, leather laces provide a unique texture and are incredibly durable.
While they may require a bit more care and attention, the visual impact of leather laces elevate shoes to another level.
Why Choose Leather Laces?
- Add a rugged, masculine edge to boots and casual shoes.
- Extremely durable – lasting much longer than most cotton or synthetic laces.
- Create a unique aesthetic that stands out.
Leather shoe lace styles are often seen on chukka boots or desert boots, adding a dash of personality to a classic silhouette. Pair them with a pair of rugged jeans or chinos, and you’ve got yourself a look that’s both refined and tough.
Elastic No-Tie Laces
For the man on the go, elastic no-tie shoe laces are a game-changer.
These laces are designed with elasticity, allowing you to slip your shoes on and off without the need to tie them. While they are more commonly found in casual or athletic shoes, no-tie laces can also be an option for men looking for convenience and comfort in their everyday footwear.
Why Choose No-Tie Shoe Lace Styles?
- Offer ease and convenience for men who are constantly on the move.
- Provide a snug fit, ideal for athletic or casual shoes.
- Eliminate the hassle of having to constantly re-tie your laces.
No-tie shoe lace styles work exceptionally well for gym shoes, sneakers, or casual loafers, and they are ideal for anyone who prioritizes comfort and functionality over formal aesthetics.
Paracord Shoe Laces
Paracord shoe laces, often associated with outdoor or tactical footwear, are the epitome of durability. Originally designed for parachutes, these laces are incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear.
They are often thicker than standard laces and are commonly used in hiking boots, work boots, or shoes that need to endure extreme conditions.
Why Choose Paracord Laces?
- Extremely durable and ideal for heavy-duty boots or outdoor shoes.
- Resistant to abrasions, fraying, and extreme weather conditions.
- Can also be used for other purposes in survival situations (paracord can be unraveled and used in emergencies).
While not suitable for dress shoes, paracord shoe lace styles are a practical choice for men who spend a lot of time outdoors or in rugged environments.
They pair well with work boots or hiking shoes, adding an extra layer of functionality to your footwear.
Flat Athletic Laces
Last but not least, flat athletic shoe laces are the most common choice for sneakers and running shoes. These laces are designed to be lightweight, durable, and secure, making them perfect for high-activity situations.
They are usually made from synthetic materials, which help them resist sweat, water, and the wear and tear of intense physical activity.
Why Choose Flat Athletic Laces?
- Designed for sports and high-activity environments, providing a secure fit.
- Often made from moisture-resistant materials.
- Available in a wide range of colors to match your personal style or team colors.
Flat athletic shoe lace styles are a staple in sportswear and are essential for anyone looking to maximize performance while keeping their sneakers in top shape.
Do Shoe Lace Styles Affect Formality?
Short answer: Yes.
Just as shoes come in varying degrees of formality, the shoe laces you choose can also influence how well they align with your outfit.
Whether you’re dressing for a black-tie event or a casual weekend outing, selecting the appropriate shoe lace styles is crucial for pulling your look together. Let’s break down which types of shoe laces best suit different levels of formality.
Shoe Lace Styles for Formal Attire:
- Waxed Cotton Laces: Waxed laces are the gold standard for dress shoes. Their subtle sheen and structured appearance make them perfect for formal occasions. The wax coating prevents fraying and keeps the laces looking sharp and neat.
- Thin Round Laces: Round, thin laces give a clean, minimalistic look that works seamlessly with formal shoes like Oxfords, brogues, and Derbies. They add an elegant touch without drawing unnecessary attention.
- Leather Laces (for specific formal styles): Though not as common, leather laces can work with dress shoes in certain upscale-casual settings, especially when you’re opting for a sophisticated yet slightly rugged look.
- Avoid: Flat laces or overly thick laces, as these can detract from the sleek, polished appearance needed for formal wear.
Business Casual: Smart Shoes and Loafers
Business casual outfits require a balance between professionalism and comfort.
While the formality level is more relaxed compared to full business attire, you still want to maintain a put-together appearance. For this reason, the laces on your shoes should reflect this middle ground between formal and casual.
Best Shoe Lace Styles for Business Casual:
- Unwaxed Cotton Laces: For a softer, less formal look, unwaxed cotton laces work well with loafers, chukka boots, and smart-casual shoes like Derbies. They add a touch of sophistication while keeping things relaxed.
- Flat or Slightly Thicker Laces: If your business casual shoes have a chunkier profile, such as brogue boots or more relaxed leather loafers, flat laces can help balance the proportions while maintaining a professional appearance.
- Elastic No-Tie Laces: For loafers or slip-on shoes, elastic no-tie laces are a subtle way to keep a clean, seamless look without the need for frequent adjustments.
- Avoid: Extremely thin or waxed laces, as they can make your shoes look overly formal for a business casual setting.
Smart Casual: Sneakers and Boots
Smart casual dress codes often allow for a wider range of footwear options, from sleek leather sneakers to polished boots.
The key here is to stay stylish yet comfortable, without veering into overly casual territory. Shoe lace styles for smart casual attire should lean toward clean, simple designs that complement rather than overpower your look.
Best Shoe Lace Styles for Smart Casual:
- Flat Cotton Laces (in neutral or bold colors): Flat laces in neutral tones like black, gray, or white work well for smart sneakers, balancing casual comfort with a refined edge. For a more adventurous look, you can even experiment with bolder colors to make your shoes pop.
- Leather Laces (for boots): Leather laces work exceptionally well for boots in a smart casual ensemble. Whether you’re wearing Chelsea boots or chukkas, leather laces add a rugged yet polished finish.
- Paracord Laces (for rugged boots): If you’re opting for a pair of more utilitarian boots—such as those you’d wear with jeans or chinos—paracord laces bring a tactical, rugged appeal while maintaining the smart aspect of the outfit.
- Avoid: Brightly colored, overly thick laces, as they can make the shoes appear too casual for a smart look.
Casual Attire: Sneakers, Loafers, and Everyday Shoes
When it comes to casual attire, you have the freedom to experiment with a wider range of shoe lace styles.
The rules are more relaxed here, so it’s a great opportunity to let your personality shine through. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend brunch or running errands, your shoe laces can add a fun or stylish twist to your casual look.
Best Shoe Lace Styles for Casual Attire:
- Flat Athletic Laces: For casual sneakers, flat athletic laces are an excellent choice. They provide comfort and durability, making them ideal for all-day wear.
- Elastic No-Tie Laces: For maximum convenience and a clean aesthetic, elastic no-tie laces are perfect for casual slip-ons or low-top sneakers. They allow you to slip on your shoes without worrying about them coming undone throughout the day.
- Bold or Patterned Laces: Casual settings allow for creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with brightly colored or patterned laces, especially if you’re wearing plain or neutral-colored shoes. This can add a fun, personal flair to your outfit.
- Paracord Laces (for rugged, casual boots): For work boots, hiking shoes, or any footwear designed for the outdoors, paracord laces offer both style and practicality.
- Avoid: Waxed or overly polished laces, as they can make your casual shoes look mismatched or overly formal.
Outdoor or Work Attire: Boots and Heavy-Duty Shoes
If your day involves hiking, manual labor, or any outdoor activity, function takes precedence over form. That said, there are still stylish and practical shoe lace styles that suit heavy-duty shoes and boots.
Best Shoe Lace Styles for Outdoor or Work Attire:
- Paracord Laces: For heavy-duty or outdoor footwear, paracord laces are the clear winner. They’re tough, durable, and designed to withstand harsh conditions, making them perfect for hiking boots or work boots.
- Thick Round Laces: For a robust, supportive fit, thick round laces are ideal for work shoes or rugged outdoor boots. They provide a strong hold and are resistant to fraying.
- Leather Laces (for rugged casual boots): Leather laces add a rugged aesthetic to boots while still ensuring durability. They’re perfect for casual settings or light outdoor activities where you want both style and strength.
- Avoid: Thin or delicate laces, as they won’t hold up to the physical demands of outdoor work or hiking.
Shoe Lace Tying Styles
The way you lace your shoes might seem like a minor detail, but in the world of style, even the smallest elements can make a big difference.
A properly laced pair of shoes not only adds polish to your look but also reflects attention to detail and personal flair. Whether you’re going for a classic, minimalist approach or something that stands out, your shoe lacing can be a subtle yet effective way to elevate your style.
Let’s break down five essential shoe lace styles every man should have in his repertoire.
Straight (Bar) Lacing
Best for: Formal shoes like Oxfords or Derbies
Look: Clean, simple, and classic, this is the go-to for a polished appearance.
How to lace:
- Start by inserting the laces through the bottom eyelets from the outside in.
- Take the lace on the right side and pass it straight across into the next eyelet on the opposite side.
- On the left side, skip an eyelet and insert it on the opposite side, keeping the pattern even.
- Continue alternating until you reach the top, making sure the laces lie flat and parallel.
Why it works: Straight lacing is low-profile and doesn’t bunch the sides of your shoe, creating a streamlined look perfect for formal settings. It’s the epitome of understated elegance.
Criss-Cross Lacing
Best for: Casual shoes and sneakers
Look: The most common and versatile lacing style, ideal for everyday footwear.
How to lace:
- Thread the lace through the bottom eyelets from the inside out.
- Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the outside in.
- Repeat this process until you reach the top.
Why it works: Criss-cross lacing provides excellent comfort and functionality, distributing tension evenly across the shoe. It’s a reliable option for any shoe you wear on a regular basis, from boots to athletic shoes.
Over-Under Lacing
Best for: Sneakers and athletic shoes
Look: A functional, performance-focused lacing style, balancing comfort and security.
How to lace:
- Start by threading the lace through the bottom eyelets from the outside in.
- Cross the laces and insert them into the next eyelets from the inside out.
- On the following row, cross the laces again, this time inserting them from the outside in.
- Alternate between these two methods as you go up the shoe.
Why it works: By alternating over and under, you get a secure fit while reducing friction on the laces. This style is perfect for high-movement activities, like running or sports, where durability matters.
Diagonal Lacing
Best for: Statement shoes, casual wear
Look: Modern, bold, and slightly asymmetric—this pattern is a stylish alternative to traditional lacing.
How to lace:
- Begin by threading the lace through the bottom eyelets from the inside out.
- Take one lace and run it diagonally up and across to the opposite eyelet.
- For the other lace, thread it straight up and out through the eyelet directly above, and repeat this process diagonally as you move upwards.
Why it works: Diagonal lacing is unconventional, making it great for casual shoes when you want to add a bit of flair. It’s less symmetrical than other styles, which draws attention without being too loud.
Hidden Knot Lacing
Best for: Dress shoes or shoes where you want a sleek, minimalist look
Look: Clean with no visible knot, perfect for formal occasions.
How to lace:
- Lace the shoes using the straight bar method, but when you reach the top, stop.
- Tuck the laces underneath the tongue of the shoe instead of tying them in a bow.
- Secure the ends of the laces with a small knot under the tongue.
Why it works: Hidden knot lacing eliminates any loose or dangling laces, giving your shoe a pristine, uninterrupted appearance. This is perfect for men who want their formal shoes to look as sleek as possible.
Choosing the right shoe lace styles for different levels of formality can greatly impact the cohesiveness of your overall look.
Ultimately, paying attention to the small details can elevate your style and ensure that every element of your outfit, down to your shoe laces, is on point.