Why settle for one lace when you can have two? In just a few months, double lacing has become the most viral fashion hack, establishing itself as the new signature of sneaker enthusiasts. A fun and accessible way to personalize your look without altering your favorite pair. From luxury runways to iconic models like the Asics Gel-Cumulus 16, we take a closer look at this phenomenon.
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 16 at the heart of the trend
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 16 is getting a makeover. Available at Courir in two new colorways, this refreshed design highlights a shared, highly coveted shade: chocolate brown. Paired with either deep red or pastel yellow, the famous butter yellow, this colorway gains even more character thanks to one detail. Instead of the usual single lace, the sneakers feature double lacing. This trick adds a playful, fun touch to a model that has become a staple in the sneaker world.
When it comes to styling, the idea is to carry the double-lace aesthetic through to the rest of the outfit. You can even take the concept a step further with your socks by layering two pairs, either mismatched or coordinated with the colors of your sneakers.
A detail that makes all the difference: From the runway to the streets
While double lacing is now taking over our social media feeds, its recent rise in popularity on the fashion scene owes much to the landmark collaboration between New Balance and Miu Miu. By combining the aesthetic of American dad shoes with the refinement of the Italian fashion house, the two brands have made double lacing the sneaker trend of the season.
The phenomenon quickly moved beyond the luxury market. Sportswear giants such as adidas, Puma, and Asics were quick to embrace this hack to reinvent their iconic models.
The viral appeal of this trend lies in its accessibility. There’s no need to invest in an expensive new pair to achieve the look: two sets of laces in contrasting colors or textures are enough to transform any sneakers in your wardrobe. In recent seasons, brands and sneaker enthusiasts have even started adding charms, beads, and shoe jewelry, turning sneakers into a true creative canvas.
The return of customization: A quest for individuality
This phenomenon is part of a broader movement toward personalization. In the 2010s, customization took a more industrial approach, driven in particular by platforms such as Nike By You (formerly NikeiD), which allowed customers to completely customize the colors and materials of their shoes.
Today, the approach is more subtle, handcrafted, and, above all, reversible. Rather than permanently altering a product, the idea is to personalize it with a subtle detail. It’s also a clever way to extend the lifespan of your sneakers and prevent style fatigue: simply changing the lacing gives your sneakers a new lease on life without having to buy a new pair. If you eventually grow tired of the combination, the change is entirely temporary, and the laces can be reused endlessly on other pairs in your wardrobe.
At a time when a handful of ultra-popular silhouettes dominate the streets as demonstrated by the massive success of slim-soled sneakers. Double lacing offers an affordable way to stand out from the crowd. Following a trend no longer means blindly conforming to it: adding a second lace is a deliberate style choice, a way to make a mass-produced product your own and show that even when you’re wearing the same sneakers as everyone else, your style remains unique.
