Long relegated to the “kids-only” category or dismissed as too “old-school” by some, Velcro sneakers are far from out of the game! Slowly but surely, they’re making a comeback as some of the trendiest kicks around, going so far as to rival the ever-popular lace-up sneakers. Strengths, downsides, styling tips, standout models: the Velcro vs. laces showdown is officially on!
Velcro sneakers: practical, retro, and stylish
Velcro sneakers aren’t just for kids. That stubborn cliché couldn’t be further from the truth. Loved by fashionistas and comfort-seekers alike, Velcro sneakers are winning over a wide audience. Here’s what makes them stand out.
For whom?
Anyone can rock Velcro sneakers—men and women alike. Fun fact: back in the ’90s, Velcro kicks were considered uncool. They were often linked to little kids who hadn’t yet mastered tying laces or to lone geeks in the schoolyard. But fast forward 30 years, and they’ve made a major comeback, spotted on the feet of fashionistas, trendsetting influencers, and even celebrities.
How to wear them?
Velcro sneakers can be styled just like lace-ups: with classic jeans, black skinny pants, a long skirt, Bermuda shorts, or even tailored trousers for a casual-chic twist. One word of caution though, pairing Velcro sneakers with pieces that are too streetwear, like boyfriend jeans or a bomber jacket, can give off a bit of a teen vibe. Looking younger is great, but let’s not overdo it! That being said, rebellious teens and kids can pull off any combo. For an easy win, go for low-cut white Velcro sneakers, they’re among the most versatile models out there.
Strengths
Velcro is a hook-and-loop fastener used across a wide range of industries: including footwear. This quick and easy closure system offers unmatched everyday comfort. It’s ideal for anyone in a hurry, tired of tying laces, or with reduced mobility (seniors, individuals with disabilities, etc.). Often designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic, Velcro sneakers bring a touch of retro charm and offer a stylish alternative in a world dominated by lace-up shoes.
Downside
The main drawback of Velcro sneakers? Their limited durability. Over time and repeated use, the Velcro tends to lose its grip. In terms of style, they still carry a somewhat childish or “senior” image, although this is gradually fading with their strong comeback on runways, in streetwear, and in collections by top designers. Lastly, they’re generally less suited for high-intensity sports, as their support isn’t as effective as that of lace-up sneakers.
A few popular styles
Among the trendiest Velcro sneakers, we can distinguish:
- Iconic models from well-known brands reimagined with Velcro closures, such as Stan Smith Velcro sneakers, Veja Velcro sneakers, or even Old Skool Vans with Velcro straps.
- More unique or lesser-known options, like the low-top white Copenhagen CPH429 Velcro sneakers, Calvin Klein Velcro sneakers, or Zèta’s vegan Velcro sneakers.
- Naturally, the selection is more limited compared to lace-up sneakers.
Lace-Up sneakers: Timeless, modern, and essential
Almost everyone has fallen for the charm of lace-up sneakers at some point. Unlike Velcro sneakers, they’re practically a universal favourite. So we’ll keep this intro brief. To sum up, lace-up sneakers have the advantage of suiting all styles and personalities thanks to the sheer variety of models available: high-top lace-ups, colourful lace-up sneakers, running shoes, minimalist lace-ups, graphic lace-ups, chunky sneakers, premium models, vintage lace-up styles: you name it.
The pros: Lace-up sneakers offer excellent support and can be easily adjusted for a snug fit. They also feature a timeless, classic, and elegant design that never goes out of style.
The cons: They take longer to put on and adjust than Velcro sneakers. Plus, laces can come undone and need frequent retying.
The verdict: While lace-up sneakers are undeniably more common than Velcro ones, neither truly outshines the other. It all comes down to personal style. Some see Velcro sneakers as a fashion faux pas, others think they’re the height of cool. One thing’s for sure: laces are (almost) universally loved, while Velcro tends to split opinions. So, which side are you on?
