What Are Shoes with Big Laces Called?

The shoes you are thinking of with big, thick laces are most commonly called fat lace sneakers or big lace shoes. In the sneaker community, they are often referred to as “puffy laces” or “chunky laces.” These are the wide, tubular laces that look like shoelaces on steroids. They are a distinct style choice, not a specific type of shoe, so you can find them on everything from skate shoes to running sneakers.

The Main Styles of Big Lace Shoes

You will see fat laces on a few specific shoe silhouettes. The most iconic is the classic skate shoe. Brands like Vans and Nike SB often come with fat laces straight from the box. These laces match the padded, sturdy build of the shoes. They are meant to take a beating and stay tied.

Another popular style is the retro basketball sneaker. The Nike Dunk and Air Jordan 1 look completely different with thick laces compared to their standard flat ones. Swapping in fat laces gives them a more casual, early-90s look. You also see them on chunky dad sneakers and some trail running shoes, where the thick laces add to the rugged, bulky aesthetic.

Fat Laces vs. Standard Laces

The difference is not just about thickness. Standard laces are flat and about 8mm wide. Fat laces are usually 12mm to 16mm wide and are often round or puffy in the middle. This changes how they feel and how they tie.

Because they are thicker, they hold knots much better. You rarely have to double-knot a pair of fat laces. They also put more pressure across the top of your foot. This can feel great if you have a narrow foot and need to lock your heel in, but it can feel tight if you have a high instep. You might need to loosen them more than you are used to.

How to Style Shoes with Big Laces

Big laces are a statement. They draw the eye to your feet, so make sure your pants work with them. The best look is with cuffed jeans or joggers. This shows off the laces and the shoe silhouette. If you wear wide-leg pants that cover your shoes, the fat laces will bunch up and look bulky under the fabric.

For a clean, intentional look, stick to white or black fat laces. White laces on a white sneaker look classic and clean. Black laces on a dark shoe look stealthy. If you want to make a bold move, go with a contrasting color like a bright red or yellow lace on a white shoe. This is a retro look that works well in casual settings.

How to Lace Them Properly

Fat laces are harder to thread through standard eyelets because they are thick. You should not force them. Start by checking the eyelets on your shoes. If they are small metal eyelets, you might need to use a lace hook or just be patient.

Here is the best way to put them on:

  • Start from the bottom and go straight across for the first eyelet.
  • Thread each side through the next eyelet going straight up, not crisscrossing.
  • Leave the laces loose enough so the shoe does not pinch the top of your foot.
  • When you get to the top, do a standard knot. The thickness will keep it secure.

Avoid crisscross lacing with fat laces. It creates a huge bulge in the middle of your foot that looks messy and feels uncomfortable. Straight bar lacing looks much cleaner and is the standard way to wear these.

Where to Buy Replacement Fat Laces

If you want to try this look without buying new shoes, you can just buy the laces. Most shoe repair shops carry them. Online marketplaces like Amazon have hundreds of options. Look for laces that are at least 120cm long if you have high-top sneakers. Low-tops usually need 100cm to 110cm.

Pay attention to the material. Cotton fat laces are soft and break in easily. Polyester ones are more durable and resist fraying. Waxed cotton fat laces are the most durable and hold their shape best, but they are stiffer and take longer to break in. For everyday wear, a good quality polyester blend is usually the best balance of comfort and durability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake people make is putting fat laces on dress shoes or loafers. It does not work. These laces are casual. They belong on sneakers, canvas shoes, and boots. Putting them on anything formal looks sloppy.

Another mistake is buying laces that are too short. If you have to stretch them to tie them, the knot will be tiny and the laces will look stressed. Always measure your old laces before you buy new ones. A good rule is that fat laces should have at least 5 inches of extra length after you lace them up to tie a proper bow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fat laces the same as puffy laces?

Yes, they are the same thing. “Fat laces” and “puffy laces” are interchangeable terms. Both refer to the thick, wide laces that are typically 12mm to 16mm wide. Some brands also call them “chunky laces” or “thick laces.”

Can I put fat laces on any sneaker?

You can, but they work best on shoes with larger eyelets. If the eyelets are very small, the laces will be hard to thread and might start to fray. They look best on skate shoes, retro basketball sneakers, chunky running shoes, and boots. They do not look good on dress shoes or minimal leather sneakers.

How do I clean fat laces?

The easiest way is to remove them from your shoes and put them in a mesh laundry bag. Wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water. Air dry them completely before putting them back on your shoes. If they are cotton, they might shrink slightly, so always air dry them flat.

Do big laces make your feet look bigger?

Yes, they can. The thick laces add visual bulk to the top of the shoe. This can make the whole shoe look larger and chunkier. If you have large feet and want to minimize that, stick to black laces on black shoes. If you have smaller feet and want them to look bigger, go with white or bright colored fat laces.