We’ve watched the fat-lace wave build for the past two years, and it’s officially back. From customer photos to sell-through data, Y2K styling isn’t a micro-trend anymore, it’s how a lot of you are wearing sneakers right now. Here’s how we at Shoe Lace Supply think about fat laces, what we recommend, and how to nail the look.
What “Fat” Means to Us
When customers ask for “fat,” they’re looking for a wider, chunkier flat lace that fills the vamp and frames the tongue. In practice, most people land in the 10–15 mm zone for everyday wear, and go 15 mm+ for that true puffy-tongue, early-2000s vibe. We stock multiple lengths and builds (cotton, poly, waxed, cozy/textured) so you can dial the exact look.
Why They’re Back (What We’re Seeing)
-
Y2K energy, modern silhouettes: Dunks, AF1s, Jordan 1s, Campus 00s, and NB 550/9060 have the panels and proportions that want more lace real estate.
-
Easy customization: A $10-$12 swap that looks like a brand-new pair in photos.
-
On-foot storytelling: Wider lace face = stronger color blocking, cleaner bar patterns, and better visibility in reels.
Lengths We Recommend (Quick Guide)
Use eyelet count first, then adjust for how loose/tall you wear your laces. Our sizing help most customers land on the first try:
- 4–6 eyelets: 48"
- 6–8 eyelets: 54"
- Most-ordered lengths: 48" and 54" for everyday pairs; 72" for high-tops or bar-laced display looks.
Model-by-Model (What Customers Buy)
- Nike Dunk / Air Force 1 / adidas Campus 00s / NB 550: 48"–54" fat laces (choose width by how bold you want the bars).
- NB 9060 / 2002R / ASICS retros: 48"–54"
Color & Material We Keep Restocking
- Sail/Cream: Our most versatile upgrade, adds vintage warmth to stark white midsoles.
- Black: Graphic contrast on white uppers; crisp on Dunks/AF1s.
- Cotton and Cozy Textured Fat Laces
- More colors coming soon
Three Lacing Recipes We Recommend
-
Wide Bar (Clean & Photogenic)
Run straight bars across; feed up on the inside. Stop 1 eyelet short to showcase the tongue logo. -
Ladder (Max Y2K)
Go across, then up two eyelets on the inside and back across, tucking under each bar to create “rungs.” -
Loose Over-Under (Casual Puff)
Criss-cross, alternating over/under. Finish loose and tuck tips for a skate-coded slip-on feel.
Pro move: As you lace, flatten each bar with your thumb so the lace face stays wide and ribbon-clean.
Care That Keeps Them Looking New
-
Hand-wash in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent.
-
Air-dry flat on a towel; pinch the edges so they dry wide, not twisted.
-
Trim any stray fibers on cotton pairs to keep edges crisp.
