It happens to the best of us. You buy a pair of Adidas Sambas. You love them. They are sleek, retro, and go with absolutely everything. But then you walk outside, look around, and realize: everyone else has them too.
It’s not just Sambas. Whether it’s Nike Dunks, New Balances, or white Air Force 1s, when a sneaker becomes a global icon, it loses its individuality. Your "unique" style suddenly feels like a uniform.
I founded Shoe Lace Supply because I believe your shoes should be as unique as you are. You don't need to hunt for limited collaborations or pay resale prices to stand out.
You just need to swap the laces.
In 2026, we are moving away from standard flat white factory laces and embracing Patterned Shoelaces. It is the easiest, most affordable way to take any ordinary sneaker to the next level. Here is my guide on the top 4 patterns we designed for this year and how to style them.
Transforming the classic Samba with a simple lace swap.
1. Walk on the Wild Side: Animal Prints
Maximalism is back in a big way. If you have a neutral sneaker—like a black/white Dunk, a plain white AF1, or a classic Samba—it can sometimes look a little too "safe."
Animal Patterned Laces are the ultimate cheat code to fix that.
We saw a gap in the market for high-quality prints that didn't look cheap. Our Cheetah and Cow Print laces are designed with a high-density print to ensure the pattern holds its visual texture even when tied tight.
- Best For: Monochrome sneakers (Black, White, or Cream).
Eric’s Style Tip: "I love pairing the Cow Print laces with a simple black and white sneaker. It adds a boutique, high-fashion feel to an otherwise basic shoe. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your feet do the talking."
2. Soft & Artistic: Floral Prints
We designed our Floral Laces to bring a custom, hand-painted feel to your rotation.
Most sneakers are very angular and sporty. Adding a floral pattern creates a cool contrast that softens the look and adds a "Gucci-custom" aesthetic for a fraction of the price.
- Best For: White leather sneakers (Stan Smiths, Dunks, Common Projects).
- The Look: This is the perfect spring/summer upgrade. It adds a pop of color and intricate detail that makes people ask, "Where did you get those?"
3. Retro Geometry: The Zig Zag
If you are into the retro runner or skate aesthetic (think 70s and 90s vibes), the Zig Zag pattern is a must-have.
When developing this pattern, I wanted something that created movement. Solid colored laces can look static. The Zig Zag pattern breaks up the solid blocks of color on your shoe, making them look faster and more aggressive.
- Best For: Skate shoes (SB Dunks), Retro Runners (Asics/New Balance), and Canvas shoes (Vans).
Eric’s Style Tip: "Because of their extra width, these laces are perfect for 'loose lacing' on chunky skate shoes—they fill up the tongue space and hold their grip in the eyelets, so you can rock the untied look without them slipping."
4. Texture & Luxury: Woven Diamond Plaid
This is one of my personal favorite designs. Sometimes, the upgrade isn't about loud colors—it’s about texture.
Our Woven Diamond Plaid Laces are woven, not printed. This gives them a physical depth and a premium feel that flat cotton laces just don't have.
- Best For: Sambas, Jordan Lows, Vintage-style Dunks, and "Sail" sole sneakers.
Why I Designed It: "I wanted a lace that bridged the gap between streetwear and luxury fashion. The Sail & Green diamond pattern looks incredible on a white or cream sneaker, adding a sophisticated, preppy edge."
Don't Settle for Stock
Your shoes are an investment. Don't let "ordinary" laces lower their style potential.
I’ve spent years sourcing the best materials and designing patterns that fit the current culture because I know how much a fresh lace swap matters. You don't need a new pair of shoes to feel like you have a new pair of shoes.
Ready to customize? Check out the full patterned collection below.
