Most people never think twice about their shoelaces—until one breaks. But did you know regularly changing your laces can actually extend the life of your sneakers, protect their structure, and improve both fit and comfort?

Whether you’re rocking Jordans, Air Forces, Dunks, New Balance, or everyday runners, here’s why you should stop treating your laces as an afterthought—and how upgrading them can be one of the smartest (and cheapest) sneaker moves you make.

how to make your sneakers last long

1. Worn Laces = Uneven Tension on Eyelets

Frayed or stretched-out laces can apply uneven pressure on your shoe’s eyelets, which over time can damage the material or stitching. Keeping fresh laces ensures even support across the upper, especially on structured sneakers like Jordan 1s or ON Cloud runners.

Fix: Check out our replacement laces sneakers

2. Old Laces Can Flatten and Stretch—Hurting the Fit

Once laces lose their elasticity or shape, your shoes no longer fit like they’re supposed to. This can lead to heel slippage, arch fatigue, or even creasing. Fresh laces help restore the snug, supportive fit your shoes were designed for.

Try This: Cotton laces with a strong weave for long-term structure.

3. Style Matters—Old Laces Dull Down Fresh Kicks

Ever worn clean sneakers with yellowed, grimy laces? It ruins the whole vibe. A fresh pair of laces—whether it’s crisp white, sail, or tonal—can make your sneakers look new without dropping hundreds on a new pair.

Explore our top sellers: Sail Jordan Laces or Flat White Dunks Laces

4. Moisture + Sweat = Bacteria in Your Laces

Laces absorb sweat, dirt, and moisture—especially in warm weather or after workouts. If you’re serious about hygiene (and odor control), replacing your laces every few months helps maintain a cleaner, healthier environment for your feet.

5. Performance Athletes Already Know This Secret

Runners, cyclists, and athletes change laces frequently to ensure optimal fit and performance. Why shouldn’t sneakerheads do the same? Better fit = better feel = longer life for your shoes.

So… How Often Should You Replace Laces?

We recommend:

  • Every 3–6 months for regular wear

  • Every 2–3 months for workout shoes or runners

  • Right away if you notice fraying, dirt buildup, or stretched-out sections

Ready to Refresh?

Start with your favorite pair and see how big of a difference fresh laces can make. We make it easy with curated replacement laces built for the most popular sneakers—Jordan 1s, Dunks, New Balance, ONs, and more.

 

Eric Delgado