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Why Do Vans Have Long Shoe Laces
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Why Do Vans Have Long Shoe Laces (Answer + Tips)

One unique feature of Vans shoes that often leaves customers puzzled is the length of their shoelaces. So, why do Vans have long shoelaces?

The primary reason for these lengthy laces is cost-effectiveness in manufacturing. Vans shoes come in various sizes, and the company ensures that all shoes can be properly tied by providing long laces. 

However, this also means that some shoes will have laces that are significantly longer than needed. 

While these long laces can pose some challenges, they also offer the opportunity for different lacing techniques and alternative uses.

Key Takeaways

  • Long shoelaces in Vans are primarily due to cost-effective manufacturing processes.
  • These lengthy laces provide flexibility for various lacing techniques and alternative uses.
  • Being aware of the long shoelaces in Vans can help wearers adapt and address common issues related to the laces.

Purpose of Long Shoelaces in Vans

Skateboarding and Adjustability

Long shoelaces in Vans are designed with skateboarding in mind. 

The extra length of the laces allows for better adjustments and tightness to ensure the shoes fit securely while performing various skateboarding tricks. 

Longer laces also provide more flexibility in lacing styles, which can help the shoes better conform to the skater’s feet. 

Style and Customization

Vans’ long shoelaces also offer style and customization opportunities for the wearer. 

The extra length allows for various lacing techniques that can help the individual to stand out and express their personal style through their footwear. 

This is particularly popular in the skateboarding community, where individuals often want to showcase their unique sense of fashion.

Additionally, the long laces can be used in creative ways, such as wrapping them around the ankle or creating various shapes, patterns, or designs on the shoe’s surface. 

This level of customization makes Vans shoes more versatile and appealing to a broader range of individuals who value personal expression in their footwear choices.

Techniques for Tying Long Shoelaces

In this section, we will look at a few ways to tie long shoelaces, making your Vans or any other shoes more comfortable and stylish.

Lace Lock

One popular technique is the Lace Lock method. 

This method not only helps you use up more lace length but also makes your shoes more comfortable by taking off pressure from the top of your foot. 

To achieve this, simply make a loop with each end of your shoelace and then pass one loop through the other. Pull both loops tight to secure the lock.

Tie a knot near the shoe

Another way to manage long shoelaces is to tie a knot near the shoe

This can be done by folding the excess lace and creating a small knot, ensuring you have enough slack for comfortable movement. 

This method is great for everyday wear and casual looks.

Tuck the excess lace into the shoe

If you prefer to hide the extra length, you can tuck the excess lace into the shoe

This can be done by tucking the extra length underneath the tongue or along the sides of the shoe.

This technique is perfect for a clean, minimalist appearance.

Common Issues with Long Shoelaces

Tripping Hazards

Long shoelaces can create safety concerns, especially when they come untied.

If laces are too long, they can easily drag on the ground, increasing the likelihood of tripping and potentially injuring yourself. 

To avoid these hazards, it’s important to keep your shoelaces at a length that’s manageable and secure. 

Some people might prefer to double-lace their Vans to prevent the laces from becoming a tripping hazard.

Shoelace Damage

Another issue with long shoelaces is the potential for damage.

If laces are constantly dragging on the ground, they can quickly become worn, frayed, and in need of replacement. 

This not only looks untidy but also makes your shoes less secure. Taking the time to adjust your laces to a shorter length can help prevent these problems and extend the life of your shoelaces.

Different Types of Shoelaces for Vans

There are a few different types of shoelaces that you might find on Vans shoes, and they can vary in length. 

Let’s explore some of the most common types of laces and their typical lengths for different Vans models.

Flat laces: These are the most common type of laces you’ll find on Vans shoes. They have a flat surface and can be easily threaded through the eyelets of the shoes. 

Flat laces are used on various Vans models like the Era, Old School, and SK8-HI.

Round laces: Although less common, some Vans shoes may come with round laces. 

These laces have a cylindrical shape and provide a slightly different look than flat laces. 

The length of round laces may vary depending on the specific shoe model and the number of eyelets.

Take Away

Vans laces are longer than expected for a few reasons.

The main reason is to save production costs as they are mass-produced. 

This ensures that all shoe sizes can be fully laced up. Some shoes get longer laces than others due to this manufacturing approach.

However, just because Vans laces are long doesn’t mean you should wear them completely loose. 

There are many ways to style your Vans by using different lacing methods or even replacing the laces with shorter ones. 

It’s all about finding your own unique style!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you find your Vans laces too long, you can shorten them by using different lacing techniques such as loop-back lacing, or by cutting and retying the ends securely. You can also purchase shorter laces to replace the originals, making sure they are the right size for your Vans model.

The ideal length of Vans laces depends on the number of eyelets your shoes have. For instance, a Vans Era model with five pairs of eyelets usually requires a 100cm pair of shoelaces for a reasonable knot size.

Vans Old Skool and Vans Era have slightly different lace lengths due to the design and number of eyelets in each model. 

Longer Vans laces might be due to a manufacturing discrepancy or a mismatch during a lace replacement. If you find that your Vans laces are too long, consider shortening them using different lacing methods or replacing them with shorter ones suitable for your shoe model.

No, not all Vans have the same length of laces. The lace length varies depending on the shoe’s model, design, and number of eyelets.

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