The 20 Coolest Sneaker Accoutrements

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Sneaker: Solebox x New Balance 1500 "Nazar Eye"
Released: 2008

The Nazar Eye is said to protect you from evil. When Solebox added it to the New Balance 1500, it was rumored to protect your kicks from scuffs and creases but that's just legend...we think.

Sneaker: Leaders 1354 x adidas Originals Forum Moccasin Mid
Released: 2011

Leaders 1354 took a classic from the adidas Originals archive and added just the right amount of Native American flavor to make them stand out amongst other makeups. The removable mocassin fringe was the perfect icing on the cake, and if you don't like icing it's removable (and we feel sorry for you).

Sneaker: Expansion x mita x New Balance CM820
Released: 2009

Expansion and mita teamed up to rework the New Balance Cm 820 and doused the colorway with flashy graphics and glow-in-the-dark elements. Then they used a ring, inspired by the NYC transit system as a lace accessory. Brilliant.

Sneaker: Nike Air Yeezy II
Released: 2012

The Yeezy II took things to a new level for Nike 'heads with impeccable details. One of the most impressive was the screw-on lace aglets, something you would normally only see on high-fashion footwear. (And something you'd be advised to Loc-Tite as soon as possible lest you lose them.)

Sneaker: adidas Originals Superstar II "Big Sean"
Released: 2012

Big Sean's performance at Auburn Hills was celebrated by adidas Originals with the creation of the "Detroit Player" Pro Model II. Sean's love of red and gold allowed for great color combination and the opportunity to create some dope deubrés.

Sneaker: ALIFE x Asics Gel Lyte III "Monster Pack
Released: 2008

Cool or freaky? The ALIFE x ASICS collab known as the Monster Pack may be one of the most creative things ever done with a pair of sneakers. It also may induce nightmares.

Sneaker: Ewing Athletics 33 Hi
Released: 1989

What is it about hangtags? Easy, back in the day it was the easiest way to show off your kicks, even if you weren't wearing them. The Ewing Athletics basketball-shaped and textured hang tag is an all-time classic.

Sneaker: Air Jordan XVIII
Released: 2003

You gotta keep your kicks clean, right? Jordan threw in the towel, literally, for the Air Jordan XVIII, as well as a brush. Which meant if you were seen with dirty XVIIIs, you were losing, bruh.

Sneaker: Nike Air Yeezy
Released: 2009

We knew the Air Yeezy was going to be a crazy, game-changing sneaker when we first caught a glimpse of it on Kanye's feet at the Grammy Awards. We just didn't know just how much detail Kanye would put into them. The "Y" lace locks were a nice finishing touch.

Sneaker: Nike SB Zoom FC "Stand Up Speak Up"
Released: 2006

In 2006, Nike supported Arsenal star Thierry Henry's anti-racism campaign after a series of racially motivated violent happenings surrounding soccer. If you scooped a pair of the Nike SB Zoom FC "Stand Up Speak Up" editions, then you came up on a matching set of black and white bands that were intertwined as one to show unity. Well played, Nike.

Sneaker: Vans Syndicate x Max Schaaf Pack
Released: 2008

Max Schaaf has made a name for himself both on a skateboard and building choppers. When he teamed up with Vans he made sure both of his customer bases were covered. With every Max Schaaf x Vans Syndicate sneaker purchase, a pair of grips for your bike were included.

Sneaker: Vans Syndicate x Gabe Morford Pack
Released: 2009

Fixed gear riders and skateboarders alike should be familiar with Gabe Morford. He's helped bring things like Mash SF to a new audience, and he created a fresh collab with Vans Syndicate back in 2009. If you copped a pair of the kicks, you got a dope tool bag too.

Sneaker: Jeremy Scott x adidas JS Wings
Released: 2009

Jeremy Scott is known for his wild creations, but it was his first series with adidas Originals that lands him on this list. For the entire series, Scott added "Gold Grills" to the laces of his Originals line. Sneakers with gold fronts, that's some gangsta sh*t.

Sneaker: Bodega x Reebok Pump
Released: 2009

Reebok has always had dope hang tags beginning with the classic Pump-inspired ones. But when Bodega got a chance to create a special version of The Pump Bringback, the military theme made the perfect opportunity to create special dog tags, which just made the release that much more sick.

Sneaker: Air Jordan XVII
Released: 2002

Nothing seemed more over the top than the release of of the Air Jordan XVII coming in a briefcase. It sort of justified the $200 price tag, and also made you feel like a f*cking boss. Thanks Jordan!

Sneaker: Nike Air Force 1
Released: 2007

The Air Force 1 lace tag is one of the most timeless add-ons in sneakers. We've seen everything from colors, to materials, to shape of these change over the years but the OG one is simply a classic. (Tiffany made silver ones for the 25th anniversary in 2007 — those are the pinnacle.)

Sneaker: Air Jordan V
Released: 1990

If you were alive when the Air Jordan V dropped the first time, the lace locks blew your mind. You really had no idea what they were, but you knew they were ill as f*ck!

Sneaker: Supreme x Nike SB Dunk High
Released: 2003

The starred and gatored Supreme Dunk Highs were crazy on their own — add in the three sets of laces and gold Supreme tags, and even the Supremetail price started to make sense. These are just bananas. And like bragging rights to have them on your already extremely limited kicks.

Sneaker: adidas Originals Superstar 80s "Run DMC"
Released: 2011

The only thing that represented Run DMC as true as the adidas on their feet was the gold dookie ropes around their necks. When adidas Originals paid tribute to the legends with a limited Superstar, the gold rope chain lace deubré was the perfect add-on.

Sneaker: Nike Air shoes, Nike Air Jordan series
Released: 1987

The Nike Air hang tag. Long before the New Era sticker, this was THE tag to leave on. Do we need to say any more? OG sh*t. We still love these things like we were 13 years old again.