Image via Complex Original
Much like diapers and pureed food, Velcro sneakers are often thought of as something meant for either the very young or very old. After all, once a person is able to tie their shoes, it's something they should be able to do for nearly their entire life. Moving to Velcro closures is like giving up—may as well just trade in that FuelBand for a Life Alert bracelet, too.
That, at least, is the traditional thought. And it's oh so wrong. There is something liberating about Velcro closures—they never come undone, and provide a snugger fit than a slip-on can provide. And in some (not all) cases, they even look pretty damn good. We are not suggesting you move on to an entirely lace-free existence, but in the interests of experimentation, we present Velcro Sneakers You Shouldn't Be Ashamed to Wear.
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Air Jordan 1 Low Velcro
Year of Release:
It's hard to argue against any red, black and white Air Jordan 1, although the fervent traditionalist probably took issue with this one. The low cut and the Velcro straps made them look like an infant shoe made in adult sizes. Still, though.
Reebok Alien Stomper
Nike wasn't the only one to imagine the sneaker future. While the Air MAG became a cultural touchstone, Reebok's Alien Stomper (created for 1987's Aliens sequel) stayed more of a curiosity. One thing is for sure, though - people in the future apparently won't need to learn how to tie their shoes.
fragment design x Nike Sportswear Tennis Classic Velcro
What, you don't trust Hiroshi?
Converse Pro Star Player OX 3-strap
Tempting as it was to go with the classic Chuck Taylor OX or Jack Purcell here, the Star Player is preferred due to its techier upper and lower blasphemy quotient (Velcro Chucks should probably be reserved to the preschool set). Pretty much everyone of a certain age likely owned Velcro Cons at some point, why not try again?
Nike Blazer High Velcro
The whole point of Velcro is ideally to make a sneaker easier to put on and take off-an idea that is challenged with the Velcro Blazer High, which features five strips of the sticky stuff. It doesn't seem like it would take any longer to tie and untie them. But it does make for a decidedly distinctive look.
Reebok Answer IX Pump
While not exactly one of the better-known models in Allen Iverson's Reebok line, the Answer IX did a good a job as any of eliminating laces from a performance basketball sneaker. One would imagine that actually playing in these would be a challenge, but hey, Iverson did it.
adidas Stan Smith Velcro
The adidas Stan Smith was shelved for a while before returning in full force for 2013. And while Stan himself likely wouldn't have worn Velcro sneakers for a big match, he's 66 now and right in the target demographic. Just wait 'til he sees the Raf Simons versions.
Vans Prison Issue
One would think that prisoners in Vans would do just fine in Slip-Ons, or Eras/Authentics with the laces removed. But these Velcro-closure vulc lows do go perfectly with orange jumpsuits. And other things.
adidas Dallas
A tech runner with Velcro straps? Why not? The adidas Dallas utilized the same Dellinger Web as the classic adidas Oregon runner, only without laces. Did people in Texas have something against tying their shoes?
Nike SB Stefan Janoski SE
There have been other colors and materials released since, but the 8Five2 x Nike SB Stefan Janoski SE in white leather remains the definitive release. Half skate shoe, half nurse's shoe, the all-white Velcro Janoski is the one sneaker that can easily make the transition from the skatepark to the hospital. Or the retirement home.
