Microdesign C: Shoelaces

This article is an example, method, technique or idea related to my concept of microdesign. If you’re new here, or want a refresher, read my article on the basis of microdesign.

Especially for men, laced shoes are garments which we wear nearly every day, with a wide variety of outfits and styles. Everyday we lean down to tie our shoes, and every day we probably do it the same way (perhaps alternating between a single and double knot). Everyday we miss out on an opportunity for microdesign with our shoes (which I’ve been told are a surprisingly important part of our overall sartorial appearance).

Now, shoe companies don’t engage in microdesign, and they don’t want you to participate in it. They sell you a pair of shoes with the laces inside (because they want to use their laces. Shoe companies don’t provide you with additional laces because when they inevitably become damaged, you’re supposed to buy new shoes, not new laces from them.

These companies are missing an opportunity to engage with their customer and develop a relationship that will lead to strong brand loyalty. If I am consistently using new Nike laces for my shoes, and the brand is helping me extend the life and style of my footwear, I’m going to be more inclined to maintain business with them.

So where is the microdesign here? There are two arenas; one which is independent of purchasing and one which is fueled by it.

How Many Times Have You Laced Your Shoes?

For many of us, the number is quite low. Less than fifty, less than twenty even. Most of us lace the shoes up once, and only once (when we first buy them). Aside from the occasional tightening, this is the last attention we give our laces.

Ian Fieggen has laced his shoes quite a few more times. He’s created a list of thirty-six ways to lace your shoes (all different and interesting patterns). This is unbelievable! Thirty-six options for an interesting shoe detail, at no charge, always reversible, and requiring little to no skill to execute. Textbook microdesign.

Mr. Lacy

Mr. Lacy is your supplier of laces in all shapes and colors. By my count (on 1.8.9), the website offers 113 different shoelace designs (shape and color). Combining this with the number of lacing patterns Mr. Fieggen has provided, and we have the potential of 4068 different shoelace designs per pair of shoes! This astounding level of choice provides a simple, but powerful mode of fashion expression through microdesign.

Yet, I bet very few people have ever considered it when tying their shoes in the morning. Design opportunities are out there everywhere, we just have to use the right frame of mind to find them.

-Barry