Shoelaces from the shoemaker
Like in the old days, now online
LACCICO
looks better, feels better
Alexander's great-uncle around 1920 in Heldrungen, Thuringia, seated with character on the traditional three-legged stool of the era, while polishing a lady's shoe heel to a supple and weatherproof finish.
As a master shoemaker, I know that a shoe is only as good as its support. At LACCICO, you'll find waxed shoelaces crafted according to traditional standards in family-run workshops in Italy and Poland. Precise, tear-resistant, and full of character – for shoes that make history. Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about our quality and selection.
Expertise & Origin
Behind LACCICO lies not an anonymous mass-produced product, but the decades of experience of master shoemaker Alexander Breitenbach. Following the motto "Shoelaces from the shoemaker – Like in the old days – Now online," I select each model according to strict artisanal criteria.
Our partner manufacturers in Italy and Poland look back on a family tradition that has grown over generations. Especially in Tuscany, we utilize the deeply rooted expertise of a region that has been the center of the European leather and shoe industry for centuries. The result is shoelaces that are distinctive, tear-resistant, and of high quality – just as you would expect from a master craftsman.
The crucial difference lies in the details of the manufacturing process and the thickness of the material. While budget manufacturers often rely on loose, hollow braids, LACCICO's quality results from a precise ratio of yarn thickness and the number of braiding spools to the specific requirements of each shoelace.
Our shoelaces are manufactured on traditional machines to create a dense, dimensionally stable lace body. Through close collaboration with experts in the Italian shoe manufacturing industry, we ensure that each braiding structure is perfectly tailored to the respective shoe type. With LACCICO, you're choosing a product that not only looks better but also feels better thanks to its grippy and supple texture.
Product Design & Quality
The quality of a LACCICO shoelace begins at its core. Unlike loosely braided standard laces, we focus on an extremely compact lace body. Through the precise use of rotary braiding machines, we achieve a dense structure that makes the lace exceptionally dimensionally stable and tear-resistant. The result is a product that retains its shape even under high tensile stress and does not stretch out – ensuring a consistently perfect fit for your shoes.
Waxing is not just a superficial effect for us, but an integral part of the finishing process. It penetrates deep into the cotton fibers, making them abrasion-resistant and dirt-repellent. A waxed shoelace from LACCICO is also water-repellent and weatherproof, thus maximizing the lifespan of the cotton fibers. Visually, this process creates a silky sheen that gives your shoes an elegant look.
Absolutely. As a master shoemaker, I prioritize durability over a throwaway culture. Our shoelaces are made from 100% high-quality cotton and are completely free of microplastics. Thanks to their robust construction and protective wax coating, they need to be replaced far less often than conventional products. This conserves resources and underscores our commitment to authentic, environmentally conscious craftsmanship.
Selection advice
The correct length is crucial for both support and appearance. A good rule of thumb for classic footwear is the number of eyelet pairs:
- 2–3 eyelet pairs: approx. 45 cm – 60 cm
- 4–5 eyelet pairs: approx. 75 cm – 80 cm
- 5–6 eyelet pairs: approx. 90 cm
- 7–8 eyelet pairs: approx. 120 cm
Expert tip: If in doubt, measure your old shoelaces while they are untied. This will guarantee a precise fit that perfectly matches your preferences.
The choice between round and flat laces is a matter of style and intended use. Every LACCICO model follows a consistent design principle
- R-Series (Round Laces R2, R3): The classic choice for business shoes and dress shoes. Discreet, elegant, and supple.
- F-Series (Flat Laces F3, F4, F6): Ideal for sneakers or sporty dress shoes. They lie flat, are tear-resistant, and give the shoe a distinctive look.
- SL-Series (Splendore): Our finest finish – with a particularly silky sheen for a polished appearance at formal occasions.
- XR-Series (Xtra Robust): For boots and heavy footwear. The soft yet substantial feel is exceptionally durable and grippy.
These two series represent the poles of our product range and showcase the breadth of craftsmanship.
- SL (Splendore di Laccico): This series represents our finest finish. It is characterized by a particularly silky sheen and is designed for a sophisticated look at formal occasions. The braided structure is delicate yet retains its shape.
- XR (Xtra Robust): Developed for heavy footwear and boots. Its unique feature is its soft yet robust feel. These laces are noticeably durable and, thanks to their dense construction, offer exceptional grip – ideal when shoes need to provide a secure hold on rough terrain or during work.
Color is an expression of character. In our collection, you'll find over 50 shades, which I, as a master shoemaker, have carefully selected for different types of leather and styles. Use our color filter to easily find the perfect group:
- Classic tones: For a timeless, harmonious look where the laces blend seamlessly with the upper.
- Contrasting colors: When you want to make an authentic statement and boldly emphasize the lines of your shoe.
The exceptional colorfastness of our laces results from the use of high-quality, dyed-through yarns. These are particularly lightfast and retain their brilliance for a long time. The subsequent waxing seals the natural fibers and gives the color its rich, deep appearance. Even if the surface becomes less glossy over time with daily use, the color remains stable at the core of the weave. You can find out how to easily refresh the shine when needed in our care tips.
Care & Application
Thanks to its dirt-resistant finish, everyday surface dirt can easily be wiped away with a damp cloth. Since cotton is a high-quality natural fiber, the material will change over time: weathering and mechanical abrasion from lacing will make the surface more porous and the original shine will diminish. This is not a defect, but a natural process in authentic, waxed products.
Expert tip for restoring shine:
You can maximize the lifespan of the cotton fibers by occasionally refreshing the laces. To do this, unthread the laces and pull them through a cloth to which you have previously applied a small amount of wax-based shoe polish.
For flat laces, there is another tried-and-tested trick: briefly smoothing them with a household iron – even at a higher temperature, like you would use for a T-shirt or jeans – will make the wax remaining in the laces flowable again. It redistributes itself and penetrates deep into the fibers that have lost wax through use. This smooths the structure again, keeping the lace supple, tear-resistant, and retaining its high-quality appearance for longer.
Important note: Please be aware that wax residue may remain on the soleplate of the iron after ironing. Therefore, clean the soleplate thoroughly with a soft cloth and a suitable cleaner that reliably removes wax residue before using the iron again on light-colored fabrics or white laundry.
It's a common misconception that the material alone determines whether a shoe bow stays in place. A properly tied bow – technically a double slip knot – will stay tied all day and even tighten itself under stress, regardless of the material.
If a bow slips, it's usually due to the knot's symmetry. Many people unconsciously use the so-called "granny knot," which sits crooked and loosens with movement.
Expert tip for the perfect bow:
Often, all it take is a tiny adjustment to the starting knot: Simply reverse your usual first hitch (if you've always tied left over right, now tie right over left) and then tie the bow as you normally would.
This simple change creates a true, self-locking square knot. The bow now lies flat on the shoe, won't loosen, and is further secured by the grippy texture of our waxed natural fiber. With the right technique and LACCICO, it looks better and fits perfectly.
Ordering and shipping
Your order will be handed over to our shipping partner no later than the next business day (Monday to Friday) after payment is received. Within Germany, delivery usually takes 1 to 3 business days via standard mail or small parcel. These shipping methods are particularly convenient, as delivery is usually made directly to your mailbox, and you don't need to be home to receive it.
For deliveries abroad, we use standard mail. To offer you maximum security, this shipping always includes tracking and proof of delivery. This allows you to track your new shoelaces at any time.
What payment options are available?
In our online shop, we offer all common and secure payment methods. You can conveniently pay via PayPal, credit card, or the most popular instant payment systems. As soon as we receive your payment, we will prepare your order for shipment, which will take place no later than the next business day (Monday to Friday).
How long do I have to return an item?
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Therefore, we offer a voluntary return policy of 30 days from receipt of the goods. Within this period, you can return the unused and originally packaged shoelaces to us if the color or style is not a perfect match for your shoes.
Do you offer exchanges?
We do not offer direct exchanges (item for item). This process is often lengthy from an accounting perspective and delays the receipt of your new item. It's easier and faster for you: Simply return the unsuitable item to us and reorder your desired item directly from our shop. This way, you'll receive your new shoelaces without any waiting, and we can refund your return immediately upon receipt.
How does the return process work?
Each of our deliveries includes a delivery note, which also shows the return address. To expedite processing, please use this delivery note as a cover letter:
Partial return: Simply cross out the items you are keeping by hand.
Full return: Simply include the delivery note with your return shipment.
If you no longer have the delivery note, a handwritten note with your order ID (order number from the confirmation email) is sufficient. Enclose it with your return. This allows us to process your return immediately, even without a printer.
Why do the shoelaces have to be unused?
Since shoelaces are a natural product with a delicate finish, even the single use can cause wear and tear on the wax. Therefore, we ask for your understanding that we can only accept returns that are unused and in their original packaging. You, as the buyer, are responsible for the return shipping costs; this helps protect the environment by avoiding unnecessary transport.
Who pays for the return shipping?
To offer you our high-quality products at a fair price while simultaneously avoiding unnecessary transport for environmental reasons, you, as the buyer, are responsible for the direct costs of the return shipping. Once the return has arrived and been inspected, we will refund the purchase price via your original payment method.
Interesting facts & technology
The durability of a shoelace depends significantly on the condition of the metal parts on the shoe. When buying shoes, check that the hooks and eyelets have no sharp burrs. These often occur during manufacturing when metal parts are attached under high pressure using press tools.
Such burrs are often difficult for the untrained eye to detect. The clearest sign of such a defect on the shoe is premature wear or fraying of the lace at a specific point. In this case, it is sufficient to remove the burr once. Those familiar with fine footwear can carefully smooth these sharp edges with very fine sandpaper (grit no coarser than 400). If you are not comfortable performing this procedure yourself, we recommend visiting a trusted shoemaker. Smooth edges protect the fibers of the natural cotton and significantly extend the lifespan of your LACCICO shoelaces.
Our shoelaces are stored on large rolls after the braiding process. The finishing – cutting to length and simultaneously sealing the ends – is carried out in a highly precise step on a tipping machine.
The high speed of unwinding from the roll creates mechanical tension. At this moment, the braid is stretched slightly. Once the finished shoelace is relaxed after cutting and tipping, the braid returns to its original, resting shape. Therefore, slight dimensional tolerances may occur when measuring in this completely relaxed state due to the production process. However, this physical characteristic of the construction has no impact on the quality or the fit of the shoe.
A brief guide to hooks and eyes
- Which shoelaces go with which hardware? Choosing the right laces depends not only on the style of the shoe, but also on the design of the eyelets and hooks:
- Small metal eyelets (blind eyelets): Here we recommend our fine round laces (R2) or narrow flat laces (F3). These glide effortlessly through the narrow openings and emphasize the elegance of dress shoes.
- Large metal eyelets: Sneakers or rugged boots often have wider eyelets. Our wider flat laces (F4 to F6) or the sturdier round laces (R3) are best suited for these, filling the eyelet visually.
- Climbing hooks (agraffes): For boots with open hooks in the shaft area, a robust lace is the best choice. Our XR (Xtra Robust) flat laces are particularly popular here because their solid construction makes them extremely durable and ensures they stay firmly in place without slipping.
Our waxed cotton shoelaces are designed for longevity. However, there are physical limits: A very wide flat lace (F6) in a too-small, sharp-edged eyelet will be subjected to unnecessary stress. Ensure that the lace always has a little "play" in the eyelet. Only when it can slide freely will the pressure be distributed evenly across the entire shoe when lacing, which increases both comfort and protects the material.
