Velcro, a Staple of 1980s Kids’ Clothes, Secures Comeback Status

(Bloomberg Businessweek) -- Krtchhhcchchch! The sound of poly-nylon tape when it separates can, depending on the age of the puller, elicit childhood nostalgia or grown-up curiosity.

“Velcro” is a French portmanteau of velours (velvet) and crochet (hook). The revolutionary 1940s Swiss invention uses tiny, furry hooks and loops to stick together and stay stuck until they crack open.

Recognized as footwear icon of the 1980s, it has since been relegated to nurse’s uniforms. But lately, Velcro sneakers are getting the high-design treatment from some of the biggest fashion brands in the world—and, in the process, making a strong case for the shoe of the summer. Here are eight sneakers that get by without laces. 

1. Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Triple Stitch
Designer Alessandro Sartori is old enough to remember KangaRoos—the ’80s kicks with Velcro pockets. Here, he accentuates the straps with crisscrossed hashes and upgrades the shoe’s lining with vicuña wool. Velcro comes on the high-top and low-top versions of his men’s sneaker; think of the latter as a luxurious take on the Adidas Stan Smith but with a narrower toecap and a thicker, slightly graded sole. $695

2. Prada Cloudbust Allacciate
Tech fabrics have long been a hallmark at Prada. Here, Miuccia Prada updates her scuba-inspired Cloudbust women’s sneaker with a leather-and-mesh upper with a narrow, slightly dainty, single Velcro strap over the top. $750

3. Nike + Fear of God Air 1 Moccasin
Jerry Lorenzo, founder of streetwear label Fear of God and hardcore sneaker collector, is now a reliable Nike collaborator. His latest men’s shoe is based on Nike’s beloved Air Raid high-top, which featured crossed straps over the bridge. Here, the shoe is rendered in ripstop nylon, with a wide flap of Velcro. $170

4. Kenzo Sonic Velcro
For this women’s sneaker, Kenzo Creative Director Humberto Leon, co-founder of fashion brand Opening Ceremony, combines neoprene, mesh, rubber, and three kinds of leather, all held together by an X of Velcro straps. $430

5. Marni Touch Strap
Francesco Risso took over Marni three years ago, bringing “it” sneaker experience he had earned at Prada. He’s doubled down on technical fabrics and molded upper constructions on his new men’s sneaker, using neoprene and suede, plus a gum rubber sole, for a moonboot-like look. A Velcro strap sits high on the foot to cinch it all in. $610

6. Stella McCartney Eclypse
The British designer in 2017 introduced this genre-bending women’s sneaker, which uses vegan leathers and rubber made from renewable resources. This summer, she updates the shoe—endorsed by stylistic opposites Kate Moss and Taylor Swift—with a pair of wide Velcro straps and a thick tab on the back to help wedge your foot in. $685

7. Nike Air Huarache City Low
The original Huaraches made their debut in 1991, combining the sensibility of South American sandals and the snug fit of water ski boots. This new women’s version is a running shoe-bootie hybrid made from a single piece of neoprene. Now it’s fully customizable, with adjustable straps, removable laces, and a one-tab Velcro closure at the back. Perfect for the treadmill or the sidewalk. $120

8. Teva Hurricane
Teva sandals were invented by a Grand Canyon river guide who rigged Velcro straps to a pair of flip-flops. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the canyon’s designation as a national park, the brand went back to its roots and released the Hurricane, which furthers Teva’s legacy of hybridization. It looks like a sock but feels like a sneaker: The knit upper is kitted out with Velcro straps, and a buckle sits on a river rock-ready sole. $120

To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Gaddy at jgaddy@bloomberg.net, Chris Rovzar

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