# Lacing holes

These are the small perforations or eyelets on a shoe designed to accommodate the laces. While seemingly minor, the condition of the lacing holes is a key indicator of the shoe's overall wear and authenticity. Scuffed, frayed, or distorted eyelets suggest heavy use or poor storage, which can significantly detract from a sneaker's collectible appeal and resale price. Conversely, pristine, intact lacing holes point toward a shoe that has been well-maintained or barely worn, commanding a higher premium from serious collectors. Always inspect the integrity of these small details during authentication. A practical tip is to gently inspect the inside of the eyelets for any signs of discoloration or material degradation, as this can indicate moisture damage.

**Category:** sneakers

## What it means
Lacing holes, or eyelets, are the reinforced openings on a sneaker's upper designed to thread the shoelaces. In the collecting context, they are not merely functional components; they are micro-indicators of material stress and handling history. The term applies to both metal grommets and stitched perforations. Their condition reflects the shoe's overall lifecycle: intact, sharp, and clean holes suggest minimal wear, while frayed, widened, or cracked holes indicate significant use, environmental damage, or poor manufacturing quality in replicas.

## What it does to price
Condition directly impacts the premium. Pristine, unblemished lacing holes on a deadstock pair can add 10-20% to the final asking price compared to a pair with minor scuffing. Heavy wear, where the eyelets are noticeably stretched or the surrounding material is stressed, can cause a devaluation of 25-40% or more, especially for high-demand releases. For example, a pair of vintage Jordans with perfectly sharp eyelets might fetch $50 more than the same model where the eyelets are visibly distorted from years of aggressive tying.

## How to spot it
Inspection requires close-up photography. Look for three specific tells: 1) **Fraying:** Check the stitching around the eyelet; loose threads signal stress. 2) **Distortion:** Metal grommets should maintain a uniform shape; bending or warping indicates impact damage. 3) **Interior Degradation:** Shine a light inside the hole. Discoloration, particularly yellowing or mildew staining, points to moisture exposure, a major red flag. Counterfeiters sometimes use poorly molded plastic eyelets that crack easily under tension.

## Buying smart
Paying a significant premium for flawless lacing holes is justifiable only when the shoe is graded as deadstock or near-mint (9.5+). If the asking price is high but the holes show clear signs of heavy use (e.g., significant abrasion on the edges), the premium is unwarranted. A fair deal balances the shoe’s rarity against its wear. If the holes are perfect, the price should reflect near-new condition; if they show minor cosmetic wear, the price should drop by at least 15% from the perfect-condition benchmark.

## Selling smart
Documenting the lacing hole condition is crucial for setting accurate expectations. For high-value sales, include a dedicated, high-resolution macro photo focusing solely on the eyelet area of both the left and right shoes. Use precise terminology in the description: "Pristine eyelets," "Minimal wear," or "Visible stress on upper eyelets." Stating "Deadstock, perfect condition" without photographic proof of the lacing holes is misleading and invites returns or price haggling.

## See it priced

- [Sold listings for "lacing holes" on eBay](https://junkpal.ai/api/go?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3Dlacing%2520holes%26LH_Sold%3D1%26LH_Complete%3D1%26mkcid%3D1%26mkrid%3D711-53200-19255-0%26siteid%3D0%26campid%3D5339166094%26toolid%3D10001%26mkevt%3D1%26customid%3Dmd-glossary-sold&p=md-glossary-sold)
- [Current listings on eBay](https://junkpal.ai/api/go?to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3Dlacing%2520holes%26mkcid%3D1%26mkrid%3D711-53200-19255-0%26siteid%3D0%26campid%3D5339166094%26toolid%3D10001%26mkevt%3D1%26customid%3Dmd-glossary-live&p=md-glossary-live)

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_Updated 2026-07-31._

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Source: [https://junkpal.ai/glossary/lacing-holes](https://junkpal.ai/glossary/lacing-holes) · JunkPal price guide (junkpal.ai)
Values are medians of real closed eBay sales — estimates for reference, not offers or appraisals.
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