The Unexpected Styling Trick That's Taking Over Your Feed

If your Instagram feed has been looking a little more bow-heavy lately, you’re not imagining it. The latest sneaker styling trick suggests swapping your standard laces for bows. And, not one but two. The double-bow sneaker trend is taking over, and it just got a major co-sign thanks to Molly-Mae Hague and her buzzy Adidas collaboration. Her take on classic Sambas and Superstars features double-lace detailing, often tied into feminine bows, and yes, they’re already selling out. 

But what exactly is the double lace trend? It’s exactly what you think. Instead of one shoelace, you thread two through the same eyelets, usually stacking them so one sits slightly above the other, then tying each separately into bows. What makes this feel different from past cute sneaker moments is the contrast. These are slightly retro sneakers, but the bows add a hint of fun. It’s part of a bigger shift happening in 2026, where sneakers are getting more expressive, with feminine details like embellishments.

For the past few years, it was all about chunky soles (we see you Asics dad sneakers), but now slimmer silhouettes are back, and they’re looking less athletic. That’s where the double lace comes in. Like when Kendall Jenner brought back Adidas Superstars with a more styled approach, or Anne Hathaway pairing animal-printed Adidas sneakers with dresses for the The Devil Wears Prada 2 press premiere. Even Jennifer Lawrence and Hailey Bieber have been leaning into this more polished sneaker this spring.

It’s not just Adidas. I'm starting to see the double bow trend everywhere. People are even swapping out standard laces for ribbon, adding little charms, treating their shoes more like accessories than something purely functional. The Miu Miu x New Balance sneakers are a big reason why this shift feels so of-the-moment. When they first debuted on the runway in 2022, they took a very classic New Balance silhouette and completely reworked it with raw edges, ultra-thin laces and multiple laces layered together. It was sporty, but done in a way that fashion wasn’t really seeing in sneakers at the time. Since then, the collaboration has evolved, showing up season after season with slight tweaks.

The beauty of the double lace trend is how adaptable it is. straight-leg or relaxed denim lets the bows stand out. With dresses or skirts, the effect is a bit more playful. It also has a place in more tailored outfits. Adding double bows to a look built around a blazer or structured trousers softens everything slightly.

And, don’t think you need to stick to wearing one sneaker brand. Even legacy styles like Sambas, Gazelles and Superstars are being reworked through styling alone. Personally, I think the reason this is sticking isn’t just because it’s cute and easy. You don’t need to buy into a whole new trend. You just need an extra pair of laces. 

So yes, it’s a bow. But it’s also a signal that sneakers are the real look.