Lace Code is one of my favorite things, and so it happens to be the Punk 101 post that I’ve worked on the most. I’m sorry (I know I said at some point band shirts were up next 😬)

*Long Post - if you see anything thats wrong or missing, please feel free to leave a note or message me*

To start, it is important to talk about where Lace Code came from, and where it is now. Using lace colors on your boots (doc martins specifically) started with London Skinheads in the 70’s. Their white and red laces were typically symbols of white supremacy, and in some groups those laces had to be earned.

I’ll eventually do another post on Skinheads, but for now all you need to know is that the Skinhead subculture is historically known for being racist and violent. I always feel the need to point something out when talking about Skinheads: NOT EVERY BALD OR SHAVEN PUNK IS A SKINHEAD!

Later on in the 80’s, Lace Code became a popular way for many Punk subculture to communicate things such as their stance on racism and their sexuality. Now, in many areas, Lace Code is dead, but not everywhere!

Lace Code applies to ladder laced black combat boots (typically people wear docs). Each color represents something different, and this can vary by area, so it is important to check your local scene

How to ladder lace:

Traditional ladder laces are shown on the left, and quick release ladder laces are shown on the right. And here is a site that goes step by step

What do The Colors Mean?

(Colors mean different things in different places. These are the most common meanings and the ones I personally know - check your local scene to ensure its not different for your area)

Orange: Anti-Racist // Anti-ICE // No Meaning

Yellow: Anti-Racist

Green: Environmentalist // Peace // No Meaning

Blue: Killed a Cop

Purple: Queer // Gay

Pink: Feminist // Queer // Gay

Black: No Meaning

Patterned: No Meaning

Red: Nazi // Neo-Nazi // Anarchist

White: White Supremacy // Nazi // Neo-Nazi

Note: no one can stop you from wearing whatever you want, but in some areas you should be mindful because there are still people who follow Lace Code, and if youre seen with red or white ladder laces, you might be in for it