Sneaker Culture Hasn’t Catered to Plus-Size Women, But Thick Laces Does

Sneaker culture has capitalized on craze and scarcity, garnering lines stretching for blocks and bots that battle real-life consumers for sneaker drops that sell out in seconds. But what has been missing, according to Thick Laces, a community for plus-size women who love sneakers and streetwear, is diversity. “The mission behind the brand is to provide a space for plus-size women to not only learn about sneakers but to have a space to be seen,” said cofounders Katie Alexis and Essie Golden. “We are severely underrepresented in fashion and even more in the sneaker and street style space.” It’s no secret that the sneaker industry has been largely male-dominated but that didn’t faze Alexis and Golden from breaking in 2019 starting with a simple hashtag that quickly grew into a community of plus-size women who love the streetwear culture that has largely left them out. The message on the brand’s website reads: “Empowering plus-size women to look and feel amazing in unique streetwear and sneakers.” WWD chatted with the female founders about how sneaker culture has faltered where diversity is concerned, what Thick Laces hopes to accomplish with its community and the opportunities ahead for sneakers and streetwear. WWD: What’s the mission behind Thick Laces?

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