lace-up
B2neutral
Definition
Meaning
fastened or closed by laces.
A type of shoe or boot that is fastened with laces; designed to be closed by threading a lace through eyelets.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as an adjective or attributive noun (e.g., lace-up shoes). Can also be used as a noun to refer to the item itself (e.g., a pair of lace-ups).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. The hyphenated form 'lace-up' is standard in both varieties when used as an adjective/noun. The noun 'lace-ups' is equally common.
Connotations
Neutral descriptor; slightly more formal or specific than just 'shoes'.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, especially in fashion, retail, and everyday descriptions of footwear.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[adjective] + noun (lace-up shoes)[noun] (a pair of lace-ups)verb + [noun] (to wear lace-ups)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lace up your boots (prepare for work/action)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in retail and fashion product descriptions (e.g., 'lace-up derby shoes').
Academic
Rare; might appear in design, history of costume, or ergonomics texts.
Everyday
Very common for describing footwear (e.g., 'I need comfortable lace-ups for walking').
Technical
Used in footwear manufacturing, orthopedics, and sports equipment design.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She stopped to lace up her hiking boots.
American English
- He laced up his sneakers before the game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have new black lace-up shoes.
- These boots are lace-up.
- For gym class, you need lace-up trainers.
- Lace-up shoes are more secure than slip-ons.
- The design featured a elegant lace-up fastening at the back.
- He bought a pair of smart leather lace-ups for the interview.
- The orthotic inserts are best used in a sturdy, lace-up boot for optimal stabilization.
- Victorian fashion saw the rise of the lace-up corset as a common garment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'LACE-UP' = you must pull the LACE UP through the holes to close it.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINMENT IS SECURE FASTENING (a lace-up shoe 'contains' the foot securely).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'вверх на шнурке'. Use 'со шнурками' or 'со шнуровкой'.
- The noun 'lace-ups' does not have a direct single-word equivalent; use 'туфли/ботинки со шнурками'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'lace-up' as a verb phrase incorrectly (e.g., 'I will lace-up my shoes' – the hyphen is incorrect here; correct: 'I will lace up my shoes').
- Confusing 'lace-up' (adjective/noun) with 'shoelace' (noun for the string itself).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'lace-up' used correctly as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When used as an adjective or a noun (meaning the shoe itself), it is hyphenated: 'lace-up'. The verb phrase is two words: 'lace up'.
Yes, though less common. It can describe corsets, dresses, or any item of clothing fastened with laces.
'Lace-up' requires a lace to be threaded and tied for fastening, offering adjustability and support. 'Slip-on' has no fastening and is put on by sliding the foot in.
It is neutral but slightly more informal than 'lace-up shoes' or 'laced shoes'. Perfectly acceptable in everyday and commercial contexts.