An athletic shoe comprising a sole, an upper toe and heel portion, a U-shaped panel having a series of holes for a shoe lace, a transparent panel extending from the U-shaped panel to the sole on both sides of the panel and open at its upper end adjacent said panel to define a pocket wherein the panel lies adjacent the open end of the pocket, a replaceable insert of a size and shape to fit in said pockets having a variety of designs and colors and including at least one hole in its upper edge to secure the insert in the pocket when the shoe lace is in place.