I don't think velcro would be secure enough, personally; especially if you plan to dance in these shoes.

I had my reservations about using the laces to secure the buckles, but I think the shoes look quite good now. I also usually remove the laces from my shoes for polishing. My only complaint is that the leather behind the buckle and the leather of the shoe are different, but, unless you attend a function for the vertically challenged, I doubt if anyone would notice.

My personal preference is for the buckle to be somewhat nearer the toe (which isn't a practical place for a buckle, but they're non-functional anyway) and for red laces - but those are both matters of taste.