7 Cool Ways to Lace Your Shoelaces (Steps and Tips)
Getting new shoes is only the first part of the equation. The way you tie your shoelaces defines how comfortable you feel as well as how fancy you look. And with the almost infinite number of different methods of lacing, it’s safe to say that choosing a lacing method is damn near impossible.
Lets fix this! How? We’ll break down the top 7 amazing ways to lace your shoelaces. Through a detailed, step-by-step guide (with videos) you’ll be well on your way to get the perfect lacing style.
When you’re done reading you’ll have found your style and exactly how to lace your shoes this way. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Here’s an overview of what we’ll be going over today
You’ll find the criss-cross almost everywhere as it’s the most frequent lacing method for both shoes and boots. Basically, the laces go up the shoe in a criss-crossing manner, giving you a tidy appearance and comfort while walking. To help you out with how to do it, here are all the steps you need.
Steps:
Step 1: Place the shoe before you with the heel facing you.
Step 2: Begin by inserting the two ends of the lace into the opposite eyelets on the very front of the shoe. You should do this from the inside.
Step 3: Diagonally, put the right end of the lace into the left hole above it. This, too, should be done on the inside.
Step 4: Insert the left end of the lace into the next right eyelet.
Step 5: Repeat the process with the remaining holes until you reach the end and finally make a bow.
Video:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZDIJILCM-o (It should be from 0:36 to 1:31)
Also found by other names like ‘lock lacing’, ‘runner’s tie’, ‘lace lock’, and so on, usually, it’s used if you feel that your heels are moving in the shoes you’re wearing. It’s a great technique that finishes with a tight knot and it’s supposed to lock your heel. Another great plus of this method is the creation of friction. Having said that, it’s perfect for rock climbers, runners, and others. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step and there’s a video to aid you, too.
Steps:
Step 1: Use the criss-cross manner and stop when you come to the last hole (that is when the shoe is placed with the heel facing you).
Step 2: Take the left end of the lace and insert it in the last left eyelet. Do the same with the right end of the shoelace.
Step 3: Now put the left end of the lace into the loop created by the right end of the shoelace.
Step 4: Do the same with the other part of the lace – insert the right end of the shoelace into the loop on the left.
Step 5: Just tie the shoes as you usually do.
Video:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJAEUuEzFd4 (It should be from 0:54 to 1:34)
This method gets its name thanks to the ornamental lattice that you make in the middle of the whole lacing process. Because of that, it’s quite popular! This is how you do it.
Steps:
Step 1: Insert the lace straight through the eyelets closest to the toes. The ends of the lace should come out of the two holes.
Step 2: Skip the next two pairs of holes.
Step 3: From the outside, put the left side of the lace diagonally into the third right hole. The same goes for the right side – insert it into the third higher hole on the left side.
Step 4: Move both sides of the lace upwards from the inside and let them come out from the next pair of holes.
Step 5: Now you work downwards by skipping two pairs of holes and putting the left end of the lace in the third right hole below (it’s done from the outside). The right end also skips two pairs of holes and goes into the third left hole (also done from the outside).
Step 6: The two ends run on the inside and then go out from the following two eyelets.
Step 7: Finally, cross the ends as they go diagonally upward (this happens on the outside). Pull the ends so that they go out the last two eyelets. You should skip two sets of eyelets in the process.
Video:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxKmnyyIorc (It should be from 0:11 to 2:56)
The laces with this traditional method are set horizontally on the outside and on the inside diagonally. What’s interesting is that it’s quite common in Europe.
Steps:
Step 1: Firstly, put the ends of the shoelaces in the bottom set of holes near the toes so that they form a straight line and pull them on the inside.
Step 2: Working on the bottom, place the left end of the lace in the opposite right hole so that it stands diagonally. This should be done on the inside.
Step 3: Pull the right end of the lace on the inside in a diagonal line, but the angle should be steeper. And move it on the outside straight across.
Step 4: Keep on doing this until both ends are out of the top holes.
Step 5: Once the both ends go out the last set of holes, simply tie them in a bow.
Video:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VQdXd6gtYk (It should be from 0:59 to 2:23)
This is an alternative way to straight lace your shoes. As it’s a simplified method, it can be done faster, which is why it’s best used while sporting and in the military.
Steps:
Step 1: Start on the outside with the laces straight across in the bottom set of holes near the toes.
Step 2: Pull the left end on the inside and put it out through the left hole on the top left side.
Step 3: On the inside, pull the right end straight up. It should go out through the following higher hole and go on the outside straight across. Then place it in the nearby eyelet situated on the other side.
Step 4: Continue doing step 3 all the way to the top eyelet on the right side.
Video:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Acyo6z_fU (It should be from 0:33 to 2:13)
Thanks to this method, the lacing can be made tighter and with no friction. Because it’s fast and decorative, it’s becoming more and more popular.
Steps:
Step 1: If your eyelets are in an even number, start on the outside straight across and then through the bottom holes go inside.
Step 2: It’s reverse for an odd number of holes – start on the inside straight across and then through the bottom holes go outside.
Step 3: For each set of holes, go between crossing the laces over on the outside and putting them in through the following pair of higher holes or crossing the laces under on the inside and pulling them out through the following set of higher holes.
Step 4: Repeat the process all the way to the top.
Video:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do3KwBpJx4I (It should be from 0:17 to 2:02)
This is considered as the fastest knot that you can tie. It consists of a loop that’s made with both ends of the laces. They are pulled closer to each other until they form a knot at once.
Steps:
Step 1: Place the shoes so that you face the heel.
Step 2: Tie the laces by putting the left over the right one. Then hold them up with the right end between the right thumb and forefinger and the left end around the left thumb and forefinger.
Step 3: Two loops will be created with the loose ends behind and in front. With the right middle finger push the right lace’s end behind whereas the left hand goes forward in order to put the left loop across to the right.
Step 4: Cross the two loops one over the other. With the thumb on the left hand, push the left loose end to the right. The middle finger on the right hand keeps on pushing the right loose end to go inside the left loop.
Step 5: Take the loose end on the right side using the thumb and forefinger on the left hand. The left loose end should be grabbed by the thumb and middle finger on the right hand.
Step 6: Both of your hands should let go of their own loop and pull the opposite loop’s loose end through their own.
Step 7: Pull the loops tight carefully until they form the famous Ian Knot.
Video:
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OazKbYP7Sd0 (It should be from 0:03 to 0:18)
A Final Word
These are all fun and cool ways to lace your shoelaces, which you can practice according to your needs and the occasion. Good luck! And tell us what you think about these methods!
