How To Put Laces In Shoes: Best Lacing Methods Explained

Putting laces in shoes seems simple, but different ways to lace shoes can offer different benefits. This guide explores various shoe lacing techniques for comfort, support, and style. You’ll learn how to tie shoelaces securely and discover lacing styles that address specific foot needs. Whether you’re seeking the best shoe lacing methods for running, hiking, or simply everyday wear, this shoelace tutorial provides shoe lace instructions to elevate your footwear game.

Image Source: www.wikihow.com

Why Does Lacing Matter?

Many think lacing is just about keeping your shoes on, but it’s more than that. The right lacing patterns can improve:

• Comfort: Reduce pressure points and prevent rubbing.
• Performance: Enhance support for athletic activities.
• Fit: Adjust tightness in different areas of the foot.
• Style: Customize the look of your shoes.

Essential Lacing Terminology

Before diving into different lacing methods, let’s clarify some terms:

• Eyelets: The holes where laces pass through.
• Aglet: The plastic or metal tip of the shoelace.
• Overlace: The lace passes over the shoe’s surface between eyelets.
• Underlace: The lace passes under the shoe’s surface between eyelets.
• Parallel Lacing: The laces run parallel to each other.
• Criss-Cross Lacing: The laces cross each other diagonally.

Basic Criss-Cross Lacing: The Foundation

The most common method, criss-cross lacing is simple and effective.

Instructions:

1. Thread the lace ends through the bottom two eyelets, going inward to outward.
2. Ensure both ends are even.
3. Cross the laces, bringing the left lace to the right eyelet and the right lace to the left eyelet.
4. Continue this pattern until you reach the top eyelets.
5. Tie your shoelaces.

Pros:

• Easy to learn.
• Suitable for most shoe types.
• Provides a secure fit.

Cons:

• Can create pressure points if tightened unevenly.
• Not ideal for feet with high arches.

Exploring Different Lacing Styles

Beyond the basic criss-cross, several different ways to lace shoes can improve comfort and performance.

Lacing for Wide Feet

If you have wide feet, consider lacing methods that reduce pressure across the widest part of your foot.

Parallel Lacing (Bar Lacing)

This method creates a more relaxed fit by reducing pressure across the foot’s width.

Instructions:

1. Thread one end of the lace straight across the bottom two eyelets (inward to outward).
2. Take the other end and thread it through the same eyelets from outward to inward.
3. Bring one end straight up on the inside to the next higher eyelet on the same side.
4. Take the other end across the shoe and insert it from the outside in.
5. Continue this process, keeping the laces parallel to each other on the outside.

Pros:

• Reduces pressure on the top of the foot.
• Allows for a looser fit.
• Aesthetically clean look.

Cons:

• May not provide as much support as other methods.
• Requires longer laces.

Wide Foot Lacing (Skipping Eyelets)

This method skips eyelets in areas where you need more room.

Instructions:

1. Start with standard criss-cross lacing.
2. When you reach an area where the shoe feels tight, skip one or more eyelets on both sides.
3. Continue criss-cross lacing above the skipped eyelets.

Pros:

• Relieves pressure in specific areas.
• Customizable to your foot shape.

Cons:

• May compromise overall support.
• Requires experimentation to find the right eyelets to skip.

Lacing for Narrow Feet

Those with narrow feet often need to create a snugger fit to prevent slippage.

Heel Lock Lacing (Runner’s Loop)

This method secures the heel and prevents it from lifting out of the shoe.

Instructions:

1. Lace the shoe using the standard criss-cross method, but leave the top set of eyelets unlaced.
2. Thread each lace through the top eyelet on the same side, creating a loop.
3. Cross the laces and thread them through the loops on the opposite side.
4. Pull tight and tie your shoelaces.

Pros:

• Keeps the heel firmly in place.
• Reduces blisters caused by heel slippage.
• Simple to implement.

Cons:

• Can feel too tight for some.
• May require slightly longer laces.

Using Thicker Laces

Switching to thicker laces can fill more space within the shoe and create a tighter fit.

Pros:

• Simple and inexpensive.
• Provides a more secure feel.

Cons:

• May not be compatible with all shoe types.
• Aesthetically, might not be preferred.

Lacing for High Arches

High arches can cause pressure points on the top of the foot. These shoe lacing techniques help to alleviate that.

Parallel Lacing with Gaps

Similar to parallel lacing for wide feet, this method creates more space over the arch.

Instructions:

1. Follow the instructions for parallel (bar) lacing.
2. Leave a larger gap between the laces over the area of your high arch.

Pros:

• Reduces pressure on the arch.
• More comfortable fit.

Cons:

• May reduce overall support.
• Requires longer laces if the gap is substantial.

Asymmetrical Lacing

This method offsets the lacing to the side of the foot, reducing pressure directly over the arch.

Instructions:

1. Start with one end of the lace significantly longer than the other.
2. Thread the short end straight across the bottom eyelets (inward to outward) and secure it.
3. Lace the long end diagonally across the shoe, skipping eyelets as needed to avoid pressure points on the arch.
4. Continue lacing until you reach the top.

Pros:

• Completely avoids pressure on the arch.
• Highly customizable.

Cons:

• Aesthetically less conventional.
• Requires some experimentation.

Lacing for Foot Pain

Specific lacing patterns can help alleviate foot pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions.

Plantar Fasciitis Lacing

This method provides extra support to the arch, which can help reduce pain from plantar fasciitis.

Instructions:

1. Use a standard criss-cross lacing pattern.
2. Focus on tightening the laces more firmly in the midfoot area to provide arch support.
3. Consider using the heel lock lacing method in combination for added stability.

Pros:

• Provides support where it’s needed most.
• Relatively simple to implement.

Cons:

• May feel too tight for some.
• Doesn’t address the underlying cause of plantar fasciitis.

Bunion Lacing

This method avoids pressure directly on the bunion, reducing pain and discomfort.

Instructions:

1. Begin with standard criss-cross lacing.
2. When you reach the area near the bunion, skip the eyelet closest to the bunion.
3. Continue lacing above the skipped eyelet.

Pros:

• Relieves pressure on the bunion.
• Allows for a more comfortable fit.

Cons:

• May affect the overall fit of the shoe.
• Could reduce stability.

Advanced Lacing Techniques

For those seeking even more customized fits, these techniques offer greater control.

Window Lacing

This technique isolates a specific area of the foot, relieving pressure in that region.

Instructions:

1. Lace normally until you reach the area needing relief.
2. Thread the lace straight up the same side, skipping the eyelets over the sensitive area.
3. Resume normal lacing above the window.

Pros:

• Targets specific pressure points.
• Highly adaptable.

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming to set up.
• May require adjustments.

Surgeon’s Knot Lacing

This method creates a tighter, more secure hold in specific areas.

Instructions:

1. Lace normally to the point where you need a tighter hold.
2. Instead of crossing the laces once, cross them twice before threading them through the next eyelets. This creates a surgeon’s knot.
3. Continue lacing as usual.

Pros:

• Locks the laces in place.
• Prevents loosening.

Cons:

• Can be difficult to undo.
• May create pressure points if used excessively.

The Art of Tying Shoelaces: A Review

No tying shoes guide is complete without proper technique. Here’s a simple, secure method:

1. The Starting Knot: Cross the laces and tie a basic knot.
2. Making Loops: Create a loop with each lace.
3. Tying the Loops: Cross the loops and tie another knot.
4. Tightening: Pull the loops tight to secure the knot.

Tips for Secure Shoelaces:

• Use a tight initial knot.
• Double-knot for extra security.
• Check your laces periodically throughout the day.

Choosing the Right Shoelaces

The type of shoelace also affects performance and comfort.

• Flat Laces: Stay tied more easily.
• Round Laces: Tend to slip more often.
• Waxed Laces: Provide a tighter grip.
• Elastic Laces: Offer a more flexible fit (good for kids or those with limited mobility).

Consider the material, length, and width when selecting shoelaces.

Table: Summary of Lacing Methods

Lacing Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Criss-Cross	General Use	Simple, secure	Can create pressure points
Parallel (Bar)	Wide Feet	Reduces pressure	May not provide as much support
Skipping Eyelets	Targeted Pressure Relief	Customizable	May compromise support
Heel Lock (Runner’s Loop)	Narrow Feet, Heel Slippage	Secures heel	Can feel too tight
High Arch	High Arches	Reduces pressure on the arch	Might reduce overall support
Asymmetrical	High Arches	Eliminates pressure on the arch	Aesthetically unconvential
Plantar Fasciitis	Plantar Fasciitis	Provides arch support	Only masks symptoms
Bunion Relief	Bunions	Relieves pressure on the bunion	May affect shoe fit
Window	Targeted Pressure Relief	Highly adaptable	Can be time-consuming to set up
Surgeon’s Knot	Locking Down Specific Areas	Prevents loosening	Can be difficult to undo

Fathoming Lacing for Comfort

Lacing for comfort is all about understanding your feet and adjusting accordingly.

• Listen to Your Feet: Pay attention to any pain or discomfort.
• Experiment: Try different lacing methods until you find what works best.
• Adjust as Needed: Your feet may change over time, so re-evaluate your lacing periodically.

FAQ: Common Questions About Shoe Lacing

What is the best way to prevent shoelaces from coming untied?
Double knotting your shoelaces is the most effective way. Also, using flat laces or waxed laces helps keep them tied.

Can I use different lacing methods on each shoe?
Yes, if your feet have different needs. For example, you might use heel lock lacing on one shoe and skip eyelets on the other.

How do I know if my laces are too tight?
If your feet feel numb, tingly, or painful, your laces are likely too tight. Loosen them immediately.

What are elastic shoelaces and are they beneficial?
Elastic shoelaces stretch, providing a more flexible and comfortable fit. They are great for people who struggle with tying shoelaces, such as children or individuals with disabilities.

How often should I replace my shoelaces?
Replace your shoelaces when they become frayed, worn, or lose their elasticity.

Final Thoughts: Elevating Your Footwear Experience

Mastering shoe lacing techniques can significantly enhance your comfort, performance, and style. By experimenting with different ways to lace shoes and understanding your foot’s unique needs, you can find the best shoe lacing methods for you. Use this shoelace tutorial and tying shoes guide to unlock the full potential of your footwear. With the right lacing patterns, you can transform your shoes from a necessity into a source of comfort and confidence.