Honestly, I used to dread re-lacing my Converse. It felt like some arcane ritual, a test of patience I invariably failed. My first pair, a classic pair of Chuck Taylors, ended up with laces that were all bunched up and uneven. Then there was the time I spent nearly twenty minutes wrestling with a pair of flat, waxed laces that refused to cooperate, feeling like a complete idiot.
The internet is flooded with overly complicated diagrams and ‘expert’ advice that makes it seem like you need a degree in knotology. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Figuring out how to put laces in Converse shoes shouldn’t be a project that requires an afternoon and a strong drink.
After years of owning more Converse than I care to admit, and frankly, wasting a ridiculous amount of time on this simple task, I’ve got it down to a science. It’s not about fancy techniques; it’s about a few straightforward steps that actually work.
The Basic Lacing Method: It’s Not Rocket Science
Okay, let’s start with the absolute basics. Most people default to the standard criss-cross, and for good reason – it’s usually what your shoes come with, and it works. But how do you actually do it without looking like you lost a fight with your shoelaces? First, find the two end eyelets on your Converse, usually the bottom ones. Take one lace end and thread it straight through the left eyelet from the outside in. Do the same with the other lace end through the right eyelet, again, from the outside in. You should now have two lace ends hanging down, parallel to each other, with the bulk of the lace inside the shoe. This creates a neat, flat starting point that’s crucial for everything that follows. Seriously, don’t skip this; it’s the foundation for everything else and prevents that annoying bunching you sometimes see.
Now for the iconic cross-over. Take the left lace end and bring it over to the right eyelet, threading it from the outside in. Then, take the right lace end and bring it over to the left eyelet, threading it from the outside in. Keep going like this, alternating sides, until you reach the top eyelets. The key here is consistency. Make sure each lace crosses over and goes through the corresponding eyelet on the opposite side. You’re aiming for those parallel lines of lace running across the shoe’s tongue. It looks clean, it’s functional, and it’s the default for a reason. My younger self would have spent an hour trying to make it perfect; now it takes about five minutes, and I’m not even thinking about it.
[IMAGE: Close-up shot of a pair of black Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars being laced with white laces using the standard criss-cross method. The laces are threaded from the outside in on the bottom eyelets, and the criss-cross pattern is clearly visible.]
What About Those Other Eyelets?
You’ve probably noticed those extra little eyelets near the ankle on some Converse models. They’re not just for show, even though they totally look like they are. They’re actually for a specific lacing technique called ‘straight-lacing’ or ‘bar-lacing,’ which gives a super clean, almost minimalist look. It’s a bit more involved, and frankly, I only use it when I want my Converse to look particularly sharp, like if I’m wearing them with something a bit dressier. The trick is to only go through one side of the eyelet at a time, creating straight horizontal lines across the shoe. It sounds simple, but getting it perfectly even requires a bit of patience. I remember trying this on my favorite red Converse, and after my fourth attempt, I finally got the bars straight. It’s satisfying, but not for the faint of heart on a Tuesday morning. (See Also: Can I Wash My Ilse Jacobsen Shoes)
Everyone says straight-lacing is the ‘cleanest’ look, and sure, it can be. I disagree with the idea that it’s inherently better. For everyday wear, the standard criss-cross is more forgiving, allows for more adjustment, and frankly, looks more like classic Converse. Straight-lacing can sometimes make the shoe feel tighter, and if you get one bar slightly off, it’s glaringly obvious. Think of it like painting a wall – the standard criss-cross is like rolling paint, efficient and covers everything well. Straight-lacing is like carefully cutting in the edges, meticulous but prone to showing every little wobble if you’re not careful.
[IMAGE: A pair of white Converse high-top sneakers with grey laces, showcasing the straight-lacing (bar-lacing) technique. The laces are shown as horizontal bars across the top of the shoe, with only the vertical loops visible on the sides.]
The ‘heel Lock’ Trick Nobody Tells You About
This is where things get interesting, and frankly, where most people miss out on a massive comfort upgrade. Those tiny, often-ignored top eyelets? They aren’t just for show, and they aren’t just for straight-lacing. They’re for what the shoe world calls a ‘heel lock’ or ‘runner’s loop.’ It’s a simple modification to the standard lacing pattern that completely changes how your Converse fit, especially if you’re prone to heel slippage or just want a more secure feel. Seriously, if your heels feel a bit loose when you walk, this is your answer. I used to think my feet just weren’t made for Converse, but this little trick proved me wrong.
Here’s how it works. When you get to the very last set of eyelets at the top, instead of just threading the laces straight through and tying them, you create a small loop on each side. Take your lace, and thread it through the top eyelet on its side, but only halfway. Then, take that same lace and thread it back through the *same* eyelet, but from the opposite direction, creating a small, secure loop of lace sticking out from the eyelet. Do this on both sides. Then, take your main lace ends and thread them *through* these loops before you tie your knot. It sounds complicated, but once you see it, it’s incredibly simple. The loops act like tiny anchors, pulling the heel of the shoe snugly against your foot. The difference in stability is honestly remarkable, like upgrading from a basic sedan to something with better suspension.
The visual of it is pretty straightforward: you’ll have your standard criss-crossed laces up to the second-to-last eyelets, and then at the very top, you’ll see these little loops made from the lace itself, with the main lace ends going through them. It feels secure, like the shoe is hugging your heel instead of just flopping around. I’ve found that about seven out of ten people I’ve shown this to had no idea these eyelets were even there, let alone what they were for. It’s a simple addition that makes a huge difference for comfort and stability, especially if you’re on your feet a lot.
[IMAGE: Close-up of the top eyelets of a Converse shoe, clearly demonstrating the heel lock lacing technique. Two small loops of lace are visible, each emerging from the top eyelet, with the main laces threaded through these loops before being tied.] (See Also: How To Lace Irish Dancing Shoes)
Lace Material Matters: It’s Not All the Same
This is something I learned the hard way, and it involves a pair of limited-edition Converse that cost me a pretty penny. I bought these amazing canvas high-tops, and they came with these thin, almost string-like laces that looked cool. Within a week, they were frayed, tangled, and looked terrible. I spent around $30 on replacement laces that were too thick and made the shoe look clunky. Then, I found a pair of slightly wider, flat cotton laces, and it was like night and day. The shoe looked and felt how it was supposed to. So, don’t just grab any old lace; consider the material and thickness.
For most classic Converse Chuck Taylors, standard flat cotton laces are your best bet. They hold a knot well, they lie flat against the shoe, and they don’t fray as easily as some of the synthetic or super-thin options. If you have leather Converse, you might want to opt for slightly waxed cotton laces; they offer a bit more durability and a cleaner finish. Avoid those super-slippery, round athletic laces; they just don’t look right on Converse and come undone constantly. The feel of a good cotton lace against the canvas is subtle, but it’s there – it’s not plasticky, it’s not rough, it just feels… right. It’s the kind of detail that makes the whole shoe feel more cohesive.
[IMAGE: A small collection of different types of shoelaces laid out on a neutral surface. Include examples of thin, frayed laces; thick, round laces; flat cotton laces; and slightly waxed laces.]
When to Switch Up Your Lacing Game
Most of the time, the standard criss-cross is perfectly fine. But what if you want a different look? Or maybe your current lacing method feels weirdly tight on one side of your foot? That’s where experimentation comes in. Straight-bar lacing, as we touched on, gives a really clean, uniform look. You can also try ‘ladder lacing’ where you create horizontal bars that look like a ladder, or even ‘zig-zag lacing’ for a more playful vibe. These aren’t necessarily about comfort; they’re purely aesthetic choices. The key to trying these out is to be methodical. Measure your lace length beforehand, and don’t be afraid to unpick and start over if it looks wonky. I once spent nearly an hour trying to get a complex zig-zag pattern just right on a pair of brightly colored Converse, and by the end, my hands were sticky from sweat and frustration.
Another common question is about lace length. Too short, and you can barely tie a knot; too long, and you’re tripping over yourself. For standard low-top Converse, 45 inches is usually a safe bet. For high-tops, you’ll want closer to 54 inches. If you’re doing a lot of fancy lacing that uses up more lace length, or if you have wider feet that need more slack, go up an inch or two. It’s a small detail, but getting the lace length right makes the entire process of putting laces in Converse shoes so much smoother.
| Lacing Style | Appearance | Comfort/Fit | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criss-Cross | Classic, diagonal lines | Good, adjustable | The go-to. Reliable and universally accepted. |
| Straight-Bar | Clean, horizontal lines | Can be snug, less forgiving | Stylish, but requires precision and can feel restrictive. |
| Heel Lock Loop | Adds small loops at top eyelets | Excellent for heel stability, snug fit | A must-try for comfort and preventing slippage. Game-changer. |
| Ladder Lacing | Horizontal bars resembling a ladder | Can be tight, uses a lot of lace | Visually interesting, but more for show than function. |
People Also Ask
How Do You Put Laces in Converse Shoes Without Them Crossing?
To lace Converse without crossing, you’ll use the straight-bar (or bar lacing) method. You’ll feed the lace straight across through each pair of eyelets, from the inside out on one side, and then continue this horizontal pattern up the shoe. This creates neat horizontal lines rather than the typical criss-cross. It looks very clean and is a popular choice for a minimalist aesthetic.
How Do You Tie Converse So They Don’t Come Undone?
To prevent your Converse laces from coming undone, ensure you’re using a secure knot. After your final overhand knot, try doing a ‘double knot’ by looping the laces around each other twice before pulling tight. Also, the material of your laces plays a big role; cotton or waxed laces tend to hold knots better than smooth synthetic ones. And if you’re really struggling, the heel lock lacing technique mentioned earlier can help keep the overall shoe tensioned, making knots less likely to loosen. (See Also: Can I Put Water Shoes In The Washer)
How Long Should Converse Laces Be?
The ideal length of Converse laces depends on the shoe height. For low-top Chuck Taylors, 45 inches is generally sufficient. For high-top models, you’ll typically need longer laces, around 54 inches. If you have particularly wide feet or plan to use a lacing pattern that consumes more lace length, consider going up an inch or two for added flexibility.
Should Converse Laces Be Tight or Loose?
Converse laces should be tight enough to secure your foot comfortably and prevent slippage, but not so tight that they cut off circulation or create pressure points. The ideal tension allows your foot to feel supported within the shoe. If you experience heel slippage, you might need to tighten the top eyelets using the heel lock method. For the rest of the shoe, adjust to what feels best for your foot shape and comfort level.
[IMAGE: A set of different colored Converse shoelaces, sorted by length, with labels indicating recommended lengths for low-tops and high-tops.]
Final Verdict
So there you have it. Putting laces in Converse shoes isn’t some intricate puzzle. It’s about understanding the basic mechanics and then knowing when to add a little something extra, like that heel lock trick, if you need it. Don’t overthink it; most of the time, the standard criss-cross is your best friend.
Honestly, I used to stare at my Converse for ages, agonizing over the laces. Now, it’s just a quick, almost mindless task. The key is practice and not getting hung up on perfection the first time around. You’ll figure out what works for your feet and your style.
If your Converse feel a bit sloppy or your heels are slipping, try the heel lock loop. It takes about 30 extra seconds and makes a world of difference. It’s the one hack that genuinely improved how my favorite shoes feel on my feet every single day, and that’s saying something after years of trial and error.
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