Seriously, who even thinks about this stuff? I’ve spent more money than I care to admit on shoes that ended up gathering dust because the lacing looked… wrong. Like, profoundly uninspired, or worse, actively uncomfortable.
Then there was that time I wrestled with a pair of brand new hiking boots for a solid 20 minutes, convinced I was just too dumb to figure out how to put shoe laces on shoes properly. Turns out, I was just following some ancient, terrible advice I’d absorbed somewhere.
Most of what you read online is probably fine for basic sneakers, but if you’ve ever had a lace dig into your ankle or a shoe that felt like it was trying to escape your foot, you know there’s more to it. It’s not rocket science, but it’s also not just stuffing a string through holes.
The Basic Thread: It’s Not Just About Getting Them In
Alright, let’s get this over with. You’ve got your shoes, you’ve got your laces. The most common way people do this, and honestly, it’s fine for your average beat-up trainers you wear to the gym, is the classic criss-cross. Stick one end through the bottom eyelet from the outside, pull it through so you have equal lengths on both sides, and then just go crazy. Over and under, over and under, working your way up. Eventually, you get to the top. Done.
What does this look like? Well, it’s a series of ‘X’ shapes marching up the shoe. The underside of the lace is usually what you see on the outside of the shoe, and the top side is hidden. It’s functional. It works. It’s what your grandpa probably did, and his grandpa before him. It’s the default setting for humanity when it comes to footwear.
Honestly, it’s almost laughably simple once you’ve done it a few times. But here’s where things get interesting: what if you want something that actually *feels* different, or looks… deliberate?
[IMAGE: Close-up shot of a pair of sneakers with the basic criss-cross lacing pattern visible on the side, showing the ‘X’ shapes.]
My First Lacing Fiasco: Spending $300 on Wrongness
I’ll never forget it. I’d just bought these ridiculously expensive leather loafers, the kind you’re supposed to wear to impress people you don’t actually like. The sales guy assured me they were the pinnacle of comfort and style. I got them home, ready to break them in. I went to put the laces in, following the same old criss-cross method I’d used for years on everything else. But these shoes… they had these tiny, almost impossibly narrow eyelets, and the leather was so stiff. The laces just wouldn’t sit right. They bunched up, they kinked, and honestly, the whole shoe looked cheapened by my clumsy attempt at lacing. (See Also: Can You Wear Any Boots With Waders)
After about my fourth failed attempt, the laces were starting to fray. I spent nearly $300 on those shoes, and I’d made them look like something I bought at a discount bin because I couldn’t even get the laces in properly. The frustration was immense. I felt like an idiot. It was a stark reminder that even the simplest tasks can be surprisingly complex when you’re not doing them the right way for the specific item.
The Straight Bar Lacing: Looks Clean, Feels Different
Everyone says to criss-cross. I disagree, and here is why: it’s often clunky, can create pressure points, and frankly, it’s boring. If you want your shoes to look neat and your feet to feel evenly supported, try straight bar lacing. You’ll need flat laces for this one; round ones just don’t sit right.
Here’s the deal. You start the same way: one lace end coming out of the bottom left eyelet from the outside, the other from the bottom right, also from the outside. Pull them through so they’re even. Now, instead of crossing, take the left lace and feed it straight across to the right eyelet on the same row, going from the outside in. Do the same with the right lace, feeding it straight across to the left eyelet, outside in. You should now have two horizontal bars of lace across the bottom of the shoe. From here, you continue this pattern, feeding each lace straight across to the opposite eyelet on the next row, always going from the outside in.
It looks incredibly clean, like a barber pole on your shoe. The laces lie flat, creating a very minimalist aesthetic. It also distributes pressure more evenly across the top of your foot because there are no crossing points digging in. It feels different. It feels… intentional. And honestly, it makes even cheap sneakers look a bit more put-together.
The top of the shoe when you finish this looks like a series of parallel lines. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in the overall appearance. This is the method I use on pretty much all my casual shoes now.
[IMAGE: Close-up shot of the same pair of sneakers, but now laced with the straight bar lacing pattern, highlighting the clean horizontal lines.]
What About Different Eyelet Counts?
The number of eyelets you have on your shoes dictates how many pairs of holes you’ll be working with. Most casual shoes have between 5 and 7 pairs of eyelets. Dressier shoes might have more. The straight bar lacing works well for any even number of eyelets. For odd numbers, you might have one lace running straight across the top while the other is hidden underneath, or vice versa, depending on how you finish. (See Also: Can You Wear Ariat Boots In The Rain)
It’s not a hard and fast rule, but consistency makes it look better. If you have, say, six pairs of eyelets, you’ll end up with six perfect horizontal bars. Seven pairs? You’ll have six bars and one final step that might look slightly different, but it’s still cleaner than a criss-cross. It’s like building with LEGOs; you’re just connecting the blocks in a specific order.
The Ladder Lacing: For When You Need Serious Lockdown
Sometimes, you need your shoes to feel like they’re glued to your feet. Think hiking boots, work boots, or even high-top basketball shoes where ankle support and a locked-in feel are paramount. For this, the ladder lacing method is king. It’s a bit more involved, and it looks like, well, a ladder.
Start again with equal lengths of lace coming out of the bottom eyelets from the outside. Take the left lace and feed it straight up to the corresponding eyelet on the right side, going from the outside in. Now, take the right lace and feed it straight up to the *next* eyelet on the left side, also from the outside in. This creates the first rung of your ladder on the inside of the shoe. Continue this pattern, feeding the lace from one side straight across to the opposite eyelet, then taking the other lace and feeding it straight across to the *next* eyelet on the opposite side. You’re essentially creating horizontal bars *inside* the shoe, with the vertical parts of the laces visible on the outside, criss-crossing over those internal bars.
This method creates a very tight, secure fit. The horizontal bars inside the shoe prevent the shoe from loosening up under pressure. It’s like having internal straps holding your foot in place. I used this on a pair of old ski boots once for a costume party just to see, and the lockdown was unreal. I could probably have done a backflip without my feet moving. It’s not for everyday casual wear, mind you; it’s serious business.
[IMAGE: Side profile of a hiking boot laced using the ladder lacing technique, clearly showing the ‘ladder’ effect on the exterior.]
When to Use What: My Personal Cheat Sheet
Look, I’m not going to tell you there’s only one way to put shoe laces on shoes, because that would be a lie. It’s about what works for the shoe and what works for your foot. Here’s my totally unscientific, experience-based breakdown:
| Lacing Method | Best For | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criss-Cross | Basic sneakers, casual wear | Easy, widely known, works for most shoes | Can be uneven pressure, looks basic | The default. Fine, but why settle? |
| Straight Bar | Casual shoes, loafers, boots where clean look is key | Super clean aesthetic, even pressure distribution, looks intentional | Requires flat laces for best look, can be fiddly initially | My go-to for most situations. It just looks *right*. |
| Ladder | Boots, athletic shoes, high-tops needing serious lockdown | Maximum security, prevents loosening, great ankle support feel | Looks very technical, can be overkill for casual shoes, takes longer | Only for when you absolutely cannot have your shoe shift. Think extreme sports or industrial settings. |
Lace Material Matters Too
It’s not just the pattern; the actual laces you use can make a difference. Waxed cotton laces have a bit more grip and a nice sheen, making them great for dressier shoes. Flat polyester laces are durable and come in tons of colors, good for sneakers. Round, synthetic laces are often found on athletic shoes, designed for stretch and strength. I once bought a pair of expensive running shoes that came with these thick, slightly fuzzy laces that just wouldn’t stay tied. After about 10 miles, I was stopping every mile to re-tie them. That’s when I learned that the lace itself is part of the system. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, proper lacing can indeed help prevent common foot issues by ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, which is why choosing the right lace material and pattern is more than just aesthetics.
Common Lacing Questions
How Do I Stop My Shoe Laces From Coming Undone?
If your laces keep coming undone despite tying them, you might be using a granny knot instead of a square knot. A square knot is the standard, secure knot where the loops lie flat against the shoe. A granny knot is the wobbly one that loosens easily. Practice tying a proper square knot, making sure the loops are even and pulled tight. Sometimes, changing to waxed laces can also help them grip better. (See Also: Can You Wear Baggy Jeans With Boots)
Can Different Lacing Techniques Affect Shoe Fit?
Absolutely. Criss-crossing can create pressure points on the top of your foot if the eyelets are too close together. Straight bar lacing distributes pressure more evenly, making the shoe feel less constrictive. Ladder lacing provides the most intense lockdown, making the shoe feel like an extension of your foot, which is great for sports but can be uncomfortable for casual wear.
What’s the Best Way to Lace Boots?
For most boots, especially work or hiking boots, the ladder lacing method is usually best for maximum security and support. However, for dress boots, a straight bar lacing can give a much cleaner, more sophisticated look. It really depends on the boot’s purpose and your desired aesthetic.
How Do I Make Sure My Laces Are the Right Length?
A general rule of thumb is: 2-3 pairs of eyelets need about 27-36 inches (70-90 cm) of lace. 4-5 pairs need 36-45 inches (90-115 cm). 6-7 pairs need 45-54 inches (115-135 cm). Too short and you won’t be able to tie a decent knot. Too long and you’ll have floppy ends everywhere. Getting it right makes the whole process less frustrating.
[IMAGE: A collection of different types of shoelaces (flat, round, waxed, colorful) laid out on a wooden surface.]
Verdict
So, there you have it. Putting shoe laces on shoes isn’t just a mindless chore; it’s a subtle art that can actually change how your shoes feel and look. Stop just stuffing them in and call it a day. Try the straight bar for a cleaner vibe, or the ladder for serious security.
Honestly, I used to think all laces were the same. I was wrong. The way you thread them matters more than most people realize, and it’s a simple adjustment that costs zero dollars.
Next time you’re eyeing up some new kicks or trying to revive an old pair, take five extra minutes. Experiment with a different pattern. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes to how your shoes perform and feel on your feet. Your feet will thank you for the effort, trust me on this one.
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