The lacing method changes both the look of the shoe and how comfortable it feels. The same shoe with the same lace can look completely different with criss-cross lacing and with straight lacing, and runners can solve heel pain with one small change at the top two eyelets. Here are six practical methods, each with exact steps and the type of shoe it suits. Before you start, make sure you have the right length, using our size guide.
Six lacing methods
1. Criss-cross lacing
Best for: almost any shoe. This is the standard lacing that shoes come with from the factory.
- Thread the lace through the two bottom eyelets from the outside in, and even out both ends to the same length.
- Take the right end and cross it diagonally to the left eyelet above it, threading from the inside out.
- Do the same with the left end, crossing it to the right eyelet above it.
- Keep alternating up to the top eyelets, then tie.
2. Straight bar lacing (ladder)
Best for: white sneakers, fashion shoes and dress shoes. Creates straight lines and a clean look.
- Thread the lace straight across through the two bottom eyelets, from the outside in.
- Take one end and run it up inside the shoe, two eyelets higher, then bring it out.
- Take it straight across the shoe to the opposite eyelet, and thread it in.
- Repeat the same sequence with the other end, so each end handles its own rows, alternating.
- Finish with both ends coming out of the two top eyelets.
3. Runner's heel lock
Best for: running shoes. Stops the heel from slipping and reduces rubbing at the back of the shoe.
- Lace as usual up to the second-to-last eyelet.
- On each side, take the end into the top eyelet on the same side to form a small, open loop.
- Pass each end through the small loop on the opposite side.
- Gently pull both ends until the heel feels snug, then tie.
4. Boot and army boot lacing
Best for: boots, work shoes, Dr. Martens and outdoor boots with open hooks.
- Use criss-cross lacing on the lower part with the closed eyelets.
- When you reach the open hooks, wrap each end around the hook from top to bottom.
- Keep alternating up to the top hook, and make sure the tension is even along the whole shoe.
- Tie a double knot, because round laces tend to come undone.
5. Hiding the lace ends
Best for: anyone who wants a shoe with no dangling ends and no visible knot.
- Use straight bar lacing up to the top eyelets.
- Do not tie. Instead, tuck each end inside along the side of the shoe, under the tongue.
- Check that the shoe still goes on and off comfortably; if not, go down one lace size.
- For a more permanent and comfortable solution, switch to an elastic lace, which lets you put the shoe on and take it off without untying.
6. A knot that stays tied
Best for: round laces, kids' laces and any smooth lace that comes undone on its own.
- Tie a regular starting knot, then a regular bow.
- Before tightening, pass one of the loops through the center hole one more time.
- Tighten both loops together, not the ends.
Frequently asked questions
How do I lace shoes straight, without diagonals?
Thread the lace straight across the two bottom eyelets, then run each end up inside the shoe two eyelets higher and bring it out, cross straight to the other side and thread it in. Each end handles its own rows, alternating, which creates straight lines with no visible diagonals.
How do I stop my heel from slipping in running shoes?
Use a heel lock. Lace as usual up to the second-to-last eyelet, make a small loop on each side using the top eyelet, and pass each end through the small loop on the opposite side. This locks the heel in place without squeezing the foot.
How do I lace a boot with hooks?
On the lower part with the closed eyelets, use regular criss-cross lacing. When you reach the open hooks, wrap each end around the hook from top to bottom and keep alternating. Finish with a double knot, because round laces tend to loosen.
What can I do with lace ends that are too long?
You can hide them under the shoe tongue, switch to straight bar lacing, which uses less length, or simply order one size shorter. A 10 cm difference is usually what separates comfortable tying from extra loose ends.
How do I tie a knot that stays tied?
Tie a regular bow, and before tightening, pass one of the loops through the center hole one more time, then tighten both loops together. A waxed lace or a lace lock clip solves the problem completely.