Knowledge is Power: Lacing Techniques

Unless your valet does it for you, you’re probably highly experienced in lacing your shoes. There are however a number of methods that you can use to achieve different looks for your favourite shoes. In this guide, we’ve highlighted our top three lacing methods, their pros and how to tie them. We’ve also included some handy little videos to demonstrate the lacing methods in action.

Note: Each number within the video corresponds with the step-by-step method.

 

Crossed Lacing

Crossed lacing is the most common way to lace a pair of shoes and will probably be the first method of lacing that you learned as a child. This is quite simply because the method is comfortable, practical and easy to do.

 

The Method

One: Start by running the lace in a straight line between the bottom two eyelets.

Two: Adjust the lace so that you have an even amount on both the right and left side

Three: Take one lace at a time and cross it diagonally to the next eyelet on the opposite side of the shoe.

Four: Feed the lace through the eyelet from underneath.

Five: Repeat this criss-crossing of laces at each eyelet pair until the shoe is fully laced.

 

Straight Lacing

Straight lacing is a neater alternative to crossed lacing that leaves the laces in straight lines across the front of the shoe. This lacing style works particularly well for men’s formal shoes and creates and uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing look. Please note that this method of lacing works best on shoes with an even number of eyelets.

 

The Method

One: Take your lace and run it between the bottom pair of eyelets, going from outside to inside.

Two: Make sure that you have an even amount of lace on each side and adjust if needed.

Three: Take one side of the lace and feed it through the next eyelet up on the same side of the shoe.

Four: Still using the same lace, run it straight across and through the corresponding eyelet on the opposite side of the shoe, going from outside to inside.

Five: Next, switch laces and run this lace up to and out of the next available eyelet on the same side of the shoe.

Six: Take the lace across and feed it through the eyelet on the opposite side of the shoe, again going from the outside to the inside.

Seven: Repeat this process until the shoe is fully laced.

 

Display Lacing

Display lacing is a style of lacing favoured by photographers and window dressers. This method is essentially crossed lacing but inverted so that the laces end up being neatly tucked away at the top. Display lacing has been growing in popularity in recent years thanks to its tidy, photo-ready appearance.

 

The Method

One: Begin by running your lace between the bottom pair of eyelets, threading it through from outside to inside.

Two: Make sure that your lace is even in length on each side of the shoe and adjust if necessary.

Three: Cross the laces diagonally and thread each one through the next eyelet up on the opposite side of the shoe.

Four: When threading the laces through the eyelets, make sure that you are going from outside to inside.

Five: Repeat this method until the shoe is fully laced with the laces neatly tucked inside the shoe.

So there you have it, three different ways to lace your shoes. Let us know if you have a favourite method and why in the comments section below!

Shoe style featured: Loake Aldwych

Copy by Tom Mankin.