How to lace your sneakers with style: practical techniques and tips
Lacing is often the overlooked detail that makes the difference between a mundane look and a sharp style. Beyond aesthetics, the way you lace your sneakers directly influences your comfort and the lifespan of your shoes. Discover the essential techniques and expert tips to transform your favorite pairs.
Why lacing your sneakers properly changes everything
Many think that lacing their sneakers is trivial, but it is a crucial step for the visual appeal and the health of your feet. A good fit prevents discomfort, as well as friction and blisters.
Aesthetically, lacing structures the silhouette. It can make a chunky model look elegant or add volume to a minimalist pair. If WhenToCop? helps you find the best pairs with its comparator, it’s then up to you to enhance them with distinctive lacing. A rare pair poorly laced loses its charm, while a classic model with neat lacing immediately gains in prestige.
Lacing techniques that make a difference
There are over 2,000 ways to lace a shoe with six pairs of eyelets, but only a few offer the ideal balance between style and functionality. To help you choose the method according to the model, here are a few techniques.
Straight lacing: simplicity and elegance
Straight lacing is the preferred technique for a clean look. The laces form parallel horizontal lines without visible crossing. This method is recommended for leather or dress shoes, as it eliminates pressure on the instep.
To achieve this lacing:
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Insert the lace into the two bottom eyelets, from the outside to the inside.
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Bring the left end up inside and pull it out through the eyelet just above.
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Cross to the opposite eyelet and insert.
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Take the right end, skip one hole inside, pull out and cross.
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Repeat until the top.
The result? Clean, symmetrical, and sophisticated.
Cross lacing: the classic that always works
This is the standard method used by brands like Nike, adidas, or New Balance. It remains the most effective method for athletic support. Cross lacing ensures even tension, ideal for walking and daily activities.
The technique involves crossing the two strands at each step in the center. For aesthetics, make sure to always cross the same side on top for a regular pattern. This style suits 90% of sneakers, such as Nike Air Force 1, New Balance 2002R, or adidas Spezial.
Ladder lacing: for stepping off the beaten path
Inspired by parachutists, ladder lacing offers exceptional locking. It creates vertical loops on the sides and horizontal bars, resembling a ladder.
It’s a bold choice for boots or high-top sneakers like outdoor pairs. Although longer to set up, this lacing prevents the laces from loosening. Be careful, it often requires laces 10 to 15% longer to reach the last hole.
Double lacing: a feminine and aesthetic style that stands out
Double lacing, like that found on New Balance Miu Miu, adds a delicate and sophisticated touch to your sneakers. This technique involves using two pairs of laces, often in soft or contrasting colors, to create a very aesthetic layered effect.
The principle? Two paths of laces with pretty knots that offer a feminine, refined, and very stylish look. It’s perfect for enhancing basic sneakers, giving the illusion of a limited edition pair.
Our tips for combining comfort and style
Style should never compromise well-being. The goal is to find a middle ground that is neither too tight for circulation nor too loose for the ankle.
How to adapt your lacing to your foot shape
Every foot is unique. Here’s how to adjust your technique:
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Wide feet: Avoid tight crossed lacing. Opt for parallel lacing or skip an eyelet in the wide area.
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High instep: If you feel pressure, use
