Guide to Lacing Shoes

This guide to lacing shoes will make it easy for you to replace your laces when they become worn out, frayed or you just want a change.

There are many ways to lace your shoes. The most common method is the criss-cross. Another is the straight-lace method. Whatever technique you choose, following this easy guide to lacing shoes will assist you.

The criss-cross method, also called zig-zag lacing, is simple to do and is preferred for comfort and support. It works well for both athletic and dress style shoes. To begin:

1. Place the shoe in front of you. Be sure that the toe is facing away from you.
2. Insert the lace into the front two holes in the front of your shoe. Make sure that the laces are even on both sides. If they are uneven, adjust until they are equal in length.
3. Begin working in a diagonal direction and insert the lace in the next hole on the opposite side of your shoe.
4. Continue inserting the lace through the holes of your shoe until you reach the end.
5. Once you reach the end, make a bow and you are finished!

Another version of lacing is the straight-lace method. This works on sporty style shoes and boots and is easy to do.

1. Begin by placing one end of the lace through the top hole on the right front side of your shoe and the other end through the end hole on the left side of your shoe.
2. With the right end of the lace insert it in the opposite side hole creating a straight line.
3. Bring the lace out from the bottom and insert it into the next hole on the same side.
4. Continue moving horizontally across the shoe until you reach the end.
5. The remaining lace ends can be tied into a bow to complete and secure your lacing.

Sometimes traditional style lacing techniques don't work for your particular foot type. Maybe you have a high arch or a narrow foot. Often times shoes may not fit comfortably and you have slippage at your heel. There are other lacing methods to solve these problems such as:

• If you have high arches, begin lacing your shoes by criss-crossing and stopping after the first set of holes. Next, thread your laces straight up each side, criss-crossing only before threading the last hole. Finish as normal and secure.
• For a narrow foot follow a normal lacing pattern up to the last pair of holes. Tighten from the outer holes by pulling the body of the shoe towards the center. At the last hole, tighten the laces and thread into the last hole without criss-crossing. Do not pull the laces all the way through, but leave a loop on each side. Finish by crossing the laces and threading them each through the loop on the other side before tightening and tying.

Many sporting sites such as Dick's Sporting Goods offer custom lacing solutions to fit your individual needs. You may also want to consult a specialty shoe store if you are having difficulty getting your shoes to fit properly.

Lacing your shoes can create a unique look to your shoes or boots. There are numerous shoe lacing patterns to pick from. Show off your individual style by being creative and trying out cool ways to lace your shoes.

Always be sure that your laces are the correct length for your shoes. A lace that is too long may cause you to trip or fall. Also make sure that your laces are secured by tying a bow. If the bow does not stay secured then try tying it into a double knot.

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