Lacing your shoes might seem like a straightforward task, but the way you lace them can significantly impact your comfort, support, and even your foot health. Whether you’re looking for extra stability, reduced pressure, or simply a better fit, there are various lacing techniques to suit your needs. This guide will walk you through some of the most popular lacing methods to help you get the most out of your footwear.
Cris-Cross Lacing
- Best For: Everyday shoes, running trainers.
- How To: Begin by lacing up the shoes in a typical cris-cross pattern, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Each lace end crosses over the other, going through the opposite eyelet from underneath. This method is versatile, offering good support and is suitable for most shoe types.
Heel Lock (Runner’s Loop)
- Best For: Running shoes, hiking boots, when extra heel security is needed.
- How To: Lace your shoes normally until the second-to-last eyelet. Instead of crossing over, insert the lace into the top eyelet on the same side, creating a loop. Cross the laces over and thread them through the opposite loop before tying them. This technique helps lock the heel in place, reducing the risk of blisters and improving stability.
Window Lacing (Box Lacing)
- Best For: Reducing pressure on the top of the foot.
- How To: Lace your shoes normally until the point of discomfort. Skip the eyelets directly above the pressure point, then continue lacing as usual. This creates a ‘window’ that relieves pressure on the sensitive area, offering greater comfort.
Wide Foot Lacing
- Best For: Wider feet, or when you need more room in the toe box.
- How To: Start lacing normally, but as you progress, skip every second eyelet. This method reduces tightness, providing a more spacious fit for those with wider feet or requiring extra room.
Narrow Foot Lacing
- Best For: Narrow feet or when you need a tighter fit.
- How To: Instead of skipping eyelets, lace through every single one, pulling the laces snugly. This method offers a more secure fit, ensuring your feet don’t slide around in the shoe.
High Instep Lacing
- Best For: High arches, when the top of the foot feels too tight.
- How To: Start lacing normally, but when you reach the highest point of the foot, use window lacing to skip an eyelet on each side. Continue lacing normally after the skipped eyelets. This creates extra space for the top of your foot, reducing tightness and discomfort.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Laces
- Adjust as Needed: Your feet may swell during the day, especially if you’re active. Adjust your laces to maintain comfort throughout the day.
- Double Knot: For activities where your laces might come undone, like running or hiking, consider double-knotting them for extra security.
- Replace Worn Laces: Worn-out laces can break at inconvenient times. Replace them regularly to ensure consistent performance.
Lacing your shoes properly can make a world of difference in comfort and support. Experiment with these techniques to find the one that suits your feet and activities best.
