A Guide to 15 Unique Shoelace Patterns

One simple way to upgrade your shoe game is to experiment with different lacing techniques.

Make an old pair of shoes look brand new simply by lacing them up in a different pattern. I've included 15 fresh looks for you to try in this guide.

All the styles I'll be discussing are depicted here (with numbers so you can quickly jump to the one you're most interested in using the table of contents). ):

So, without further ado, here are 15 alternative ways to tie your shoes, complete with photos and videos showing you how to do it.

The First Shoe Lacing Method Is a Bar Lace

Bar lacing, or straight lacing, gives your shoes a clean, professional look. Flip your socks and give it a shot

It's a time-saving lacing method because the shoes can be slipped on and off without having to be tied.

Step 1

• As shown above, thread the lace ends through the two eyelets at the bottom. Verify that they are entering the eyelets from above, and not below.

• The right-side lace end is the next one you'll need; thread it up into the second eyelet from the bottom, but this time you'll be starting from underneath (as shown).

Step 2

• Wrap the lace around to the left and thread it through the second eyelet up top to make a second "bar."

• Then, as shown, bring the other lace up from below and into the third eyelet on the left.

Step 3

• The third 'bar' is made by bringing the lace to the right and threading it through the third eyelet.

• Follow my lead in the above picture and continue this pattern all the way up the shoe before tying the laces in a knot and tucking the ends inside. My post Straight Lacing Tutorial: EASY Guide (With Photos) goes into greater detail if you're interested.

Watch this video of me lacing my shoes in this fashion:

2. a shoelace design resembling a sawtooth

The unique sawtooth lacing pattern will put a new spin on your shoes. The pattern appears to leap off the page at you in an almost three-dimensional way. Many people have commented on how great my shoes look when I sawtooth lace them.

Follow these steps to complete the task:

Step 1

• To begin, create some resistance under the tongue of your shoes by stuffing them with socks. Doing so will ensure a uniform appearance all the way up the eyelets.

• Then, working from above rather than below, insert your lace into the two lower eyelets.

• Now, bring the left-side lace end (lace 1) to the front. ) vertically, from below, into the third eyelet from the bottom, as shown in the preceding image

• Next, grab the right-most end of lace (lace 2) and pull it through. , as shown, and thread it through the third eyelet on the left side of the shoe after crossing the tongue. Ensure that it is entering the eyelet from below.

Step 2

• Bring in the first end of lace now across the top and through the rightmost bottom eyelet of the shoe tongue As shown above, this will result in a small "bar" across the top of the tongue of the shoe.

• So, lace up your shoes 1 feed it up into the fourth eyelet from the bottom, as shown in the image above, and then bring it back over the shoe tongue to the left side.

Step 3

• Just chill out and take lace 2 and thread it through the bottom right-most eyelet after passing it over the shoe's tongue.

• All the way to the top eyelets, keep up this pattern all the way up the tongue. Both the traditional bow and tucking of laces behind the shoe tongue are acceptable.

Check out my video tutorial here (sawtooth lacing begins at 10:26) if you're having trouble with this pattern:

Laced in a Diamond Pattern for Shoes

If you're looking for a lacing pattern that serves both form and function, look no further than diamond lacing. Step by step instructions for a great look and lacing that won't slip.

At first glance, it may appear to be difficult, but if you take your time and follow my instructions, you will succeed. To further assist you, I've embedded a video demonstration of the process below.

Step 1

• First, thread the ends of your laces through your shoes' two smallest eyelets. Make sure they're entering the eyelets from below, as shown in the image above.

• Then, grab the leftmost lace (the lace end 1, for simplicity's sake) and move it to the right. ) then thread it through the third eyelet from the right side of the shoe's bottom This time, insert it into the eyelet from the top, not the bottom.

Step 2

• Tie off the first end the fourth eyelet up and to the right from the bottom, as shown in the picture.

• Get the first end of the lace and bring it here. retrace your steps back over the tongue of your shoe and down into the shoe's second bottom-left eyelet. Insert the needle through the bottom of the third eyelet on the left side, this time from below. Verify your answer using both my picture and yours.

Step 3

• Take lace end 1 and carry on weaving in this pattern. way up the tongue of the shoe Watch my video for a walkthrough if you need further instruction on this topic:

• Then, lace up the second end. and insert it, as shown, under the initial diagonal lace.

Step 4

• Get ready for the second half of your laces Insert it into the third bottom eyelet on the left side. Now, just bring it up from below into the fourth eyelet from the bottom, as I have done above.

Step 5

• Then, as shown, bring the lace under the second diagonal lace.

• Run it through the bottom right eyelet, which is the second one from the bottom. Now, as shown in the illustration above, thread it through the third eyelet on the right side working from the bottom up.

Step 6

• Repeat this weaving pattern until you reach the top eyelets, threading the lace under each diagonal lace as you go.

Diamond Lacing Shoes: EASY Guide With Photos is a more in-depth resource I've compiled if you find yourself in need of assistance with this fashion.

Circle-Laced Shoes, Number Four

This lacing method, which involves a circle, is not as common as other methods. Not only does this lacing method look cool, but it's also incredibly safe.

Don't be intimidated; it's simpler than it appears. If you want the same results as I did, you'll need a minimum of six pairs of eyelets for this lacing method. The number of eyelet pairs can be reduced with some adjustments.

If you want to replicate this lacing pattern on your shoes, follow these steps:

Step 1

• To begin, insert the ends of your laces through the top two eyelets of your shoes. See to it that the lace tails exit the eyelets from the underside.

• Once you've done that, run a pen (or a chopstick) along the left shoe's eyelets. Get started wrapping your lace around the pen like I have in the picture. In order to keep the pen in place, thread the lace end through each eyelet as you go.

Step 2

• Just flip your lace over and use a second pen to trace the reverse side until you get a result that looks like mine in the picture.

• Then, thread the ends of the lace through the side eyelets at the very bottom.

• Take out one of the pens and use it to make loops in the opposite lace, then thread the lace through the loops.

Step 3

• Remove the pen and repeat the process with the other lace end, threading it through the loops on the other side.

• Pull the lace ends tight once you've threaded both ends through. Whenever this happens, your circle or oval will manifest.

Step 4

• Each lace end should now be threaded through the pattern's second-to-top eyelet, as shown in the above image. A lace ought to be threaded through that. Doing so will maintain the circle's proper appearance.

5. A lacing system that uses zippers

The zipper lacing method is the safest because the laces are locked in place by the crossover.

It gives the impression of being difficult but is actually quite easy (if you take your time). )

Following this guide should help you tie your laces in the correct pattern:

Step 1

• Both ends of the lace should exit the bottom eyelets in the same direction.

• Then, lace up your shoes 2 (as shown) and slip it under the loop that rests on the tongue of your shoes.

Step 2

• Repeat with lace 1. then thread each end through the third eyelet up from the bottom (as shown) on both sides.

Step 3

• Step 2: Weave each lace end into the corresponding loops on the shoe tongue, as shown in the image above. Be sure to verify the image for yourself to achieve the same outcomes as I did.

• Depending on the number of eyelet pairs, repeat this sequence all the way up the shoe tongue. When you're finished, tie a bow in the top of your laces as usual (or hide it behind the tongue of your shoes for a clean look).

Using a Ladder-Lace Tying Method

Ladder lacing, also known as military lacing, is a neat and tidy taught lacing style.

Because the laces won't slip and are simple to cut, removing a boot in an emergency is a breeze. The 'ladder' effect adds a unique visual flair while also being functional, so this lacing method has gained in popularity over the years.

The ladder lacing method is as follows:

Step 1

• You can use the two eyelets at the base to attach your lace.

• Tie off the second end of your shoelaces as shown, and insert it into the third eyelet from the right.

Step 2

• Wrap the second end of the lace around your finger. into the left-most, second-from-bottom eyelet

• Put 1 end of the lace in a needle to the same eyelet as before, then across the shoe tongue to the second eyelet up from the bottom on the right. The tongue of the shoe is where the two ends of the laces should rest.

Step 3

Another option is to watch my video tutorial on this type of lacing, which can be found here:

Lacing Your Shoes in a Lattice Pattern

Using a lattice pattern is a very stylish detail. The unconventional method of lacing adds a dash of flair to an otherwise mundane shoe.

It appears complicated, but in practice it's quite simple. Follow my lead slowly and carefully.

Here's how to tie your laces in this style:

Step 1

• Start by threading the ends of your laces through the two bottom eyelets of your footwear, so that they emerge from the bottom (like mine do in the image above).

• Then, seize the first end of the lace. and thread it through the fourth eyelet on the right-hand side of the shoe's sole (if you're looking at it from above). Draw it upwards, and insert it into the fifth eyelet from the bottom on the right side, as shown.

Step 2

• Thread the first end of the lace through the loop. to the left and down into the third hole from the bottom. To finish, thread it through the third eyelet from below, and then circle back to the sixth eyelet along the right side. For optimal results, please verify the above image.

• Proceed to the second lace end. the three diagonal lace lines are threaded over, under, and back over.

Step 3

• In the second lace, take the end and insert it into the top of the fifth eyelet from the bottom on the left side of your shoe, then back down into the bottom of the fourth eyelet.

• Next, weave it in a zigzag pattern under, over, and under the diagonal lace lines. Here, compare your pattern to mine to make sure you have it right.

• Next, attach the second end of the thread to the lace. drop it into the right-hand side's second-from-lowest eyelet from above. To use, insert it into the third eyelet from the bottom.

Step 4

• Weave the second end of the lace now. As shown above, pass the cord through the first eyelet on the right and then over and under the diagonal lines to enter the second eyelet on the left.

• Put a bow on the finished pattern.

Traditional (but altered) Method of Lacing Eighth

A shoelace bow that isn't immediately obvious is a cute alternative to the traditional method of lacing. You can easily improve your shoes' appearance with this no-show bow lacing pattern.

Step 1

• Please tie your shoes in the conventional fashion. Check out my video if you're stuck:

Step 2

• Hide the bow of your shoelaces under the tongue of your foot. It's that easy, and it works well for people who value a polished appearance.

9 - Lace Your Shoes Like Lightning

An eye-catching lacing method, lightning shoe lacing looks great on sneakers. To make the pattern stand out, use laces that are a different color than the shoes. As an added bonus, it takes very little time and effort to implement.

Any number of eyelet pairs greater than four can be used.

Following is the procedure:

Step 1

• Lace up your shoe by inserting the ends of the laces into the two bottom eyelets on the left side, as shown.

• Then, thread the end of the lace through the bottom eyelet, across the tongue of the shoe, and into the top right eyelet.

Step 2

• Simply bring the other end of the lace across to the right and thread it through the top eyelet from below.

• Then, do as I have done in the image above and thread it through the third eyelet from the bottom on the right side.

Step 3

• Insert the lace end into the bottom-most eyelet, then bring it back to the left. Put it underneath the third eyelet from the bottom and feed it up there. If you want your shoe tongue to look like this, you've come to the right place.

Step 4

• To continue, cross the lace back to the right and insert it into the next open eyelet. Continue doing this until you reach the top of the shoe. The laces can be tied in a bow and hidden under the shoe tongue.

Ten. The Cross-Loop Method of Lacing Shoes

It's easy to get a unique look in no time at all by lacing your shoes in a loop cross pattern. It's a neat, speedy method for lacing shoes, so try it out.

The procedure is as follows:

Step 1

• As shown above, begin by threading the ends of your laces through the shoe's two lowest eyelets.

• The next step is to cross the laces as shown.

Step 2

• Put the loose ends of the laces in the uppermost eyelets of your shoes.

• Repeat the process of crossing the laces back over.

Step 3

• You can carry this design all the way up the tongue of your shoes. The final step is to bow the laces as usual once you reach the top eyelets.

Zigzag lacing is trending in the world of footwear, which brings us to our eleventh

If you're just learning how to tie your shoes, zigzag lacing is a fun and easy technique to try.

How to tie your laces in this fashion:

Step 1

• Put the end of your lace through the top eyelet on the right side, as shown above.

• Then, swing it to the left and insert it into the lowermost eyelet.

Step 2

• You should thread the lace end over the tongue of the shoe and into the bottom rightmost eyelet. All the way to the right-side eyelet at the bottom of the shoe, repeat this pattern.

Step 3

• You'll make a "bar" by crossing the lace's end over the lower left eyelet.

• Then, tuck the extra lace behind the side of your shoe and feed it up under the design. Put it through the top eyelet on the left side. You can now bow your shoes normally and leave the house.

The Ultimate Guide to Making Lace-Up Shoes with Stars as the Center of the Design

Lacing shoes in a star pattern is a creative and stylish alternative to traditional lacing. It's a classic lacing pattern made famous by Converse sneakers. The optimal number of eyelets for this method is seven.

If you'd like to see me demonstrate how to do this lacing pattern on video, I've included a link to the tutorial at the bottom of the instructions.

For those who are interested in learning this shoelace pattern, here it is:

Step 1

• To begin, thread your lace through the second upper right eyelet (as shown).

• To finish, thread the lace through the top eyelet and then down and to the left.

Step 2

• As shown above, insert the lace through the bottom of the fourth upper left eyelet.

• Then, cross the lace to the right and insert it into the fourth eyelet on the corresponding side.

Step 3

• Now, working from the bottom up, thread the lace through the right-hand eyelet all the way at the bottom.

• Then, going up this time, cross to the left and insert it into the fourth eyelet from the top.

Step 4

• Thread the lace through the top of the leftmost eyelet and down through the bottom one.

• Now bring it up through the bottom eyelet on the right and up through the top one, and finally move it over to the fourth eyelet on the right and feed it in from above.

If you need a more in-depth tutorial, check out my article "Star Lacing Shoes: EASY Tutorial with Photos"

Step 5

• Weave the lace underneath the second "bar" you helped create. Put the hook over the top bar like I did in the picture.

• Get it to go under the star's arm and over the second bar. At this point, you should verify that yours looks identical.

Step 6

• Now, starting at the top, thread the lace through the left-most bottom eyelet and work your way up the tongue of the shoe under the embellishments.

Step 7

• Put it through the bottom of the leftmost eyelet and up into the top Then, from above, bring it across and down into the top eyelet on the right for a clean "bar" finish. You can now either use a lace anchor to secure the loose ends of the laces, or simply tie a knot and tuck them inside the shoe.

If you need more guidance, watch this video of me demonstrating the procedure:

Shoe Laces, Blank Tongue Model No. 13

I'll admit, at first glance, this method of lacing the tongue blankly is peculiar. In some ways, it resembles an optical illusion. No laces? No lacing! It has an interesting lacing pattern that demands attention.

Here's the procedure:

Step 1

• First, do what I did in the image above and thread your lace through your shoe's two bottom eyelets. When lacing up, check that the laces are coming up through the eyelets from the bottom.

• Then, as shown, thread the left lace end through the second eyelet from the bottom on the left to form a small loop.

Step 2

• Now, thread this lace through the third bottom left eyelet from underneath. Continue weaving the lace in this manner until you reach the top eyelet (if your shoes have an odd number of eyelet pairs).

Step 3

• To finish, bow the laces together at the top after you've repeated the pattern on the right side.

Shoe laces in the form of a bow tie

The classic elegance of a knotted bow tie You can use this lacing method on any pair of shoes, from athletic to formal, and it will look great. The method is both stylish and time-saving when lacing shoes.

For those interested in replicating this lacing pattern, here are the steps:

Step 1

• Get started by threading your lace through the two bottom eyelets, as shown.

• Then, working from below, thread the ends of the lace through the eyelets on the opposite side.

Step 2

• In order to make your first bow tie, you must cross the laces over. After that, insert one end of the lace into the third set of eyelets along each side.

Step 3

• Put the tips of the laces, one at a time, back into the eyelets along their respective sides, starting at the bottom.

• Iterate the pattern shown above by crossing the threads and feeding them down into the corresponding eyelets.

Step 4

• To complete the shoelace pattern, bring the lace ends up into the second eyelets from the top, and then bow them together.

Army Shoe-Lacing Method No. 15

Despite appearances, the "army lacing" method of tying shoes is much quicker than regular lacing. How cool is it that it's used by the armed forces of the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Brazil?

So, here's what you do:

Step 1

• Like I have done above, begin by inserting the ends of your lace into the two eyelets at the bottom.

• Then, make a loop on the exterior of the shoe by threading the left lace end through the shoe's second eyelet from the bottom.

Step 2

• Do the same thing on the opposite side, and then cross the laces in the manner shown.

• Thread the eyelets into the third hole from the bottom.

Step 3

• Bring the laces up through the next eyelet on their own sides to make another outer loop.

• The laces are fed into the next upper eyelet after being crossed over twice. I want you to take your time and make sure your results match the one I posted above.

Step 4

• To complete the pattern, insert each set of laces into the next upper eyelet on their respective sides, then cross the laces over the tongue of the shoe and tie them in a bow. I've never seen a more stylish method of lacing shoes.

Comments Related to:

Thank you for taking the time to read my article on alternative shoelace styles. As a result of this, I'm hoping you'll be motivated to give your shoe-lacing skills a little upgrade and try something new.

Additional information about lacing can be found at:

A Simple Guide to the 7 Coolest Ways to Lace Your Vans

Nine Simple Methods for Tying Your Converse Laces