A man's shoelaces are probably the most unnoticed part of his wardrobe. Which begs the question: what does that tell you?
True, the shoelaces aren't the most exciting part of your outfit (unless you're a 13-year-old skateboarder from 2002), but without them, you wouldn't get very far. Literally Furthermore, if you know the proper techniques for lacing shoes, you can use them to subtly add a new style dimension to your look.
Because, as nerdy as this may be, the way you lace your shoes should be determined by the shoes themselves. It's not uncommon for there to be a noticeable difference between the way you lace your Vans and the way you tie your designer kicks.
See how the experts do it, and then try it yourself to see which shoe-lacing method works best for your favorites.
The 5 Easiest Ways to Lace Your Shoes
New Scientist, the go-to source for all things shoelace-related, claims that there are a mind-boggling 400,000,000 different ways to lace up a standard seven-eyelet pair of stompers (mathematics not included). Luckily, we won't be covering every possible shoe-tying method in this post, but here are a few that will make your boots happy.
1 - Lacing Backwards
Check out your shoes They're probably still on your feet because this lacing keeps them in place.
The most common method of lacing shoes is called "cross-lacing," and it consists of threading the lace through the bottom sets of eyelets and leaving a length of lace on each side that is equal.
First, thread both ends of lace through the bottom two eyelets, making sure that they are the same length.
Second, thread the left lace through the top of the right shoe's second eyelet. It should have made its way across your tongue by now.
Third, repeat Steps 2 and 3 with the other lace, this time inserting it downward through the top of the leftmost eyelet.
Step 4: Proceed lacing one side at a time, making sure to thread each lace down through the top of each eyelet.
Europe's Favorite Lacing Style: Straight
It's likely this lace style was used on your last pair of closed-toe dress shoes. This technique is ideal for more formal footwear, such as Oxfords, because it presents an uncluttered upper.
The laces traverse the top of the shoe in a straight line from eyelet to eyelet, while the bottom of the shoe features a zigzag pattern that makes lacing the shoe a breeze.
First, thread both ends of the lace through the bottom holes.
Second, thread the left lace through the uppermost available right eyelet.
Third, thread the right lace through the second eyelet on the left and up through the third. At this point, there should be a gap on the left.
Put the lace that is now on the right into the free eyelet that is directly to the left of it, as shown in Step 4.
Step 5: Continue in this manner until all the laces are tied.
Over-under lacing
Over-under lacing does what it says on the tin, making it ideal for athletic shoes or dressing up a pair of dress shoes.
Initiate as if making a cross lace, but instead of passing over or up to the next set of eyelets, pass under them. Then, you'll cross over to the next set of eyelets and work your way up in this manner, alternating between the two sets every so often.
First, place one end of each lace through each of the bottom holes.
Second, thread the left lace through the next open eyelet on the right.
Thirdly, repeat Step Two with the other lace by threading it up and through the first available eyelet on the left hand side.
Fourth, thread the lace that is now on the right through the next lower left-side eyelet.
In Step 5, you'll repeat Steps 1–4 with the other lace, going over and under it until you reach the end.
4. Lacing with a Straight Bar
This lacing method may be perfect for you if you value order and cleanliness in your footwear.
The laces traverse the top of the shoe horizontally, from eyelet to eyelet. As usual, the top of the shoe can be tightened by threading the laces through the eyelets and then pulling them snug over the lacing guard.
First, thread the ends of both laces through the two holes at the bottom, making sure that the lengths of the laces on the left and right are the same.
Step 2: With your right foot in the air, insert the left lace through the next right-hand hole while looking down at the shoe. The end of the lace should be pointing upwards.
Third, skip the second eyelet on the left and thread the right lace through the third. A space should now be visible on the left.
Fourth, insert the now-left lace downward through the empty eyelet on the right. As a result, you should have another straight bar, just like the first
Fifthly, insert the left-hand lace downward through the empty eyelet that is directly across from it and cross it over. Once again, you should see three bars.
Sixth, continue lacing in this manner, crossing each lace to its opposite side to make new bars, all the way to the top.
Commando Lacing, No. 5
In case going without underwear is no longer exciting you, try lacing your boots in this military-style the next time you want to feel like a true commando.
One end of the lace is permanently anchored at the bottom eyelet, running in a linked 'S' shape pattern up the front of the boot, and the other end is used for tying off in a slip-knot at the top, making for a quick and easy way to secure your favorite pair of boots.
After securing one end of the lace with a stopper knot, thread the other end through the bottom right eyelet and pull it taught under the vamp.
Second, thread the bare end through the other bottom eyelet in a crosswise fashion.
Third, thread it through the eyelet directly above it, then back down and through the opposite eyelet.
Repeat this process across all of the eyelets, working your way up to the top, in Step 4. Finish the knot with another stopper knot.
Re-lacing Your Shoes: Some Things to Think About
As usual, nothing is as easy as it seems. Another thing to worry about is getting new shoelaces. However, this need not be a challenging task. With these guidelines in mind, you really can't go wrong.
Kurt Geiger's men's own-brand buying manager Robbie Evans says, "it really depends on the type of shoe" when deciding how to retie your shoes. "If it's formal, then it's best to stick with a self-color round lace, though if you're feeling bold, you can contrast a tan leather shoe with a navy or burgundy one."
"When it comes to sports footwear, you have a little more leeway to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to create a wide range of looks." ”
The Lace's Measured
To paraphrase: "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link." You can spend as much as your entire next rent payment on a pair of shoes, but they won't look good if the laces dangle and flap around like a pair of rabbit ears every time you walk.
Take the measurements of your current laces to ensure the new ones will fit your shoes properly.
Lace Width
You may have thought fat laces were hip when you were in seventh grade and your pencil case was covered in biro drawings of your favorite bands, but those days are long gone. However, as an adult man Not really
Stick to heels no higher than 1 centimeter in heel height to avoid looking ridiculous.
Colour
Neon shoelaces aren't the most discerning fashion choice a man can make, but that should go without saying. Or woman Or child Or beast Or, more generally, you understand what I mean.
In general, you should choose shoelaces that are either identical to or complementary to the color of your shoes. Shoes with brown accents have brown laces, while those with blue accents have white or blue laces. Further, further, further, etc.
Materials
Your shoelaces are probably not something you've given much thought to before, but given that we live in the future, you can get them made from some pretty neat materials.
Waxed or even Kevlar laces may be worth it for your winter boots, but in most cases, cotton, cord, or nylon will do just fine.
Adjusting the Laces on a Variety of Shoes
Different shoes require different lacing techniques. Here, we'll show you how to lace some of the most common styles like a pro.
How to Tie Your Vans
Vans are arguably the most well-known brand of casual shoes. Skaters in California made this iconic shoe company famous in the 1970s, and it quickly gained mainstream popularity.
Sk8-His, Eras, Old Skools, and Authentics are four of Vans' most well-known shoe styles. Cross-lacing is probably the best way to secure all of these items.
If you're wondering what kind of laces to use for your Vans, flat laces are your best bet, and white goes with just about anything. All of these well-liked styles, however, come in a wide range of lengths, indicated by the number of eyelets they feature.
The Proper Method of Tying Your Converse
In terms of sneaker culture, the Chuck Taylor All Star is undoubtedly the most iconic model. In point of fact, it's practically legendary.
Your choice of laces for your Converse will be determined by two factors: the shoe's color and whether it is a low top or high top.
In most cases, white laces will look best with your Converse, unless your shoes are entirely black. The final step is lacing them up; a cross lacing pattern is most common, but a bar lace can also look good.
Tie Your Oxfords Like a Pro: The Step-by-Step Guide
Closure lacing is a feature unique to your Oxford dress shoes that sets them apart from the rest of your footwear collection. This style of shoe has a less flexible fit due to the vamp being stitched over the bottom of the lace guards, but it has a much more refined appearance.
You should choose laces that are thin, round, and the same color as your shoes for a black-tie event.
A European straight lace or a straight bar lace can be used to cinch them shut. Each is suitable because it allows for straightforward modification while still producing an uncluttered design on the shoe's upper.
Sneaker lacing instructions
Except for your slippers, the pair of sneakers you wear the most frequently is probably the most comfortable pair you own. As a result, you need to ensure that they are snugly fastened.
Your choice of flat or round laces will depend on the sneaker style and your own personal preference, but for most light-colored models, flat, white laces will do the trick.
You can lace your shoes however you like, but the most common method is cross lacing because it creates a tidy, classic look.
Derby Shoe Tying Instructions
Globally, the Derby is the go-to shoe for professionals in the business world.
This is largely attributable to the fact that it possesses a combination of unrivaled comfort and stylish sophistication that no other shoe can match.
Derby shoes, unlike the more formal Oxford, have an open lacing system that allows for more movement and flexibility, making them more suitable for long periods of wear. It can still be laced in the same manner, though.
To tie your shoes, use a thin, round lace in the same color as the shoe and either the straight bar lacing method or the European straight method. Both will present an orderly appearance while displaying nic
Step-by-Step Instructions for Tying Your Desert Boot Laces
Nothing beats a good pair of desert boots when it comes to versatility, though white sneakers are a close second. You won't have any trouble lacing up these versatile all-purpose shoes because they typically have only four eyelets.
The most important thing to remember is that the laces shouldn't be too long, as they won't need to stretch very far.
Choose a flat, thin lace in the same color as the shoe and cut it so there isn't excess hanging off by the meters. Then, secure them by using the cross-lacing method.
Trekking Boot Tying Instructions
Hiking boots are the reliable friend who will always have your back, whether you're using them to climb the north face of the Matterhorn or just to run out for a cup of coffee in the dead of winter.
Do the same for them and double-check that they're properly laced as a gesture of gratitude.
You can use either flat or round laces, and you can even play around with color! As long as some effort has been put into it, a lace in yellow, red, or even a tasteful two-tone or multicolored design can work. Laces should be long enough to go all the way to the top of the shoe.
The only way to get these on is to cross-lace them, so start with the lowest set of eyelets and proceed as you would with any other pair of athletic shoes. Simple
