How to lace up your sneakers so you don’t have to tie them: 10 interesting ways from a stylist

designer of the Monza brand and founder of Mono-Stil

“Sneakers are a modern closet staple. Today they are worn by almost everyone: men and women, adults and children. That’s why lacing lifehacks are something everyone should arm themselves with. If you are too lazy to tie your laces all the time, I suggest to understand the methods that will allow you to avoid these manipulations, save time and diversify your fashion life”.

Sneakers and sneakers are not just comfortable, but also relevant. The idea of the presence of sports shoes in everyday closets remains in the list of trendy and is not going to give up positions. Sneakers are actively used in a variety of images. Especially bold fashionistas fit them even in business sets. If we talk about a more familiar application, it is the styles of sportschic and casual. Here sneakers and sneakers are an organic part of images.

Whatever your level of fashion determination, the skills of original lacing will be useful in any case. Yes, we will be looking at methods that avoid tying. However, most of them are also ways to make the look more interesting.

Ways of lacing

1. Cross-lacing

The simplest method is the cross-lacing method. First, run the ends of the laces through the bottom holes from the wrong side to the front side. Then pull up and align so that both halves are on the same level. After that, thread the end of the right half through the hole on the left side, and cross the left half and insert it on the other side.

Do the same with each subsequent hole, crossing the laces. From the top, the ends should end up on the outside. At this stage, it is necessary to engage additional holes on the side – each of the free parts slip into them from its side. When they are inside, you need to hide the ends under the insole.

2. Straight

The plus side of the method is that it is not only practical, but also beautiful. The laces can be pulled up a little and hidden inside the sneakers or sneakers, if required. They hold firmly. Apply this method can be applied to any kind of shoes, but it is suitable only for those models that have an even number of holes.

You need to start lacing from the bottom. An important condition – one end should be a little shorter than the second. Extend the first part from the inside into the hole that is above, but on the same side. Pull the second one outward, moving higher by two loops on the same side. Remember that it is important to move from the outside to the inside.

3. “Bas-relief.”

This method also has another name – “ribbon”. It is similar to the “checkerboard” method. In this variant, the laces seem to protrude above the sneakers. This resembles a bas-relief on the wall. It is important to note that in this case it is worth choosing flat laces that look like ribbons. Why? Simply so lacing will look more spectacular.

It is better to use laces of two colors. The first one should be tied as usual – using the straight method. The second – pass through the first, threading alternately – from the top and bottom.

4. “Leaf.”

This is a reference to special needlework for the development of fine motor skills in children. They literally stitch tree leaves with thread or string through the holes prepared in advance according to a certain pattern. In the original language it sounds like leaf lacing.

As for shoe lacing, this method is visually similar to military lacing. In this case, cross lines are placed on the tongue under the tibiae, and above them you get parallel stripes with equal gaps between each other.

5. “Sailor”.

There is a method of tying laces with a nautical bow. Its distinctive feature is that such a knot will not come undone when walking, which means that you do not need to constantly distract yourself. This is practical and convenient.

Such a bow is one of the types of nautical knot. In particular – a reef knot, but with two “ears”. It is well suited for short ends of shoelaces. To get it, you need to tie a straight knot, but with a loop on the second half knot.

6. “European”.

You need to thread the shoelace from the outside into the lower loops of the shoe. One end from the inside should be passed through the nearest hole, moving diagonally. With the second end you need to do the same, but insert it not into the next hole, but into the one located above. The cord that appeared on the surface should be threaded through the hole at the same level inward. Continue until the holes are finished.

7. “Lightning.”

This is a rather complicated method. It will require patience and time. Start by inserting the drawstring into the bottom hole and pull out at the sides on both sides. Twist the ends up to the ties at the same level and pull through a few loops on the inside. Then cross them over on the front side and thread them under the ties, going up a level higher. Do the same to the top.

8. “Roman.”

The name of this method is not chosen by chance. Externally, the lacing resembles Roman numerals. This option looks great with both sports and classic shoes. It is universal.

Simply pass the right part into the opposite hole from the bottom, the left one – take it out of the next upper hole. After that, cross both laces into the two holes on the right. Thread the right one through the two holes at the top, and repeat the first step for the left one. Then cross both laces and bring them over to the left side.

9. “Ladder.”

Also refers to complex methods. It is worth noting that in this case, the laces will not be tightened tighter, if it becomes necessary for you in the process. Take into account such a nuance before a long hike or jog.

But this type of lacing looks spectacular. It is worth resorting to it if you wear hightops or if you have long laces.

So, what will be the technique? It is necessary to bring the right and left parts of the lace from the inside to the outside. Both ends are lifted and inserted into the holes that are located at the top. After crossing them over each other and pass them under the vertical sections. Then lift them up a level higher, pass them through the holes and cross them again. Continue until the holes are finished.

10. “Knotted.”

It is considered one of the most reliable lacing methods. Its essence is simple – at each level make an additional single knot. Due to this, a strong tightening is created. The main trick is that the tie goes from the inside through the bottom opening. When tying, the two parts diverge in opposite directions. They are brought out, just like the first row – outside.

Today, lacing is on trend! Especially interesting. Therefore, dare to experiment. You can choose unusual laces: bright, textured and so on. Multicolored products are also a chip of the season. In one sneaker you can use a red lace, and in another – green. This is one of the most fashionable combinations. Just remember that you need to know the measure. Different colors (or any unusual) laces look good on monochrome sneakers. It is desirable to use for such experiments white, black or beige models.

Also do not forget that the main task of lacing is to fix your foot. The weaker it is, the higher the risk of injury. If it’s a leisurely walk, you can afford a light fixation and simply tuck the ends of the laces under the insole. If you’re outfitting yourself for a run or any other workout, put your health first. Tie the laces tightly.