As iconic and timeless as Converse sneakers may be, their seemingly straightforward lacing system can often leave first-timers puzzled. Whether you’re a seasoned sneakerhead or a novice looking to conquer the art of lacing, this comprehensive guide will demystify the process, transforming you into a lacing maestro in no time. So, lace up, let’s embark on this journey of stylish functionality.
The most common lacing method for Converse shoes is the criss-cross technique, which offers a classic and secure fit. Begin by threading the lace through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe. Next, cross the laces over each other, forming an “X” shape, and insert them into the corresponding eyelets on the opposite side. Continue alternating this criss-cross pattern until you reach the top of the shoe. To ensure a snug fit, gently pull on both ends of the lace simultaneously before tying a double knot for added durability.
Alternatively, for a more intricate and expressive look, you can experiment with different lacing styles. The “lightning” lacing, which zigzags across the front of the shoe, adds a touch of edginess. To achieve this, lace the shoes as usual, but when you reach the top, instead of continuing the criss-cross pattern, lace the remaining laces through the second-to-last eyelets on either side, creating a sharp, angled effect. You can also try the “ladder” lacing, which resembles a series of parallel lines. Start by lacing the bottom eyelets, but instead of crossing the laces, loop them over and bring them down to the next eyelets. Repeat this pattern until you reach the top, ensuring the laces remain parallel to each other.
The Classic Criss-Cross
The classic criss-cross lacing method is the most common and easiest way to lace Converse shoes. It provides a secure and comfortable fit, and it looks great with any outfit.
To lace your Converse shoes using the classic criss-cross method, follow these steps:
- Start by threading the laces through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe. Cross the laces over each other and pull them up through the next two eyelets on the other side.
- Repeat this process until you reach the top of the shoe. On the last loop, cross the laces over each other and pull them through the top two eyelets.
- Tie the laces together in a bow or knot.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for the classic criss-cross lacing method:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread laces through bottom two eyelets, cross, pull up through next two eyelets on opposite side |
| 2 | Repeat process to reach top of shoe |
| 3 | Cross laces, pull through final two eyelets, tie laces |
The Loop-and-Cross
This method is a classic for a reason: it’s secure, easy to do, and looks great. To lace your Converse using the loop-and-cross method:
1. Start by threading the laces through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe.
2. Bring the laces up and cross them over each other, forming an X-shape.
3. Then, bring the laces down and through the next two eyelets on the same side of the shoe.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 all the way up the shoe.
5. When you reach the top two eyelets, tie the laces in a bow or knot.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread laces through bottom two eyelets on one side |
| 2 | Cross laces over each other forming an X |
| 3 | Bring laces down and through next two eyelets on same side |
| 4 | Repeat steps 2 and 3 until reaching top eyelets |
| 5 | Tie laces in a bow or knot |
Tip: For a tighter fit, criss-cross the laces over each other more than once before bringing them down through the next two eyelets.
The Bar Lace
The Bar Lace is a classic and versatile lacing method that creates a secure and comfortable fit. It is suitable for most types of shoes, including Converse. Here are the steps on how to lace Converse shoes using the Bar Lace method:
Step 1: Prepare the laces
Start with two equal-length laces. Cross them over each other and insert the right lace through the bottom right eyelet of the shoe.
Step 2: Lace the first row
Bring the right lace up and through the top left eyelet. Then, bring the left lace up and through the top right eyelet. This creates the first row of the Bar Lace.
Step 3: Cross the laces and skip an eyelet
Cross the laces over each other again and bring the right lace down to the second bottom eyelet on the left side (skipping the first eyelet). Bring the left lace down to the second bottom eyelet on the right side (also skipping the first eyelet). This creates the second row of the Bar Lace and establishes the criss-cross pattern.
|
Lace |
Eyelet |
|---|---|
|
Right |
Bottom right (1) |
|
Left |
Top left (2) |
|
Right |
Top right (3) |
|
Left |
Bottom left, skipping one (4) |
|
Right |
Bottom right, skipping one (5) |
Step 4: Continue criss-crossing and skipping eyelets
Continue the criss-cross pattern, skipping one eyelet on each side with each row. As you approach the top of the shoe, the laces will naturally start to overlap each other.
Step 5: Tie off the laces
Once you reach the top of the shoe, thread the remaining laces through the last eyelets and tie them off securely.
The Ladder Lace
1. Cross the laces over each other to form a “V” shape, with the lace on your left slightly longer than the one on your right.
2. Bring the longer left lace under the right lace and through the hole directly above it to create a loop.
3. Take the shorter right lace and bring it through the hole above it to create a second loop.
4. Take the left lace and pass it through the loop created by the right lace. Then, take the right lace and pass it through the loop created by the left lace, forming a square knot. Repeat this process, creating a series of square knots that form a ladder-like pattern up the shoe.
Step |
Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cross the laces to form a V shape. |
| 2 | Bring the longer lace under and through the hole above. |
| 3 | Bring the shorter lace through the hole above. |
| 4 | Pass the laces through the loops to create a square knot. Repeat to form a ladder pattern. |
The Checkerboard Lace
The Checkerboard Lace is a classic lacing style that creates a distinctive checkered pattern on your Converse shoes. It’s a great choice for adding a touch of personality to your footwear.
Materials:
*
- A pair of Converse shoes
- Shoelaces
Instructions:
1.
Start with the laces untied and shoes on your feet.
2.
Insert the left lace through the bottom left hole and the right lace through the bottom right hole (as if tying them normally).
3.
Cross the left lace over the top of the right lace and insert it into the next hole up on the right side.
4.
Cross the right lace over the top of the left lace and insert it into the next hole up on the left side.
5.
Repeat steps 3-4, alternating sides, until you reach the top of the shoes. When you reach the top hole on the right, cross the left lace over the right lace once more before inserting it into the top right hole. This ensures that the laces are locked in place.
6.
Tighten the laces to your desired fit and tie them off as usual.
| Hole | Lace |
|---|---|
| Bottom left | Left |
| Bottom right | Right |
| Next right up | Left |
| Next left up | Right |
| Repeat pattern | Alternate sides |
| Top right | Left (crossed over right) |
The Asymmetrical Lace
The asymmetrical lace is a unique and stylish way to lace your Converse shoes. It’s perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. To do this lace, follow these steps:
- Start by lacing the shoes in the traditional way, crossing the laces over each other.
- Once you reach the top of the shoe, create a loop with one of the laces.
- Thread the other lace through the loop and pull it tight.
- Repeat this process on the other side of the shoe.
- Once you reach the top of the shoe, cross the laces over each other and tie them in a bow.
- To adjust the tightness of the lace, simply pull the laces tighter or looser. You can also experiment with different colors of laces to create a unique look.
Here is a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lace the shoes in the traditional way. |
| 2 | Create a loop with one of the laces. |
| 3 | Thread the other lace through the loop and pull it tight. |
| 4 | Repeat on the other side of the shoe. |
| 5 | Cross the laces over each other and tie in a bow. |
| 6 | Adjust the tightness of the lace by pulling the laces tighter or looser. You can also experiment with different colors of laces to create a unique look. |
The Straight Lace
The straight lace is the most basic and straightforward way to lace Converse shoes. It’s a simple, no-nonsense method that will give your shoes a clean, classic look.
- Start by threading the lace through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe.
- Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two eyelets up on the opposite side of the shoe.
- Continue crossing the laces over each other and threading them through the remaining eyelets, working your way up the shoe.
- Once you reach the top of the shoe, tie the laces together in a bow or knot.
7. Additional Tips for Lacing Converse Shoes
– Lace your shoes snugly, but not too tightly. You should be able to fit a finger between the lace and your foot.
– If your laces are too long, you can trim them to the desired length.
– Be sure to double knot your laces to prevent them from coming untied.
– You can use different colored laces to add a personal touch to your Converse shoes.
– Experiment with different lacing patterns to find the one that you like best.
The Double Lace
The Double Lace is a classic lacing technique that creates a secure and stylish look. It’s perfect for Converse shoes, as it helps to keep the laces in place and prevent them from coming undone.
Materials:
- Converse shoes
- Shoe laces
Instructions:
1. Start by threading the laces through the two bottom eyelets on one side of the shoe.
2. Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two eyelets up.
3. Pull the laces tight and repeat steps 1 and 2 on the other side of the shoe.
4. Once the laces are threaded through all of the eyelets, cross them over each other at the top of the shoe.
5. Loop the left lace over the right lace and under the loop.
6. Pull the right lace up through the loop and tighten.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the other lace.
8. Tie the laces in a double knot to secure them.
To create a more unique look, you can try the following variations of the Double Lace:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Over-Under Lace | Cross the laces over each other before threading them through the eyelets. |
| Criss-Cross Lace | Cross the laces over each other multiple times before threading them through the eyelets. |
| Basketweave Lace | Weave the laces through the eyelets in a basketweave pattern. |
The Zigzag Lace
The Zigzag Lace is a classic lacing method that creates a secure and comfortable fit. It’s perfect for everyday wear, and it can also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
To lace your Converse using the Zigzag Lace, follow these steps:
- Start by threading the lace through the bottom two eyelets on the inside of the shoe.
- Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two eyelets on the outside of the shoe.
- Continue alternating between the inside and outside of the shoe, threading the laces through the eyelets in a zigzag pattern.
- Once you reach the top two eyelets, thread the laces through them and tie them in a knot.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread the lace through the bottom two eyelets on the inside of the shoe. |
| 2 | Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two eyelets on the outside of the shoe. |
| 3 | Continue alternating between the inside and outside of the shoe, threading the laces through the eyelets in a zigzag pattern. |
| 4 | Once you reach the top two eyelets, thread the laces through them and tie them in a knot. |
The Spiral Lace
The Spiral Lace is a classic lacing method that creates a unique and stylish look. It’s perfect for Converse shoes that have a lot of lace holes, as it uses all of the holes to create a full and even lace pattern.
To lace your Converse shoes using the Spiral Lace method, follow these steps:
- Start by threading the laces through the bottom two lace holes, one lace on each side of the shoe.
- Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two lace holes up.
- Continue crossing the laces over each other and threading them through the next two lace holes up, until you reach the top of the shoe.
- Tie the laces at the top of the shoe, and you’re finished!
Here’s a table to help you visualize the Spiral Lace method:
| Step | Lace Pattern |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread laces through bottom two lace holes, one on each side. |
| 2 | Cross laces over each other and thread through next two lace holes up. |
| 3 | Continue crossing laces and threading through next two lace holes up until reaching the top. |
| 4 | Tie laces at the top of the shoe. |
How to Lace Converse Shoes
Standard Lacing
This is the most common and straightforward method of lacing Converse shoes. It involves threading the laces through the top and bottom eyelets in a criss-cross pattern.
Heel Lock Lacing
This method provides additional support for your heels by creating a lock at the back of the shoe. Start by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets from the inside out. Then, cross them over and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the outside in. Continue this pattern until you reach the top eyelets, where you tie the laces as usual.
Toe Box Lacing
This method helps to create a snug fit around the toes. Start by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets from the outside in. Then, cross them over and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the inside out. Repeat this pattern until you reach the middle of the shoe. From there, thread the laces through the top eyelets in a regular criss-cross pattern.
People Also Ask
How to tie Converse shoes without laces?
There are several ways to tie Converse shoes without laces. One popular method is to use an elastic band. Simply loop the elastic band around the heel of the shoe and pull it tight. Another option is to use a zip tie. Cut the zip tie to the desired length and thread it through the eyelets on one side of the shoe. Then, pull it tight and secure it.
How to lace Converse shoes with two different colors of laces?
To lace Converse shoes with two different colors of laces, start by threading one color through the bottom eyelets from the inside out. Then, cross them over and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the outside in. Repeat this pattern until you reach the top eyelets. From there, thread the other color of lace through the top eyelets in a regular criss-cross pattern.
How to lace Converse shoes with a decorative lacing pattern?
There are many different decorative lacing patterns that you can use for Converse shoes. One popular pattern is the criss-cross lace-up. To do this, start by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets from the inside out. Then, cross them over and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the outside in. Continue this pattern until you reach the top eyelets, where you tie the laces as usual. Another popular pattern is the straight lace-up. To do this, start by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets from the inside out. Then, thread them straight up through the remaining eyelets. Finally, tie the laces at the top.
