How To Lace Skate Shoes

Skate shoes come in a wide variety of styles, and the culture of skate shoes is an important part of skateboarding culture. Skate shoes are often associated with a rebellious, countercultural image, and many skateboarders take pride in their footwear and the way they lace their shoes.

Shoes for skateboarding

Nowadays there actually are specific shoes for skateboarding. They are a type of footwear specifically designed for skateboarding. They often have a durable, low-profile design with a flat sole and a reinforced toe area to protect the feet from impacts while skateboarding. Skate shoes also typically have a grippy outsole to provide good traction on the skateboard. And sometimes skate shoes are just regular sneakers.

Methods for lacing skate shoes

Nonetheless, there are several different methods for lacing skate shoes, depending on the specific style and fit you prefer.

Here are a few common methods:

Standard lacing

This is the most basic and traditional way to lace skate shoes. To do this:

• Start by threading the laces through the bottom set of eyelets.
• Cross the laces over the top of the shoe and thread them through the eyelets on the opposite side.
• Repeat this pattern, crossing the laces over the top of the shoe and threading them through the eyelets on the opposite side, until you reach the top set of eyelets.
• Tie the laces in a knot at the top of the shoe.

Ladder lacing

This method creates a looser fit by threading the laces straight up through the eyelets on each side of the shoe, rather than crossing them over the top. To do this:

• Start by threading the laces through the bottom set of eyelets.
• Thread one lace straight up through the eyelets on one side, and the other lace straight up through the eyelets on the other side.
• When you reach the top set of eyelets, thread the laces through the eyelets on the same side (so they are not crossed over the top of the shoe).
• Tie the laces in a knot at the top of the shoe.

Straight bar lacing

This method creates a more secure and snug fit by threading the laces straight across the shoe and tying them in a knot at the bottom. To do this:

• Start by threading the laces through the bottom set of eyelets as you normally would.
• Instead of crossing the laces over the top of the shoe, thread them straight across the shoe, going through each set of eyelets in a straight line.
• When you reach the top set of eyelets, thread the laces through the eyelets on the same side (so they are not crossed over the top of the shoe).
• Tie the laces in a knot at the bottom of the shoe.

Conclusion

Some skateboarders may choose to lace their shoes in a particular way to achieve a specific fit or look, while others may simply lace their shoes in a functional way that works for them. Ultimately, the way you lace your skate shoes is a personal choice and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including your personal style, your skateboarding needs, and your preferences.

Also read our article on how to lace shoes for easy slip on. Our some of our other shoe care articles.