How to Lace Tennis Shoes (Step-by-Step Instructions)

If your brand-new tennis shoes didn’t come completely laced or you are looking into replacing your shoelaces, you must know how to lace shoes the correct way. Once you know how to lace your tennis shoes properly, you will be able to take your shoelaces off to wash them to keep your laces as clean as the day you bought them.

How do you lace tennis shoes? To lace tennis shoes, follow these steps:

1. Start by having an equal amount of laces on both sides of the shoe after you put the laces through the bottom eyelet.
2. Go from underneath one side at a time and cross over to the other side of the shoe, placing the lace through the eyelet.
3. You will continue this until you have laced your shoe completely. 

If you want to learn more about how to lace a tennis shoe and information on shoelaces in general, keep reading.

How to Lace Tennis Shoes

If you are looking for a step by step approach to learning how to lace your tennis shoes, we have the answer for you. The most straightforward approach to lacing your tennis shoes is the criss-cross method.

Here is the breakdown of the criss-cross lacing method in four easy steps:

Step 1- Place your shoelace through the two bottom eyelets, making sure you have an equal amount of lace on both sides of the shoe. If you don’t, pull the shoelace in either direction to get to the desired amount of lace on both sides.

Step 2- Take the lace on the left side and run it straight across to the second eyelet on the right side of the shoe. You will then bring the lace through the hole on the right side of the shoe.

Step 3- You are going to repeat step 2 and do the same thing for the right by running the shoelace on the inside of the shoe and bringing it straight across to the eyelet on the left side of the shoe.

Step 4- The last step is to continue steps 2 and 3, alternating the lace side you are working with until your shoe is completely laced.

If you are more of a visual learner, you can see this simple approach to lacing your shoes here:

What Size Shoelace Do You Need?

When it comes to replacing your worn-out shoelace, you are going to need to know what size to purchase. Laces come in a variety of sizes and styles. If you buy a shoelace that is too short, you won’t be able to tie it, let alone lace it all the way. If your shoelace is too long, you could have too much shoelace leftover, resulting in tripping over your laces.

The length of the shoelace you need depends on the number of eyelets on your shoes:

• Shoes with 3-4 eyelets will need laces that are 36 inches long.
• Shoes that have 5-6 eyelets will need 48-inch shoelaces.
• If your shoes have 7-8 eyelets, you need shoelaces that are 54 inches long.
• Shoes that have 9-10 eyelets need 60 inches of shoelaces.
• For shoes that have 10-12 eyelets, you need 72 inches of laces.

Looking for an Alternative to Regular Shoelaces?

If you are looking for an alternative to the standard shoelaces, there are other things that you can use. Using a different type of lace can show off your unique style and make your shoes look even better.

Here are just a few things you can use for shoelaces:

• Parachute cord
• Ribbon
• Suede cord
• Twine
• Paracord

What Are Shoelaces Made out of?

Shoelaces can be made from a variety of materials. You can tell what a shoelace is made of by reading the materials listed on the package.

The most common materials used in making shoelaces are:

• Cotton
• Textured polyester
• Spun polyester
• Nylon
• Elastic

The Difference Between Flat and Round Laces

When you are shopping for new shoelaces, you might wonder if you need flat or round shoelaces. The type of shoe you are purchasing the laces for will determine if you should choose flat or round.

• Flat laces – Flat laces are more commonly found in athletic shoes. They are also found in casual footwear. They are thinner and less bulky than round laces.
• Round laces – Round laces are typically found on work, hiking, or dress shoes. They tend to be more durable and can withstand more pressure. The durability is one reason you will find them on work boots since they are stronger.

Different Types of Shoelaces

There are so many different styles of shoelaces on the market currently. If you are trying to decide what will work the best for you, it’s necessary to know all of your choices.

Here are some of the different types of shoelaces:

• Flat laces – Flat laces come in a variety of colors and lengths. If you are looking to switch out your laces to match the color of your outfit, try these JudyStore shoelaces. You get 20 different colors to choose from!
• No-tie laces – If you are looking for something you can just put on your shoe and not have to tie, these elastic laces by Xpand could be perfect for you. They can come in a variety of colors to match any shoe.
• Dress shoelaces – When it comes to dress shoes, you want a dainty looking lace. Anything bulky won’t look right with a dress shoe. This set by Brother Brother comes in a variety of colors sure to match whatever color you need for your dress shoes.
• Boot/hiking laces – If you are looking for something heavy-duty for your work boots or hiking shoes, try these Miscly heavy-duty round boot laces.
• Curl no-tie laces – If you have a stubborn kid that refuses to learn to tie their shoes, or you need another option to slip on and go, try Willbond’s Elastic Curly No-Tie shoelaces. They are designed to curl at the ends, offering a way to keep your shoes “tied” without tying them.

What Is the End of a Shoelace Called?

You may have noticed that the shoelace has something attached to the tips of each end of the lace. Did you know there is a name for that small piece, and it serves an essential purpose when it comes to the lifespan of your shoelace?

The end of a shoelace is called the aglet. It is used to keep the shoelace from unraveling or coming apart. The aglet is usually made of plastic or metal. It also makes it easier for you to lace your shoes and string a shoelace through the eyelets.

You may also notice that your sweatshirt and some pants have drawstrings that have the same design on the ends. Aglets are a fundamental part of lace design, and if you have ever had one break off your shoelace, you probably had issues with the ends unraveling.

In Conclusion

There are many ways to lace a tennis shoe, but the tried and true criss-cross method is always an excellent choice to keep your shoe snug. Make sure you start by checking that the laces are even on both sides of the shoe. If you have more lace on one side or the other, the laces won’t be even at the end, resulting in a shoe that is much harder to tie.

Related: The Best Tennis Shoes For Women

Now that you know how to lace your shoes properly, you can change out your shoelaces every day if you wish!