WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF SHOE LACING?
The six most popular shoe lacing patterns are straight, ladder, spider web, bow tie, loop-back and missing laces. Some techniques are more functional, while others are more style-led, but each technique offers a creative, cool way to lace up your shoes.
1. Straight Lacing:
Straight lacing creates a casual, understated look at the top of your trainer. The loose style allows for more comfort and breathability in the shoe.
Step #1
Start with an equal amount of lace on each side of the bottom eyelet.
Step #2
Take one lace up the inside of the shoe, skip one hole, then feed it straight across. Repeat on the other side, alternating as you move up the shoe.
Step #3
Continue until you reach the top eyelets, then tie.
Best for: Casual wear, relaxed fit and minimalist styling. Works well on low-profile sneakers like adidas Samba.
2. Ladder Lacing:
The horizontal and vertical lacing across the shoe creates a bold, woven structure. Originally used on military boots, the design is meant to keep your laces secure while adding a striking finish.
Step #1
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets, leaving equal lengths on both sides.
Step #2
Bring each piece up the outside of the trainer and into the next eyelet above.
Step #3
Cross each lace over to the opposite side, then loop it under the vertical section before feeding it up to the next eyelet.
Step #4
Repeat as you work up the shoe, maintaining the “ladder” structure until you reach the top. Tie your knot.
Best for: High-top trainers and shoes with more eyelets, like adidas Stan Smiths.
3. Spider Web Lacing:
Spider web lacing has an intricate woven design that will definitely turn heads. This style layers into a web effect that stands out best on sneakers with wide uppers and multiple holes.
Step #1
Start by threading the lace straight across the second-from-bottom eyelets, keeping both sides even
Step #2
Bring each piece down the outside of the shoe and into the bottom holes.
Step #3
Cross each piece diagonally through the third eyelets to create an “X” shape across the trainer.
Step #4
Continue the method: take each lace down, loop under the section below, then cross diagonally into the next opening. Repeat until you reach the top and tie off.
Best for: Statement styling and broad uppers. If you’re looking to lace trainers for wide feet, this style works especially well on adidas Campus 00s or adidas Superstar.
4. Bow Tie Lacing:
This minimalist style creates small “X” shapes across the shoe while hiding most of the lace. The result is a relaxed fit that’s comfortable and stylish.
Note: The method changes slightly depending on whether your shoes have an even or odd number of eyelets. Shorter laces usually work best.
Step #1 - Even Number of Eyelets
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets from the outside of the shoe.
Step #1 – Odd Number of Eyelets
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets from the outside of the shoe.
Step #2 – Even Number of Eyelets
Bring both pieces up the inside to the second row of eyelets, then cross them diagonally into the third to form an “X”.
Step #2 – Odd Number of Eyelets
Cross the piece diagonally into the second eyelet to form an “X”.
Step #3
Continue the same sequence up the shoe until you reach the top, then tie your knot.
Best for: Lifestyle shoes, minimalist styling and loose everyday comfort. Works well on adidas Gazelle, Campus and Samba styles.
5. Loop-Back Lacing:
In this design, the laces twist together down the centre of the shoe instead of forming a traditional crisscross style, creating an eye-catching look. For extra contrast, try using thick or brightly coloured laces.
Step #1
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets, leaving equal length on both sides.
Step #2
Cross each piece over the shoe, loop them together in the centre, then feed them through the inside of the next eyelet on the same side.
Note: The laces should always twist in the centre and return to their original side.
Step #3
Repeat up the shoe, keeping the twist consistent through each eyelet. Tie at the top.
Best for: Statement styling, chunky trainers. Works well on adidas Forum, Ozweego and Superstar styles.
6. Missing Laces:
This is a clean, low-profile way of tying that hides most of the structure inside the trainer. Keeping the laces vertical and avoiding crossover patterns, it creates the illusion of laceless shoes with a looser fit.
Note: Shorter laces work best for this style - if not, ends may need to be tucked inside the sneaker.
Step #1
Thread straight across the bottom eyelets, leaving equal lace length on both sides.
Step #2
Feed each piece vertically into the next eyelet, continuing up the shoe in an alternating in-and-out pattern without crossing the centre.
Step #3
Finish with a bow and tuck it behind the tongue to create a hidden-lace effect.
Best for: Minimal styling, loose everyday wear. Works well on adidas Superstar, Samba and Stan Smith trainers.
TAKE YOUR STYLE FURTHER WITH EVERY STEP
That’s six ways to switch things up—from clean and simple to bold and standout. Now it’s all about finding the style that fits your look and your mood. Try one, mix it up, and make your adidas kicks your own.