Lacing up a pair of Vans Knu Skools can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely worth it once you get the hang of it. These iconic sneakers have a unique lacing system that gives them their signature look.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to lace Knu Skool Vans. We’ll also provide some tips on how to customize your laces to create a look that’s all your own. So grab your Vans and let’s get started!
Preparing the Vans
Before you begin lacing your Vans, it’s important to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to do so:
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Clean Your Vans
Clean your Vans thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Use a soft brush or rag and a mild detergent to gently scrub the canvas or leather material. Rinse the Vans thoroughly with clean water and let them air dry completely.
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Unlace the Vans
If your Vans are already laced, unlace them to make it easier to lace them in a new style. Remove all the laces from the eyelets and set them aside.
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Insert the Laces
Take your new laces and insert one end of each lace into the topmost eyelets on the inside of the Vans. Pull the laces through the eyelets until they are about halfway through.
Choosing the Lacing Style
There are many different ways to lace Knu Skool Vans, each with its own unique look and feel. Some of the most popular lacing styles include:
- Traditional lacing: This is the most common way to lace Vans, and it creates a simple, clean look.
- Criss-cross lacing: This lacing style creates a more complex look than traditional lacing, and it can help to keep your laces from coming undone.
- Over-under lacing: This lacing style is similar to criss-cross lacing, but it creates a more secure hold on your foot.
- Heel lock lacing: This lacing style is designed to keep your heel locked in place, which can help to prevent blisters and other foot pain.
- Toe lock lacing: This lacing style is designed to keep your toes locked in place, which can help to improve your balance and control.
| Lacing Style | Instructions | |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Lacing | 1. | Start by threading the lace through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe. |
| 2. | Bring the lace up through the next two eyelets on the opposite side of the shoe. | |
| 3. | Continue threading the lace through the eyelets in this way until you reach the top of the shoe. | |
| 4. | Tie the lace in a bow or knot. | |
| 5. | Repeat on the other side of the shoe. | |
Inserting the Laces into the Eyelets
Begin by identifying the bottom lace holes on one side of the shoe, which will typically be located on either side of the tongue. Insert the left lace through the right eyelet and pull it tight, leaving a few inches of excess lace hanging down. Repeat this process with the right lace on the other side of the shoe.
Next, insert the left lace through the next eyelet up on the same side of the shoe, again pulling it tight. Do not cross the lace over the previous lace. Instead, pass it behind the lace that is already in place. Repeat this process with the right lace on the opposite side of the shoe.
Continue alternating between the left and right laces, inserting each one through the next eyelet up on its respective side while keeping them behind the laces that are already in place. This will create a zigzag pattern of laces across the shoe’s instep.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for inserting the laces into the eyelets:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert left lace through right eyelet and pull tight |
| 2 | Insert right lace through left eyelet and pull tight |
| 3 | Insert left lace through next eyelet up on same side, behind the first lace |
| 4 | Insert right lace through next eyelet up on opposite side, behind the first lace |
| 5 | Continue alternating between left and right laces, inserting each one through the next eyelet up while keeping them behind the laces that are already in place |
Cross-Lacing the Bottom Eyelet Row
Cross-lacing the bottom eyelet row is a classic lacing method that provides a secure and comfortable fit for your Vans. Here’s how to do it:
1. Thread the Lace Through the First Eyelets
Start by threading the lace through the first eyelet on one side of the shoe’s bottom row. Pull the lace out from the inside of the shoe.
2. Criss-Cross to the Opposite Side
Take the lace and bring it across the shoe, threading it through the second eyelet on the opposite side. Pull the lace out from the inside.
3. Cross Back
Bring the lace back across the shoe, threading it through the third eyelet on the same side you started on. Pull the lace out from the inside.
4. Repeat the Pattern
Continue alternating between criss-crossing and crossing back, lacing all the eyelet pairs in the bottom row. When you reach the last pair, pull the laces taut to secure the fit.
| Lacing Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Thread the lace through the first eyelet on one side. |
| Step 2 | Criss-cross to the opposite side, threading through the second eyelet. |
| Step 3 | Cross back to the same side, threading through the third eyelet. |
| Step 4 | Repeat the pattern for all the eyelet pairs in the bottom row. |
Lacing the Middle Eyelet Row
Now, let’s move onto the middle eyelet row. Unlike the previous steps, this row will require you to lace the laces from the outside in. Start by threading the left lace through the outermost eyelet on the left side of the row, going from the outside in.
Next, cross the left lace over to the right side and thread it through the corresponding eyelet on the right, again from the outside in. Pull both laces taut to secure the middle eyelet.
To create the criss-cross pattern, take the right lace and thread it through the next eyelet on the left side, going from the inside out this time. Then, cross the right lace over to the left side and thread it through the next eyelet on the right, also from the inside out.
Repeat this criss-cross pattern for the remaining eyelets in the middle row. Make sure to keep the laces parallel to each other as you go, creating a neat and uniform appearance.
| Eyelet | Lace Movement |
|---|---|
| Left Outermost | Thread left lace in from outside |
| Right Corresponding | Thread left lace in from outside |
| Left Next | Thread right lace in from inside |
| Right Next | Thread right lace in from inside |
| Continue | Repeat criss-cross pattern for remaining eyelets |
Finishing the Top Eyelet Row
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Create a bunny-ear loop on the left side: Cross the left lace over the right lace, creating a loop that resembles bunny ears.
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Bring the bunny ears through the left eyelet: Take the bunny ear loops and insert them through the last eyelet from the bottom on the left side.
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Tighten the loop: Pull on both laces to tighten the loop and secure it in place.
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Cross the laces again: Cross the left lace over the right lace once more, forming another loop above the tightened loop.
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Bring the loop through the right eyelet: Insert the new loop through the corresponding eyelet on the right side from the bottom.
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Tie off the laces: Continue repeating steps 3-5 until you reach the top eyelet. At this point, there should be no extra lace hanging down. If there is excess lace, adjust the tightness of the previously tied loops or consider cutting off any remaining lace.
| Eyelet | Action |
|---|---|
| Top | Create bunny-ear loop on left side |
| Top | Insert bunny ears through left eyelet |
| Top | Tighten the loop |
| Top | Cross laces and insert loop through right eyelet |
| Top | Repeat until top eyelet is reached |
| Top | Tie off laces if necessary |
Tightening the Laces
Once you have laced both sides of your Vans, it’s time to tighten the laces. This is a simple process, but there are a few different ways to do it. The most common way is to simply pull on both laces at the same time. You can also use a lacing ladder to tighten the laces more evenly.
Using a Lacing Ladder
A lacing ladder is a simple tool that can help you tighten your laces more evenly. To use a lacing ladder, simply place it over the laces and pull down on both sides. The ladder will help to distribute the tension evenly across the laces, resulting in a tighter fit.
Pulling on Both Laces
If you don’t have a lacing ladder, you can simply pull on both laces at the same time to tighten them. This is a less precise method, but it will still get the job done.
Double Knotting
Once you have tightened the laces, you can double knot them to keep them from coming undone. To double knot your laces, simply tie a regular knot and then tie a second knot on top of the first. This will create a more secure knot that is less likely to come undone.
Trimming Excess Lace
Once you’ve threaded the laces through all the eyelets, it’s time to trim any excess lace. This will give your Vans a clean and polished look.
To trim the excess lace, simply use a pair of scissors to cut the laces at a length of around 2-3 inches. You can then tuck the ends of the laces into the nearest eyelets.
If you want a more precise cut, you can use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the desired length of the laces before cutting them.
Instructions for Trimming Excess Lace
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread the laces through all the eyelets. |
| 2 | Measure the desired length of the laces (around 2-3 inches). |
| 3 | Use a pair of scissors to cut the laces at the desired length. |
| 4 | Tuck the ends of the laces into the nearest eyelets. |
Completing the Lacing
Once you have crisscrossed the laces, you are ready to complete the lacing by tying them. The most basic lacing knot is the square knot.
How to Tie a Square Knot
- Bring both laces up, crossing the lace on the right over the lace on the left
- Form a hole with the lace on the left and put the lace on the right through the hole
- Bring the lace on the right up and through the loop on the left
- Tighten the knot
If you want a more secure lacing knot, you can tie a double square knot:
How to Tie a Double Square Knot
- Tie a square knot as described above
- Tie a second square knot on top of the first one
Once you have tied the knot, you can tuck the ends of the laces into the shoes. To do this, simply fold the ends of the laces back over the knot and tuck them into the space between the tongue and the upper of the shoe.
Criss-Cross Lacing
This is the most basic and common way to lace Vans, and it’s also the easiest. Start by threading the lace through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe. Then, cross the lace over to the other side and thread it through the bottom two eyelets there. Continue criss-crossing the lace up the shoe until you reach the top. Once you’re at the top, tie the lace in a bow.
Straight Lacing
Straight lacing is a more formal way to lace Vans, and it’s often used on dress shoes. To do straight lacing, start by threading the lace through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe. Then, thread the lace straight up through the next two eyelets. Continue threading the lace straight up through the eyelets until you reach the top. Once you’re at the top, tie the lace in a bow.
Lace Lock Lacing
Lace lock lacing is a more secure way to lace Vans, and it’s often used on athletic shoes. To do lace lock lacing, start by threading the lace through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe. Then, cross the lace over to the other side and thread it through the bottom two eyelets there. Next, cross the lace back over to the first side and thread it through the next two eyelets up. Continue criss-crossing the lace up the shoe until you reach the top. Once you’re at the top, tie the lace in a bow and then wrap the lace around the base of the shoe and tie it again. This will create a secure hold that will keep your shoe from coming untied.
Enjoy Your Laced Vans
Once you’ve laced your Vans, you’re ready to enjoy them! Vans are versatile shoes that can be worn for a variety of occasions. They’re perfect for everyday wear, but they can also be dressed up or down for more formal events. No matter how you wear them, Vans are sure to keep you comfortable and stylish.
| Lacing Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Criss-Cross Lacing | The most basic and common way to lace Vans. |
| Straight Lacing | A more formal way to lace Vans. |
| Lace Lock Lacing | A more secure way to lace Vans. |
How To Lace Knu Skool Vans
Knu Skool Vans are a popular skateboarding shoe known for their durability and style. They come in a variety of colors and materials, so you can find a pair that fits both your skate style and your personal taste. One of the best things about Knu Skool Vans is that they are easy to lace up, even for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to lace up Knu Skool Vans:
- Start by threading the laces through the bottom two eyelets on one side of the shoe. Make sure to cross the laces over each other as you thread them through.
- Bring the laces up and through the next two eyelets on the same side of the shoe. Again, make sure to cross the laces over each other as you thread them through.
- Continue to lace up the shoe in this manner until you reach the top two eyelets.
- Once you reach the top two eyelets, lace the laces through the eyelets on the opposite side of the shoe. Again, make sure to cross the laces over each other as you thread them through.
- Bring the laces back down and through the next two eyelets on the same side of the shoe.
- Continue to lace down the shoe in this manner until you reach the bottom two eyelets.
- Tie the laces in a knot or bow and you’re done!
Here are some tips for lacing up Knu Skool Vans:
- Make sure the laces are the correct length. They should be long enough to reach the top two eyelets on the shoe, but not so long that they are trailing on the ground.
- Cross the laces over each other as you thread them through the eyelets. This will help to keep the laces in place and prevent them from coming undone.
- Lace the shoes up snugly, but not too tightly. You should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably.
- Tie the laces in a knot or bow that you can easily untie. This will make it easier to get the shoes on and off.
People Also Ask
How do you customize Knu Skool Vans?
There are a number of ways to customize Knu Skool Vans. You can add patches, pins, or studs to the shoes. You can also paint the shoes or add custom artwork. If you’re feeling creative, you can even design your own custom Vans using the Vans Customs website.
How do you clean Knu Skool Vans?
Knu Skool Vans are made from durable materials, but they can still get dirty over time. To clean your Vans, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. If the shoes are particularly dirty, you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean them. Be sure to let the shoes air dry completely before wearing them again.
How do you break in Knu Skool Vans?
New Knu Skool Vans can be stiff and uncomfortable at first. To break them in, wear them around the house for a few hours each day. You can also try bending the shoes in your hands to help soften the material. If the shoes are still uncomfortable after a few days, you can try using a shoe stretcher to help widen them.
