Prepare to embark on a journey that will transform your skateboarding experience. Lacing your shoes correctly is not merely a decorative detail; it plays a crucial role in providing optimal comfort, support, and board control. With the right technique, you can unlock a newfound level of precision and performance, elevating your skating to unprecedented heights.
Before delving into the art of lacing your skateboard shoes, let us first address the choice of laces. Opt for laces that are not only durable but also the ideal length for your feet and shoe size. Too-short laces will restrict your ability to achieve a comfortable fit, while overly long laces can create an unnecessary hazard while skating. Experiment with different lace lengths until you find the perfect balance that allows you to effortlessly secure your shoes without excess.
Now, let us unravel the secrets of the criss-cross lacing method. This time-honored technique has stood the test of time for its simplicity, reliability, and ability to distribute pressure evenly across the top of your feet. Begin by threading the laces through the bottom two eyelets of one shoe, making sure the laces are of equal length on both sides. Next, cross the right lace over the left and thread it through the third eyelet up on the left side. Repeat the process with the left lace, crossing it over the right and threading it through the third eyelet up on the right side. Continue this criss-cross pattern until you reach the top of the shoe, adjusting the tension as needed for a snug but comfortable fit.
Choosing the Right Laces
Selecting the right laces for your skateboard shoes is crucial for both comfort and style. Consider the following factors when making your choice:
Material
Laces can be made from various materials, including cotton, nylon, polyester, and leather. Cotton laces are comfortable and breathable, while nylon laces are durable and resistant to abrasion. Polyester laces offer a combination of comfort and durability, and leather laces provide a stylish and sophisticated look.
Width
Laces come in different widths, ranging from narrow to wide. Narrow laces are suitable for slim shoes, while wide laces provide a more secure fit for wider shoes. Consider the eyelet holes on your shoes to determine the appropriate width for your laces.
Length
Lace length is a matter of personal preference and foot size. Measure your foot from heel to toe to determine the approximate lace length you need. Typically, laces should extend approximately 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) above the top eyelet when tied.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Comfortable and breathable | Less durable and prone to fraying |
| Nylon | Durable and abrasion-resistant | Less comfortable and can feel stiff |
| Polyester | Combination of comfort and durability | May not be as stylish as leather |
| Leather | Stylish and sophisticated | More expensive and may require more care |
Threading the Laces
Begin by inserting the lace through the bottom eyelet on the inside of the shoe. Next, cross the lace over the tongue and thread it through the corresponding eyelet on the outside of the shoe.
Repeat this crisscross pattern, starting from the bottom eyelet and working your way up toward the top of the shoe. Ensure that the laces are evenly distributed and not too loose or too tight.
Once you reach the top eyelets, you have two options:
| Lace-Locking Technique | Description |
|---|---|
|
Standard Lace-Lock |
This method involves crisscrossing the laces through the top eyelets and pulling them tight to create a secure knot that prevents the laces from loosening. |
|
Heel Lock |
This technique adds an extra layer of security by wrapping the laces around the heel counter before lacing them through the top eyelets. |
Choose the lace-locking technique that provides the best fit and support for your feet. To finish, trim any excess lace and tuck the ends into the shoe to prevent them from getting in the way.
Double Knotting
For enhanced security, consider employing the double knotting technique. This method involves tying two consecutive overhand knots, creating a more resilient and reliable hold. Follow these steps:
- Once you’ve pulled the laces taut and crossed them, form the first overhand knot by passing the left lace over the right and pulling it through the loop.
- Next, repeat the overhand knot by passing the right lace over the left and pulling it through the loop.
- This double knotting technique will effectively prevent the laces from loosening, keeping your shoes securely fastened during skateboarding activities.
Creating a Heel Lock
To create a heel lock, follow these steps:
1. Lace up your shoes as usual, but stop when you reach the second-to-last set of lace holes.
2. Take the lace from the left shoe and cross it over the lace from the right shoe.
3. Pull the left lace through the next hole on the right shoe.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 with the lace from the right shoe, crossing it over the lace from the left shoe and pulling it through the next hole on the left shoe.
5. Now, it’s time to create the heel lock. To do this, you’ll need to make a loop with the left lace. Here’s how:
– Cross the left lace over the right lace.
– Bring the left lace behind the right lace and pull it through the loop you just created.
– Tighten the loop to create a snug heel lock.
6. Continue lacing up the rest of the shoes as usual.
7. Tie your shoes securely.
Tightening the Laces
Once you’ve threaded the laces through all the holes, it’s time to tighten them. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is the “heel lock” method. To do this:
- Cross the laces over each other at the bottom hole.
- Pull the left lace up and through the right hole and the right lace up and through the left hole.
- Pull the laces tight.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the next two holes up.
- At the top hole, tie the laces in a double knot.
Another way to tighten the laces is the “straight bar” method. To do this:
- Cross the laces over each other at the bottom hole.
- Pull the left lace up and through the right hole and the right lace up and through the left hole.
- Pull the laces tight.
- Cross the laces over each other again.
- Pull the right lace up and through the left hole and the left lace up and through the right hole.
- Pull the laces tight.
- Repeat steps 4-6 until you reach the top hole.
- Tie the laces in a double knot.
Once the laces are tightened, you can adjust the fit of the shoes by pulling on the tongue or by loosening or tightening the laces.
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Heel lock | Cross the laces at the bottom hole, pull the laces up and through the opposite holes, pull tight, repeat for the next two holes, tie a double knot at the top hole. |
| Straight bar | Cross the laces at the bottom hole, pull the laces up and through the opposite holes, pull tight, cross the laces again, pull the laces up and through the opposite holes, pull tight, repeat until you reach the top hole, tie a double knot. |
Adjusting the Fit
Once you’ve laced up your shoes, it’s important to make sure they fit snugly but not too tightly. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely, but the shoes should not feel loose. If your shoes are too tight, they can cause pain and blisters. If they’re too loose, they may not provide enough support and could cause you to lose your balance.
Here are some tips for adjusting the fit of your skateboard shoes:
- Start by lacing the shoes up snugly, but not too tightly.
- Once the shoes are laced up, pull on the tongue to tighten them further.
- If the shoes are still too loose, you can try lacing them up criss-cross style.
- You can also try adding an insole to the shoes to make them fit more snugly.
- If the shoes are too tight, you can try loosening the laces or removing the insole.
- You can also try stretching the shoes out by wearing them with thick socks.
- If you’re still having trouble getting your shoes to fit properly, you may need to take them to a shoe store and have them professionally fitted.
Here is a table summarizing the different ways to adjust the fit of your skateboard shoes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Shoes are too tight | Loosen the laces, remove the insole, or stretch the shoes out by wearing them with thick socks. |
| Shoes are too loose | Tighten the laces, lace the shoes up criss-cross style, or add an insole to the shoes. |
Hiding Excess Laces
After tightly lacing your shoes, you may have a few inches of excess lace dangling. While this can be comfortable, it can also pose a tripping hazard. Here are three ways to hide your excess laces:
Method 1: Tucking and Knotting
- Tuck the excess lace into the first lace hole, then pull it out through the next hole.
- Repeat this process until the excess lace reaches the last hole.
- Tie a knot in the excess lace, then tuck it into the top of the shoe.
Method 2: Lacing Through the Tongue
- Fold the tongue of the shoe over the top of the excess lace.
- Lace the shoes as usual, but instead of threading the lace through the top lace hole, thread it through the top of the tongue.
- Tie the lace as usual, then tuck the excess lace under the tongue.
Method 3: Using a Lace Lock
- Loop the excess lace through the lace lock.
- Tighten the lace lock to secure the excess lace.
- Trim off any remaining excess lace.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tucking and Knotting | Easy to do, no additional materials | May loosen with wear |
| Lacing Through the Tongue | Keeps laces hidden and secure | May be more difficult to do |
| Using a Lace Lock | Most secure method, creates a clean look | Requires purchase of a lace lock |
Finishing Touches
10. Creating a Custom Look
If you want your skateboard shoes to stand out, there are endless ways to customize their laces. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Choose laces in a bold or unusual color.
- Add decorative charms or beads to your laces.
- Try different lacing patterns (see below for ideas).
| Lacing Pattern | Look |
|---|---|
| Straight Lace | Classic and clean |
| Criss-Cross Lace | Casual and sporty |
| Heel Lock Lace | Secure and supportive |
How To Lace Skateboard Shoes
You will need:
- Skateboard shoes
- Laces
Here are the steps:
- Decide how tight you want your shoes to be. This will determine how far apart you lace the holes.
- Insert the laces through the bottom two holes, near the toe of the shoe. Tie a simple overhand knot.
- Lace the laces through the next two holes up, on opposite sides of the shoe. Pull the laces tight and cross them over each other.
- Continue lacing the shoes up, alternating sides and crossing the laces over each other. As you get closer to the top of the shoe, you may need to tighten the laces more to keep the shoe snug.
- When you reach the top of the shoe, tie the laces in a double knot to secure them.
People Also Ask About How To Lace Skateboard Shoes
How to tie my skateboard shoes like a pro?
There are many different ways to lace your skateboard shoes, but the most common method is the “criss-cross” method. To do this, start by threading the laces through the bottom two holes on the inside of the shoe. Then, cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two holes up, on the outside of the shoe. Continue criss-crossing the laces all the way up to the top of the shoe. When you reach the top, tie the laces in a knot and tuck the ends inside the shoe.
Is it better to lace skateboard shoes tight or loose?
The tightness of your skateboard shoes is a matter of personal preference. Some skaters prefer to lace their shoes tightly for a more secure fit, while others prefer to lace them looser for more comfort. Ultimately, the best way to lace your shoes is the way that feels most comfortable and secure for you.
How to tighten skateboard shoes?
If your skateboard shoes are too loose, you can tighten them by re-lacing them. Start by untying the laces and removing them from the shoes. Then, re-lace the shoes using the “criss-cross” method, but tighten the laces more as you go. Be sure to tie the laces in a double knot when you reach the top of the shoe to keep them from coming undone.
