The art of tying shoelaces might seem rudimentary, a childhood skill long mastered. However, for dedicated sneaker enthusiasts, laces transcend mere function, transforming into a canvas for self-expression. Especially true for iconic silhouettes like the Nike Air Jordan 1, where untied laces disrupt the aesthetic, mastering alternative lacing techniques unlocks a whole new world of customization.

This guide delves into eleven distinct lacing methods, venturing beyond the familiar “underlap” and “overlap” techniques. From the intricate “KAWS Knot” to a variety of visually striking patterns, these methods elevate your sneaker game, allowing you to showcase your unique style with every lace-up.

Prepare to deepen your appreciation for sneakers and transform them into personal statements, one meticulously tied lace at a time.

Getting Started: Balancing Your Laces

Before we dive into different techniques, let’s address a crucial step: achieving even lace lengths. Here’s the trick: align the shoelace tips and pull them together to prevent them from shifting. This ensures a clean look, especially when using the lowest eyelet. Remember, thicker laces might require extra care while threading.

Basic Techniques:

Now, let’s explore the two foundational styles:

1. Underlap

Perfect for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use. Underlap creates a relaxed V-shape silhouette and allows for quick loosening and tightening.

How to:

• Pass the shoelace from the inside out through each eyelet.

• Repeat the above steps until you reach the desired eyelet position.

2. Overlap

This method offers a strong hold for activities requiring a secure fit. You’ll often see this lacing style on new sneakers from brands like Nike.

How to Tie Shoelace:

• Pass the shoelace from the outside to the inside through each eyelet. (For a cleaner look, finish by passing the lace from the inside out through the top eyelet, as shown in the image.)

• Repeat the above steps until you reach the desired eyelet position.

Advanced Shoelace Techniques

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s unlock some advanced techniques to tie shoelaces to customize your sneaker look.

3. Dunk X Knot

The Dunk X knot is a secret weapon for sneakerheads who want a clean, knot-free look. This technique creates a unique “X” mark that resembles the iconic eyes of artist KAWS.

How to:

1. Start with either underlap or overlap lacing (your preference!).

2. Instead of going straight across, thread the laces diagonally through the opposite eyelet (as shown in the image).

3. Pass the lace through the bottom eyelet from the outside in.

4-5. Repeat steps 2-3 on the other side until you reach the knot.

6. Align the left and right shoelaces.

7. You can tie the remaining lace for a truly hidden finish.

4. How to Tie Leather Shoes: Single Knot Method

Single tying is often used for boots like Dr. Martens and Red Wing. This method arranges the laces side by side like parallel tying, but with a twist. The laces cross diagonally, creating a difference in pressure between the left and right sides, making it easier to loosen the laces.

For this demonstration, we’ll use the right shoe. Note that the tying method will be reversed for the left shoe.

How to Tie Shoelace:

Preparation: Lengthen the laces on the outside of the upper.

1. Pass the shoelaces from below to the point where you want to tie them.

2. Thread the shoelaces diagonally, underlapping.

3. Pass the shoelaces horizontally, overlapping.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you reach the desired point.

5. Tie the shoelaces, and you’re done!

5. Sawtooth Knot

The sawtooth knot is an advanced way of tying shoelaces in parallel, similar to the single and parallel knots introduced earlier. Here, the left and right laces are threaded in opposite directions.

For this demonstration, we’ll use the right shoe.

How To:

1. Pass the shoelace on the inside of the upper through the adjacent shoe hole from below.

2. Pass the shoelace on the outside of the upper through the next shoe hole from below.

3. Lace the shoe horizontally with an overlapping pattern and diagonally with an underlap.

4. Lace the shoelace that was not passed through in step 3 in the same way.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach the desired shoe hole.

6. After passing the shoelace horizontally, pass it through the shoe hole above from below.

7. Tie the shoelaces, and you’re done!

6. Double Eyelet Method

The double eyelet method is a technique used by track and field athletes to improve fit and prevent the heel from lifting. This method allows for stronger tension than tying tightly with a single hole. Shoes often have two holes lined up at the top specifically for this purpose.

How to Tie Shoelace:

Preparation: Use an underlap to pass the shoelace through to the hole just before where you want to tie the knot.

1. Pass the shoelaces through from the top, imagining you are creating a loop.

2. Repeat the above step on the other side.

3. Pass the shoelaces through the “loop” created in steps 1 and 2.

4. Finally, tie the shoelaces to complete the knot.

7. Bushwalk Knot

Unlike most knots, the Bushwalk Knot positions the knot on the side of the shoe, offering a unique look and potentially better ankle support. Here’s what you need to know:

• Even Eyelets: This knot works best with an even number of vertical eyelets (like 6 or 12).

• Starting Point: The starting position changes depending on the number of eyelets and the shoe (left or right). This guide demonstrates using the right shoe with 6 eyelets.

• Left Shoe Twist: For the left shoe with 8 or 16 eyelets, you’ll start facing the same direction as shown here, but reverse the left and right lace movements throughout.

How To Tie Shoelace:

1. Lace the shoes from the bottom up, leaving the lace on the inner side of the shoe longer.

2. Thread the laces inside and outside the shoe, skipping one eyelet on the outside.

3. With the longer inner lace, thread it sideways, then up one eyelet, and finally sideways again.

4. Repeat step 3 with the other lace, then continue alternating sides with both laces until you reach the top.

5. Finally, tie the laces as usual.

8. The Union Knot

The Union Knot is a game-changer for sneakers like the Union x Air Jordan 1s. This technique lets you create a stunning two-tone lace effect, adding a pop of coordinated color to any Dunk or Air Jordan 1 with multiple color panels or laces. This knot enables you to achieve a stylish, two-tone lace look that complements the color blocking on your sneakers, making them stand out even more.

How to Tie Shoelace:

1. Select two shoelaces of different colors.

2. Pass both laces through the “6th” shoe hole, overlapping them.

3. Thread one shoelace through the hole in the center of the tongue (this lace will be removed later).

4. Pass the second shoelace through the “6th” shoe hole.
5. Ensure there is some slack in the second shoelace.

6. Pass the second shoelace through until it resembles the desired look.

7. Tuck the remaining shoelace behind the insole, and you’re done!

9. Hash knot

The hash knot creates a lattice-like appearance, similar to a hashtag. It features overlapping areas that add depth and visual interest to your sneakers.

How to Tie Shoelace:

1. Pass the shoelace through the first shoe hole from the inside.

2. Pass the shoelace through the “third” shoe hole from the outside.

3. Pass the shoelace through the “second” shoe hole from the inside, starting from the bottom.

4. Repeat step two, passing the shoelace through the “second” shoe hole from the bottom.

5. Continue threading the shoelace in this pattern until you reach the end.

10. Spanner Knot

The spanner knot is a twisted knot that creates a design resembling a wrench, adding a unique and stylish touch to your sneakers.

How To Tie Shoelace:

1. Pass the shoelaces through the first shoe hole from the inside.

2. Pass the shoelaces through the next hole from the bottom.

3. Thread the shoelaces through the following hole from the outside.

4. This will create a twisted, wrench-like design.

5. Continue threading the shoelaces in the same pattern.

6. Thread the shoelaces through to the desired position and tie them off.

11. KAWS Knot

The KAWS knot is a unique method that replicates the face of KAWS. This special way of tying can only be achieved with the YEEZY 350V2, giving it a distinctive and artistic look.

How to Tie Shoelace:

1. Pass the shoelace through the bottom shoe hole from the inside.

2. Pass it through the shoe hole on the opposite side.

3. Follow the same pattern as the X knot to create a design resembling a KAWS shoe.

4. Arrange the shoe as shown in the image.

5. Pass the shoelaces through the designated shoe holes from the inside.

6. Ensure the shoelaces cross over each other as shown.

7. Pass the shoelaces through the indicated shoe hole.

8. Wrap the shoelaces around as depicted in the image.

9. Complete the knot and you’re done!

We hope this guide has sparked your creativity. Happy lacing!

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From the classic underlap to the show-stopping Union Knot, this guide has equipped you with 11 unique ways to tie your shoelaces. Remember, laces are more than just functional – they’re a way to express your personal style and elevate your sneaker game. Experiment with different colors, materials, and tying techniques to transform your kicks and unlock their full potential.

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