
There are several ways to lace up your Air Max sneakers for basketball, and it's important to find a style that suits your preferences and ensures a secure fit. The criss-cross lacing technique is one of the most common and classic ways to lace up your Air Max 90s, creating a simple yet effective pattern. Another option is the straight bar lacing technique, which gives your sneakers a minimalist and modern look with its clean, parallel lines. The ladder technique, commonly used in the military, offers extra support for your feet, although it can be difficult to adjust once in place. You can also experiment with different lacing patterns and leaving the top one or two lace holes empty for a unique look.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lacing styles | Criss-cross lacing, straight bar lacing, ladder technique, "over-under" method |
| Number of lace holes | 8-9 |
| Lacing tips | Leave the top one or two lace holes empty, pull laces overhead instead of underneath, tie a loose bow, use longer laces for a loose fit |
| Lacing techniques | Insert lace into bottom eyelets, thread through center tab at bottom of shoe, push lace through bottom-most slit on tongue, slide excess lace inside shoe |
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What You'll Learn

Criss-cross lacing for a secure fit
The criss-cross lacing technique is one of the most common and classic ways to lace up your Air Max 90 sneakers. This method creates a simple yet effective pattern that ensures a secure fit and looks stylish.
To start, you can choose to lace up to the second-to-top hole or leave the top one or two holes empty for a more comfortable and great-looking result. It is recommended to use 120 cm laces for this method. If you need the extra tightness, you can opt for longer laces and use the top hole.
Begin by inserting the lace into the bottom eyelets, ensuring that the ends are even. Then, push the left lace up through the bottom left tab, and grab the right lace to thread it up through the bottom right tab. Continue this pattern, criss-crossing the laces up the eyelets until you reach the top of the shoe.
Once you've reached the top, tie a knot to secure the laces in place. You can either tie a standard bow or a more secure double knot, depending on your preference. This criss-cross lacing technique provides a sleek and secure fit for your Air Max sneakers, making them comfortable and stylish for basketball or any activity.
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Straight bar lacing for a modern look
Straight bar lacing is a sleek and minimalist lacing technique that gives your Air Max 90s a modern look. Unlike the traditional criss-cross lacing method, straight bar lacing creates a series of parallel lines across your shoe, resembling the look of bars. This lacing style is highly customisable and can be adjusted to your preference. For example, you can pull your laces overhead instead of lacing them underneath, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also easier and faster.
To achieve this stylish lacing pattern, start by inserting the lace into the bottom eyelets of your shoes, ensuring that the ends are even. Then, take the left shoelace and lace it through the left eyelet, keeping it behind the facing so that it remains unseen. Next, take the same shoelace and lace it through the right eyelet, forming a line parallel to the original straight bar. Repeat these steps until you have one remaining set of eyelets. Finally, thread the shoelaces through the top set of eyelets below the facing and tie a knot to secure them in place. You can either tie a standard bow or a more secure double knot, depending on your preference.
It is important to note that straight bar lacing only works neatly on shoes with an even number of eyelet pairs. If your shoes have an odd number of eyelet pairs, you can start lacing with one lace slightly longer than the other. When you reach the last eyelet, take the longer shoelace and lace it back under the facing of the shoe, bringing it behind the facing and through the top eyelet. Additionally, ensure that you do not lace up to the top lace hole, as this can affect the fit of your shoe. The label on the tongue should be visible, so it is recommended to use longer laces if necessary.
Straight bar lacing offers several benefits, including a sleek and modern appearance. It is a popular lacing style due to its symmetry and simplicity. Furthermore, this lacing method has additional benefits for sports or military use. The upper horizontal sections of shoelace can be quickly cut through with a knife or scissors to easily remove the shoe in case of an injury to the ankle or foot. Overall, straight bar lacing is a stylish and functional option for your Air Max 90s.
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Leaving the top lace holes empty
When lacing up your Air Max sneakers, there are several ways to do it, including the criss-cross method, the “over-under” method, and the chain pattern. The "over-under" method is the most popular for the AM1 and AM90 models, which have eight and nine lace holes, respectively.
The "over-under" method is straightforward and creates a trim look. To start, loop each end of the lace through the bottom holes, coming from the outside. Then, continue this pattern until you reach the second-to-last hole, leaving the top one or two holes empty. This method ensures an even and clean finish. It is important to measure equal lengths on each side to avoid an uneven look and difficulty tying the laces.
Similarly, the criss-cross method is a classic and common way to lace up your Air Max 90s. This method creates a simple yet effective pattern that ensures a secure fit and a stylish look.
If you prefer a looser fit, you can leave the last tab unlaced when using the chain pattern on Air Max 95s. This model features rope laces and lace loops instead of holes, allowing for more flexibility in lacing.
Regardless of the lacing method chosen, it is essential to ensure that the laces are not pulled too tight, as this can cause discomfort and affect the shoe's appearance.
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The ladder technique for extra support
The ladder technique is a unique way to lace up your Airmax for basketball that provides extra support and a distinctive look. It is a popular method used by basketball players who prioritise swift cuts and jumps, as it minimises internal foot movement and ensures the foot remains firmly in place. This technique is perfect for those who seek maximum grip and stability during gameplay.
To execute the ladder technique, start by threading the lace straight along the inside of the shoe and out through the bottom eyelets. Ensure the ends are even. Next, run the ends of the laces up the side of the shoe and thread them through the next set of eyelets, leaving a gap between the shoe and the lace. Then, take the shoelace and thread it across the shoe, feeding it through the gap under the opposite lace. This will create a horizontal line that resembles a ladder, hence the name.
The ladder technique can be tricky to master at first, but with practice, you'll be able to lace up your Airmax quickly and efficiently. It is recommended to use slightly longer laces, as you will lose some length due to the intricate nature of this lacing technique.
It is important to note that once your Airmax are ladder-laced, it may be challenging to loosen or tighten them. Therefore, ensure that your laces are comfortable and provide the desired amount of support before playing.
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Lacing overhead for ease and speed
Lacing your Air Max sneakers is a great way to personalise your style and ensure a secure fit. While there are many ways to do this, one popular method is to lace overhead for ease and speed. This technique is not only faster and more beautiful but also provides a comfortable and secure fit.
To start, grab the left side of the lace and push it through the bottom-most slit on the shoe's tongue. Then, pull the lace up through the tab above and diagonal to it on the right side of the shoe. Repeat this process with the right lace, pulling it through the tongue slit and the tab diagonal to it. Ensure that the laces are the same length on both sides by pulling them taut.
For a sleek and minimalist look, you can try straight bar lacing. This technique creates a series of parallel lines across the shoe, giving your sneakers a modern and clean appearance. To achieve this style, start by inserting the lace into the bottom eyelets, making sure the ends are even. Continue this pattern up to the second-to-top hole, leaving the top one or two holes empty for a comfortable fit.
If you prefer a more traditional look, you can go for the criss-cross lacing method. This classic style is simple yet effective, ensuring a secure fit while adding to the overall aesthetic of your sneakers. Remember to adjust the tightness as needed and tie a knot at the top to secure the laces in place.
Whether you choose straight bar lacing or the criss-cross method, always ensure that your lacing is evenly and cleanly done. This will give your sneakers a polished look. Additionally, consider using longer laces if you need to lace through the top holes or prefer some extra lace popping out of the eyelets.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to lace up your Air Max, including the criss-cross method, straight bar lacing, and the ladder technique. The criss-cross method is the most common and classic way to lace up your shoes, creating a simple yet effective pattern. Straight bar lacing creates a sleek and minimalist look with parallel lines across the shoe. The ladder technique is elegant and secure, but it can be difficult to adjust once it's done.
It's recommended to lace your Air Max with medium tightness. Many people prefer to leave the top one or two lace holes empty for a great-looking and comfortable fit. However, if your shoes are too loose, you can lace them extra tight and use the top hole to secure them.
Start by threading the shoelace through the centre tab at the bottom of your shoe, ensuring the lace is taut and the same length on both sides. Then, push the left lace up through the bottom left tab, and grab the right lace to thread it through the bottom right tab.
Once you reach the top of the shoe, tie a knot with the laces to secure them. You can tie a standard bow or a more secure double knot, depending on your preference.
Yes, you can experiment with different lacing techniques to find what works best for you. For basketball, you may want to ensure a secure fit by using the criss-cross method or the ladder technique. You can also try pulling the laces overhead instead of lacing underneath for a faster and easier alternative.










































