Kristian Ferrell
There are over a trillion ways to lace up a pair of shoes, and the way you tie your basketball shoes can have a significant impact on your performance on the court. The right lacing technique can improve your comfort, flexibility, and control, while the wrong technique can lead to sore feet, strained arches, and heel pain. In this article, we'll explore the different lacing techniques and tying methods to help you find the perfect fit for your basketball shoes.
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What You'll Learn
Crisscross lacing
Next, take the right end of the lace and pass it through the next eyelet down on the left side. You will then need to take the left end of the lace and pass it through the next eyelet down on the right side. Repeat this crisscross pattern until you reach the last pair of eyelets. This pattern will create a familiar "'X'" shape.
At the last two eyelets, you will need to change the pattern slightly. Take each lace up to the final eyelet directly above without crossing. Thread these last two eyelets, leaving a loop, and do not pull tight. Finally, cross the laces one more time by threading the left lace through the right loop and the right lace through the left loop. Pull tight and tie in a double knot to secure your basketball shoes.
You can also try a subtle variation of the Criss Cross Lacing method. This variation is less visually consistent but may serve the functional purpose of shifting the lowest pressure point up slightly. To do this variation, start with the bottom horizontal section running straight across the outside, with the first crossover on the inside. Then, lace the rest of the shoe normally.
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Lacing for flat feet
Lacing your basketball shoes correctly is essential for comfort, security, and performance. If you have flat feet, you can use a lacing technique that provides additional support to prevent sore feet, strained arches, and heel pain.
Start by threading the shoelace through the first eyelets until you have an equal amount of lace on each side of the shoe. Then, thread the left and right laces in a crisscrossing "X" pattern all the way up the shoe until the last two eyelets. Take each lace up to the final eyelet directly above without crossing. Once you've threaded these last two eyelets, leave a loop and don't pull tight. Finally, cross the laces one more time by threading the left lace through the right loop and the right lace through the left. Pull tight and tie in a double knot to secure your heel.
This lacing technique will provide a tighter feel, which is beneficial for flat feet. It will help lock down your heel, giving you more control and stability on the court. Additionally, make sure to use fresh laces that are not worn out or frayed, as this can impact the performance and support provided by your basketball shoes.
It's important to note that everyone's feet are unique, so you may need to experiment with different lacing techniques and tensions to find what works best for you. You can also try using a heel lock lacing technique to prevent heel slippage, which is a common issue with wide feet. The right lacing technique will ensure your basketball shoes provide the comfort, support, and stability you need to perform at your best.
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Loop, swoop and pull knot
Tying your basketball shoes with the loop, swoop and pull knot is a simple and effective way of ensuring your shoes are secure. This method is also a great way to teach children how to tie their shoelaces, as the rhyme "loop, swoop, and pull" can help them remember the steps.
To begin, you should first create an "X" shape with your laces by threading the left and right laces in a crisscross pattern, working your way up the shoe until you reach the last two eyelets. At this point, you should have an equal amount of lace on each side. Instead of crossing the laces at the final eyelets, thread each lace through the eyelet directly above and leave a loop, ensuring you don't pull it tight.
Now for the "loop, swoop, and pull" part: take one of the lace ends and loop it around the middle of the opposite loop, then tuck it underneath the knot and out through the other side. Pull the laces taut to tighten the knot. Finally, tie a double knot to secure your laces and ensure a tighter feel and a locked heel.
The loop, swoop and pull knot is a fun and memorable way to tie your basketball shoes, and it can be a great skill to teach children, too.
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Better bow knot
The Better Bow Knot is a secure shoelace knot that is a variation on the standard shoelace knot with one different step. It is also known as the "Parisian Knot".
To tie the Better Bow Knot, start by placing your basketball shoes on a flat surface and letting the laces fall to either side. Make a loop with one end of the shoelace, then wrap the other end around the first loop twice to create a second loop. Now, pull the second loop through the space made by your thumb or finger while making the wraps. Pull both loops in opposite directions, tighten, and adjust. The finished knot should be tight and closed with a double wrap in the middle.
This method is more secure than the standard shoelace knot and is great for kids' shoes as it won't come undone easily. It is recommended to perform steps 3 through 6 with the right forefinger sitting alongside the right loop. When the left lace is wrapped around the right loop, it should also be wrapped around the right forefinger. At step 7, withdraw the forefinger and feed the left lace into the hole where the finger was.
The Better Bow Knot is a great option for those looking for a more secure way to tie their basketball shoes, ensuring that their shoes feel secure and comfortable during any activity.
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Lacing for tighter shoes
The type of shoelaces you use can make a difference in how tight your basketball shoes are. Round laces are more durable and provide a tighter, more secure fit. They are often used in high-performance athletic shoes. Flat laces, on the other hand, are the most common type and are easy to tie, but they may not offer the same level of durability and can sometimes feel bulky.
If you want to focus on creating a tighter feel for your basketball shoes, there are specific lacing techniques you can use. For individuals with high arches, employ a lacing method that skips two or three eyelets in the middle of the shoe, reducing pressure on the top of the foot and providing more comfort.
For those with low arches or flat feet, a tighter lacing pattern that uses all the eyelets can provide better support. This pattern involves threading the laces in a crisscross "X" pattern, then at the centre of the shoe, skipping two or three eyelets to reduce pressure on the arch of the foot. Return to the crisscross pattern at the fourth or fifth eyelet and continue until you reach the top. Finally, tie and tuck the laces behind the tongue to ease pressure on the bridge of your foot.
Another technique to tighten your basketball shoes is to thread the laces in the standard crisscross "X" pattern until the last two eyelets. Then, instead of crossing the laces, take each lace up to the final eyelet directly above. Leave a loop and don't pull it tight. Finally, cross the laces once more by threading the left lace through the right loop and the right lace through the left, pull tight, and tie a double knot. This will result in a tighter feel and a locked heel.
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Frequently asked questions
For more comfort and less constriction on high arches, wear your basketball shoes loose. You can also try the two-loop knot, alternatively known as the "bunny ears" knot. To do this, make a loop with each end of the shoelace and pull tight by holding each loop at the top.
For more control, wear your basketball shoes tight. You can also try the better bow knot for a more secure tie. This style is a variation on the standard shoelace knot. Instead of wrapping the second shoelace around the loop once, wrap it twice.
To ease pressure on the bridge of your foot, tie and tuck the laces behind the tongue. You can also skip two or three eyelets at the center of the shoe to remove pressure on the top of your arch.
