Andrew Pace
Whether you're a basketball rookie or a seasoned pro, knowing how to put on and lace your basketball shoes correctly can give you an edge on the court. The right lacing technique can improve your performance and comfort, so it's worth taking the time to learn how to do it properly. In this guide, we'll cover the different lacing techniques and how they can impact your game, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to put on your basketball shoes like a pro.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lacing style | Left over right, right over left, crisscross "X" pattern, different tensions, various ties |
| Lace tightness | Tight for more control, loose for more comfort and less constriction on high arches |
| Low arches/flat feet | Advantage on the court for quicker cuts and freer movement |
| Impact from rebounds, layups, and jumps | Can cause sore feet, strained arches, and heel pain |
| Lacing technique for comfort | Skip two or three eyelets to remove pressure on the top of the arch |
| Returning to crisscross pattern | Return at the fourth or fifth eyelet and continue until the top |
| Reducing pressure on the bridge of the foot | Tie and tuck laces behind the tongue |
| Securing the laces | Thread each lace to the final eyelet directly above without crossing, leave a loop, then cross and pull tight in a double knot |
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What You'll Learn
Criss-cross lacing
The criss-cross lacing method is one of the most common ways to lace shoes and is the default method for lacing combat boots in the Australian Army. It is straightforward, classic, functional, and reasonably comfortable. This method is also good for those with high arches, as it alleviates pressure from the middle section of the foot.
To start, place your shoe in front of you with the toe facing away from you. Thread your lace through the two eyelets closest to the toe of the shoe, and pull until the lace is an even length on both sides. Then, take the right end of the lace and pass it through the next eyelet up on the left side. Some sources suggest inserting the lace from the outside in, while others suggest from the inside out. Next, take the left end of the lace and pass it through the following eyelet up on the right side. Repeat this criss-cross pattern until you reach the last two eyelets.
At this point, there are a few different ways you can finish the lacing. One way is to take each lace up to the final eyelet directly above, without crossing. 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 loop. Pull tight and tie in a double knot, resulting in a tighter feel and a locked heel. Another option is to thread the lace through the last eyelet so that the lace comes out on the inside of the shoe, creating a loop between the last two eyelets. Finish by crossing your laces and inserting them through the loops and pulling tightly before tying as normal.
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Lace tightness
The tightness of your basketball shoe laces can have a significant impact on your performance and safety. If your laces are too loose, your shoes may not provide the necessary support and stability, increasing the risk of injuries such as sprains or blisters. On the other hand, if your laces are too tight, you may experience foot pain and discomfort.
To tie your basketball shoes securely, you can use the crisscross lacing method, which is the most common and effective technique. Start by threading the lace through the bottom eyelets, ensuring that you have an equal length of lace on each side. Then, cross the laces over each other and thread them through the opposite eyelets, working your way up to the top of the shoe. Once you reach the last two eyelets, you can create a loop and tie a double knot to achieve a tighter feel and a locked heel.
If you have high arches, you may want to adjust your lacing to relieve pressure from the middle section of the shoe. Try skipping an eyelet or two in the centre of the shoe to create more space and reduce tightness. This technique can also be beneficial if you have wide feet, as it will loosen the entire shoe.
On the other hand, if you have narrow feet, you may want to tighten the shoe further by skipping an eyelet and then continuing with the crisscross lacing pattern. This will ensure a snug fit and enhance stability. Additionally, using round laces instead of flat laces can provide a tighter and more secure fit, but they may be more prone to coming undone if not tied properly.
Ultimately, the ideal lace tightness depends on your personal preference, foot shape, and playing style. You may prefer tighter laces for more control or looser laces for increased comfort. Experiment with different lacing techniques and lace types to find the combination that works best for you.
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Loop method
The loop method is one of the two major ways to tie shoelaces, the other being the cross method. The loop method can be done in the following way:
- Start by threading one lace over the other. To tighten, pull on both laces. This will create a loop as one lace will be shorter than the other.
- Create a small loop with the shorter lace. This is sometimes called a "bunny ear." This will be the lace that you work with.
- With the longer lace, create a similar loop and hold it in place with your thumb and first two fingers. This will be your anchor lace.
- Cross the anchor lace with the working lace and tuck it behind.
- Insert the working lace into the hole that was just made, grasp it, and tighten your grip. This is known as a "lacing" motion.
There are other ways to tie your basketball shoes as well. For example, the lace-lock technique is a secure way to tie your shoes so that they don't loosen while you're playing. You can also experiment with different lacing techniques to find the ideal balance between tightness and comfort. Some people prefer their laces as tight as possible, while others like to leave a bit of slack.
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Lacing for low arches
The way you lace your basketball shoes can have a significant impact on your performance on the court. Knowing how to lace your shoes according to your arch type can improve foot stability and overall control.
If you have low arches or flat feet, you can use a lacing pattern that utilizes all the eyelets to provide more support. Start by threading the shoelace through the first eyelets until you have an equal amount of lace on each side. Then, thread the left and right laces in a crisscross "X" pattern all the way up the shoe until the last two eyelets. Take each lace up and thread them through the final eyelets directly above without crossing. 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 loop. Pull tight and tie in a double knot to secure your heel.
This lacing style will lock down your heel and provide more support for your low arches, helping to prevent sore feet and strained arches. It is important to note that while low arches can provide an advantage on the court by offering more flexibility and lower proximity to the ground, allowing quicker cuts and freer movement, the impact from rebounds, layups, and jumps can cause strain over time. Therefore, ensuring your basketball shoes are properly laced for your arch type is crucial for optimal performance and comfort.
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Lacing for flat feet
Lacing your basketball shoes correctly is essential for ensuring your shoes provide the support and comfort needed to perform at your best. It can also help prevent injuries. For those with flat feet, a tighter lacing pattern that uses all the eyelets can provide the additional support needed.
To start, string the shoelace through the first eyelets until you have an equal amount of lace on each side. Then, thread the left and right laces back and forth in a familiar crisscrossing "X" pattern all the way up the shoe until the last two eyelets. Take each lace up and through the final eyelet directly above – instead of crossing. Once you’ve threaded these last two eyelets, leave a loop and don't pull 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 in a double knot. This results in a tighter feel and a locked heel.
If you have wide feet, lacing your shoes correctly is important for comfort and security. A comfortable fit is especially important for shoes that you'll be wearing for long periods or during activities that require a lot of movement. Lacing your shoes evenly will help distribute pressure across your foot more evenly, preventing hot spots and discomfort. A secure fit is also crucial for wide feet, as a loose shoe can rub and cause blisters.
Remember, you can wear your laces tight for more control or loose for more comfort and less constriction on high arches. It comes down to your style, your feet, and what works best for you.
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Frequently asked questions
You can wear them tight for more control or loose for more comfort and less constriction on high arches. It depends on your style, your feet, and what works best for you.
At the centre of the shoe, skip two or three eyelets (whichever removes pressure on the top of your arch) and offers the most comfort. Then return to the crisscross "X" pattern of lacing at the fourth or fifth eyelet and continue until you reach the top.
Thread the laces in a crisscross "X" pattern all the way up the shoe until the last two eyelets. Then, take each lace up to the final eyelet directly above – instead of crossing. Leave a loop and don't pull 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 in a double knot.
It depends on your feet and what you prioritise – comfort or control. Experiment with different lacing styles and tensions to find what works best for you.
Your heel should feel locked down and you should have good control and movement.
