The Ultimate Guide To Tying Vans Boat Shoes

There are several ways to tie Vans boat shoes, including cross-lacing, straight-lacing, and zipper-lacing. Cross-lacing is the standard method for iconic Vans styles like the Vans Authentic and Old Skool. This method involves threading each end of the shoelace through the two bottom eyelets, forming a bar between them. The laces are then threaded through the next eyelets on the opposite side, creating a cross. This process is repeated until the desired tightness is achieved. Straight-lacing, on the other hand, involves threading the shoelace through the bottom eyelets and then underneath the second bottom eyelet on the same side, creating a hidden, clean look. Zipper-lacing is a combination of cross-lacing and straight-lacing, creating a unique zipper-like pattern. To achieve this look, the shoelace is threaded through the bottom eyelets and then tucked diagonally under the first bar. This process is repeated, creating a zipper-like effect.

Cross-lacing

First, thread each end of the shoelace through the two bottom eyelets, forming a straight bar between them. The left end should go through the left eyelet, and the right end through the right eyelet.

Next, thread the right lace through the next eyelet on the left side, going over and then down through the hole. Be careful not to twist the lace, and keep checking as you go.

Repeat this process with the left lace, feeding the lace downward through the eyelet and then bringing it back up once it's threaded.

Continue this pattern up to your desired eyelet. You can leave a few eyelets empty for a looser fit, or fill them all in for a tighter fit.

When cross-lacing, one side of the laces will always lie on top of the other. To get a mirrored look when lacing your second shoe, simply reverse the pattern.

And that's it! You've now laced your Vans using the cross-lacing method. This style is perfect for a relaxed, loose look.

Straight-lacing

Step 1: Begin by threading the left end of the lace downwards through the bottom left eyelet, and the right end of the lace through the bottom right eyelet.

Step 2: Take the left lace and feed it underneath the second bottom eyelet on the left side. Pull it back up through the hole. This step helps to hide the lace for a clean look.

Step 3: Now, focus on the right side. Feed the right lace through the third bottom-right eyelet from underneath, leaving the second right eyelet empty.

Step 4: Take the left lace and insert it downwards through the second bottom-right eyelet, which should be the empty eyelet.

Step 5: At this point, both laces should be on the right side of the shoe. Take the right lace and feed it upwards and across to the left side. Then, thread it downwards through the third bottom-left eyelet.

Step 6: Repeat the entire process on the other side of the shoe.

Remember, when it comes to lacing your Vans, there is no right or wrong way. Feel free to experiment with different lacing techniques, including straight-lacing, cross-lacing, zipper-lacing, or even create your own Off the Wall style!

Zipper-lacing

Zipper lacing is a unique method that combines the criss-cross and straight lacing styles. This technique provides extra tightness and is suitable for Vans Old Skools and other flatter Vans models. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the zipper lacing look:

• Tie one end of your shoelace in a knot. Ensure that the knot is secure and won't fit through the eyelets, as it will act as an anchor.
• Thread the unknotted end of the shoelace through the bottom right eyelet from underneath.
• Take the same end and bring it across, threading it downwards through the bottom left eyelet.
• Now, bring the shoelace under and across, threading it upwards through the second-to-bottom right eyelet.
• Repeat the previous step, but this time thread the shoelace upwards through the second-to-bottom left eyelet.
• Continue repeating this pattern of threading the shoelace through the eyelets in a diagonal, zipper-like manner.
• Once you've reached the top, simply pull the shoelace tight, tuck in the end, and you're done!

Zipper lacing is a unique and eye-catching way to lace your Vans, offering a secure fit without the need for tying a bow. It's a great option if you're looking for something different from the traditional lacing styles.

Bar-lacing

First, ensure you have an even number of eyelets for bar-lacing. Most Vans have about 7 or 8 eyelets, but they can have as few as 4 or as many as 9. Do not count the top eyelet as you will use this pair of holes to tie your shoes.

Next, insert each end of the shoelace downward through the bottom two eyelets. Keep the left lace on the left side and the right lace on the right side, threading the shoelace through the bottom eyelets to create a bar across the bottom with the laces going inwards. Pull to ensure that both the left and right sides of your shoelace are equally long. If one side is longer than the other, re-thread the lace accordingly.

Then, thread the right lace through the eyelet directly above it. Feed the right lace underneath the shoe's eyelets so that it pops out of the second-bottom eyelet on the right side. This will hide the inner lacing and give this style its unique look.

After that, feed the left lace through the third-bottom eyelet. Take the left side of the bottom lace and thread it underneath the shoe's eyelets so it pops up out of the third-bottom eyelet on the left side. This will leave an empty eyelet on the left side between the original bar and the emerging lace.

Now, cross the right lace through the left hole in the second-to-bottom eyelet. Take the right part of your lace and stretch it over to the left side of your shoe. Then, insert the lace downward through the empty hole to create another bar.

Next, cross the lace emerging from the third-bottom eyelet to the right side. Take the lace from the threaded hole and feed it across your shoe. Insert the lace downward through the empty hole in the third eyelet to create a third bar.

Finally, repeat this pattern. Feed the left lace underneath the shoe so that it pops up out of the fifth eyelet on the left side. Then, feed the right lace underneath the shoe so that it pops up out of the fourth eyelet on the right side. Cross each lace over to the corresponding eyelet on the other side to form new bars. Repeat as necessary, continuing to reverse sides after every two bars. If your shoes have an odd number of eyelet pairs, skip lacing the last two eyelets (the eyelets furthest from your toes). Avoid barring the top pair of eyelets so you have some lace left over to tie your shoes.

Criss-cross lacing

The criss-cross lacing method is a straightforward, classic, and functional way to lace Vans boat shoes. It is also the most common and traditional lacing method for shoes and boots. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• With the toe of your Vans shoe facing you, thread each end of the shoelace through the two bottom eyelets. The left end should go through the left eyelet and vice versa, forming a straight bar between them.
• Thread the right lace through the next eyelet on the left side, going over and down through the hole. Be careful not to twist the lace and keep checking as you go.
• Repeat the process with the left lace, feeding it downward through the eyelet and then bringing it back up once it's threaded.
• Continue this pattern up to your desired eyelet. Depending on your preference, you can leave a few eyelets empty for more room or continue lacing for a snug fit.
• When you reach the top, lace the shoelace through the top eyelets and below the facing to allow the shoelace to lay flat.
• Cross-lacing will result in one side of your laces lying atop the other. To create a mirrored effect when lacing your second shoe, simply reverse the pattern.

Frequently asked questions