How to Lace Derby Skates

Serious roller derby skaters almost always wear low-cut, speed-style quad roller skates. Skaters with this type of skates -- different from the high-heeled, taller, artistic skates most people envision when thinking of roller skates -- will need laces that are at least 72 inches in length. Because roller derby involves a lot of falling and involuntary toe dragging, roller derby skaters change their laces quite often.

Things You'll Need

  • 72-inch laces
  • Roller derby skates
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Use a pair of laces that are at least 72 inches. Make sure the laces are not too wide; if they are too fat, they may have trouble squeezing through the eyelets on your skates. A good guideline for width is 3/8-inch. You may also want to consider using waxed laces, which last longer than normal laces and will hold a knot well.

    • 2

      Choose which bottom set of eyelets you want to start lacing from. Many people choose to lace their skates up starting from the very first pair of eyelets near or on the toe of the skate. Others may prefer lacing the skates up starting a little higher up, if they suffer from toe cramping.

    • 3

      Lace the skates up; it is best to lace the first pair from underneath the eyelets. This will help protect the laces from prematurely ripping or tearing if you drag your toe during a maneuver or fall.

    • 4

      Alternate eyelets. After your lace goes through one hole on one side, weave it next through an eyelet on the other side. This will allow you to adjust the tightness of your skate as needed.

    • 5

      Slide your foot into your skate to test the tightness of the lacing and adjust as necessary.