Lacing Styles for Running Shoes

Finding the perfect pair of running shoes for your feet can seem like an endless task. This can be simplified by remembering that sometimes what helps make a shoe fit just right is the lacing style. While there may seem to be an infinite number of lacing styles, it is vital to consider the shape of your foot and comfort while running.

  1. Crisscross Lacing

    • Crisscross lacing is a good base for any lace-up shoe.

      For a better understanding of tricks in lacing styles, assume that the base upon which the following styles are structured is the crisscross lacing. This style of lacing has each lace end zigzagging its own way to the top of the shoe by going through every other eyelet on each side, poking up through the final eyelet.

    Loop Lacing

    • Loop lacing and double knots may shave seconds off your marathon time.

      If you have a pair of running shoes which already fit your feet well, this is good for keeping the laces secure. Loop lacing involves crisscrossing to the top, then creating a loop with each end by poking the lace back into the eyelet. At that point, the eyelet and loop is threaded with the opposite lace end. If the laces ever untie while running, this lacing style is useful because it won't require you to retighten the laces as you retie, saving seconds of time in a run.

    Lock Lacing

    • No matter what terrain you run in, lock lacing will keep your heels in place.

      Lock lacing will help keep your heel from slipping while running. This is important for anyone using shoes that may be a little too big; for example, parents buying shoes for teens to grow into during puberty. This style involves crisscrossing up to the second to last eyelets on each side, then lacing straight inside to the top eyelet. The lace ends get pulled under vertical lacing of the top eyelets on opposite sides. This style allows for the top of the shoe to be tightened more than the rest of the foot.

    High Instep Lacing

    • Don't let a high instep become an obstacle.

      If you have a high instep, you might notice hot spots on the top of your foot while running. This lacing style gives more space by not crisscrossing in the middle of the shoe. By feeding the laces straight toward the top of the shoe, but only in the middle, there is less tension in the middle of the shoe while still keeping the toe and heel tightly in place.

    Narrow Foot Lacing

    • Shoes that are too loose can lead to accidents.

      Narrow feet are best accommodated by shoes sized for narrow feet, but extra accommodations can be made by lock lacing in the fuller parts of the shoe where your foot is slipping. This style crisscrosses through most of the shoe, stopping to lock lace over the looser parts, which allows for extra tightness around narrow feet.