How to Put Laces in Mercurials

Nike Mercurial soccer boots feature a lace guard which covers over the lower laces on the boot, creating a smooth surface for striking the ball to minimize irregular impact on the ball which can alter its path. Unfortunately, while the guard helps the player on the pitch, relacing the boots after the lace guard is attached can prove quite difficult, as the guard is tight over the lower eyelets, making it difficult to get the plastic aglets through. Threading fishing line is easier and creates a guide for your laces.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing line or string
  • Needle
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Instructions

  1. Replacing Laces

    • 1

      Cut a piece of fishing line several inches longer than your laces.

    • 2

      Tie one end of the fishing line to one end of the lace, just below the aglet, the plastic tip of the lace.

    • 3

      Tie the second end of the line to the second lace.

    • 4

      Pull the laces out of the boot. This will cause the line to be laced through the eyelets.

    • 5

      Untie the ends of the fishing line and thread a needle onto each end of line. If using only one needle, complete the needle steps with one end and repeat for the second end.

    • 6

      Turn the plastic aglet on one end of the new laces so the crease, where the wrapped plastic ends, is on the side and poke the needle through the aglet approximately 1/8 inch below the end of the aglet. Repeat with the second end of the line through the second aglet.

    • 7

      Tie a knot in the line to ensure the line does not pull back through the aglet.

    • 8

      Pull the line through the eyelets on the boot. This will cause the laces to be pulled through the eyelets, lacing the boot.

    • 9

      Cut the fishing line and pull the line through the lace.

    New Lacing

    • 10

      Thread a piece of fishing line through the eyelets of the boot as if lacing a boot. As the line does not have the thickness of an aglet you can insert your fingers under the cover, even for the lowest eyelets.

    • 11

      Turn the plastic aglet on one end of the new laces so the crease, where the wrapped plastic ends, is on the side and poke the needle through the aglet approximately 1/8 inch below the end of the aglet.

    • 12

      Tie a knot in the line so it does not pull through the aglet.

    • 13

      Pull the line through the lacing eyelets in the direction of the end of line not attached to the lace, pulling the lace through all the eyelets.