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Straight Laces

How to lace vans’ shoes

Lacing your Vans is not just about keeping your shoes on; it’s a fun way to show off your style. Whether you’re skating, hanging out, or just looking for a new vibe, how you lace your vans can make a big difference.

With so many ways to lace them, you can add a personal touch to your favorite pair. Please read this blog to discover creative lacing styles and the easy steps to try them yourself.

Grab your Vans shoe laces, and get started!

Different Methods to Lace Vans Shoes

1. Straight Lacing

Straight Lacing is a sleek, minimalist style best suited for low-top Vans with fewer eyelets. It offers a clean look and a snug fit, perfect for casual wear and skating. 

Step 1  

Insert both ends of the lace into the bottom eyelets from underneath, ensuring the lace is even on both sides.  

Step 2  

Take the left lace and thread it straight up on the inside of the shoe, coming out through the second eyelet on the left side.  

Step 3  

Cross the left lace over and insert it downward into the second eyelet on the right side, creating a straight bar across the shoe.  

Step 4  

Repeat the process with the right lace: thread it straight on the inside, skip one eyelet, and cross it over to create another straight bar.  

Step 5  

Continue alternating laces, skipping one eyelet until you reach the top.  

2. Cross Lacing

Criss-cross lacing is a classic, versatile, functional, and stylish style. It keeps your Vans snug and secure, perfect for activewear and everyday use.

Step 1

Insert the ends of the shoelace downward through the bottom eyelets (with the shoe facing you), forming a straight bar across the bottom. Ensure both sides of the lace are equal in length to ensure even lacing.  

Step 2

Take the left lace and cross it diagonally over to the right side. Thread it downward into the second eyelet on the right side. Pull the lace, but not too tight.

Step 3

Now, cross the right lace diagonally over to the left side. Thread it downward into the second eyelet on the left side, creating a symmetrical X pattern with the laces.  

Step 4

Repeat the criss-cross pattern, alternating sides and threading the laces through each following eyelet. Make sure the laces stay flat and untwisted.  

Step 5

Pull the laces gently to adjust the fit when you reach the top eyelets. Tie them into a bow for a secure finish, or tuck the ends in if you prefer a sleeker appearance.  

3. Zipper Lacing

Zipper lacing is a stylish method that offers extra tightness and security, making it perfect for Vans, especially Old Skools or flatter designs. The “zipper” effect created by this pattern looks unique and stays snug. 

Step 1

Insert both ends of your shoelace downward through the bottom eyelets, forming a horizontal bar across the bottom. Ensure the laces are of equal length.  

Step 2

Take the left lace and tuck it diagonally under the horizontal bar you created, guiding it toward the right side. Repeat this with the right lace, tucking it under the bar toward the left side. This forms the first diagonal crossing of the zipper pattern.  

Step 3

Feed the left lace upward through the second eyelet on the right side. Similarly, feed the right lace upward through the second eyelet on the left side. This creates the second horizontal bar of the pattern.  

Step 4

Tuck each lace under the diagonal row directly below it. Take the left lace and tuck it diagonally under the newly formed bar, guiding it toward the third eyelet on the right. Repeat with the right lace.

Step 5

Continue inserting the laces diagonally under the row below and upward through the next pair of eyelets above. Each step builds on the previous one, creating a secure zipper-like design.  

Step 6

Once you’ve laced to the top, adjust the tightness. You may not have much left to tie depending on the lace length. Simply tuck the remaining lace ends under the tongue.  

4. Ladder Lacing

Ladder lacing is a sleek, stylish technique that provides a snug fit. Though it’s a bit more intricate than other methods, the extra effort pays off with a striking pattern that holds your shoes securely in place.  

Step 1

Thread your shoelace across the bottom eyelets of your Vans, forming a horizontal bar. Make sure the ends of the laces are of equal length.  

Step 2

Take each lace end and run it straight up the inside of the shoe. Bring them out through the next set of eyelets directly above. You should now have two vertical sections of lace.  

Step 3

Cross the left lace diagonally and feed it underneath the vertical section created on the right side. Do the same with the right lace, tucking it diagonally under the vertical section on the left. This creates the first “rung” of your ladder.  

Step 4

Run each lace inside the shoe and through the next pair of eyelets above the rungs you just created. This step sets the framework for the next rung.  

Step 5

Continue the pattern. As you progress, a clean, ladder-like structure will form.

Step 6

Once you reach the top eyelets, adjust the tightness. Tie the remaining lace ends in a simple bow or tuck them under the tongue.  

5. Skip Lacing

Skip Lacing (also called gap lacing) is a method that relieves sensitive areas on the foot, such as bunions or pressure points, and adds flexibility where it is needed most.

Step 1

Thread your shoelace straight through the bottom eyelets, forming a clean, horizontal bar across the bottom of your Vans. Pull the laces evenly on both sides to ensure a balanced fit.  

Step 2

Cross each end of the lace diagonally, threading them under the eyelets on the opposite side. Continue this process until you approach the sensitive area of your foot where you need to create the gap.  

Step 3

When you reach the eyelets corresponding to the sensitive or painful area, skip over them entirely. Instead of crossing the laces, run each end straight up on the inside of the shoe and emerge at the next pair of eyelets above the gap. 

Step 4

Once you’re past the gap, continue the cross-lacing pattern as before, threading the laces diagonally and securing them through the opposite eyelets. Keep going until you reach the top of the shoe.  

Step 5

At the top eyelets, tie the laces in a bow or tuck them neatly under the tongue of your shoe. Take a moment to adjust the tightness.

Do I Need to Re-tie These Patterns Every Time?  

No, you don’t! If re-tying these creative patterns sounds like a hassle, use no-tie laces for your Vans. Straight laces are elastic laces that stay in place once adjusted, letting you slip your shoes on and off effortlessly.  

They’re a game-changer for anyone who loves stylish Lacing but hates the constant tying and untying. These laces stretch to fit your feet comfortably, offering flexibility for skating, walking, or hanging out.  

With No-Tie laces, you can create stylish lacing patterns and enjoy the look without the work. Once laced up, hold the pattern in place and enjoy the convenience of a slip-on shoe. 

 FAQs

Which lacing method suits Vans Old Skools?

Ladder lacing offers a stylish and secure fit for Vans Old Skools, adding a striking look to the classic design.

What length laces should I use for Vans?

The ideal length depends on the number of eyelets and the lacing style. For a standard fit, 45–54-inch laces are usually suitable.

What’s the easiest Vans lacing method for beginners?

Straight Lacing is beginner-friendly and offers a clean, minimalist look for Vans shoes.

Never tie your shoe laces again with Straight Laces patented no-tie elastic shoelaces.

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