Types of Shoelaces

November 08, 2024

Let's face it: lacing isn't always our top priority when it comes to shoes. But did you know there are loads of different shoelace styles that can completely change the way your shoes look and feel?

A straight bar style can give cotton laces a neat, preppy look - perfect for canvas shoes at the seaside. If you wanted an authentic, military feel for your boots, you could go for an army lace. There's plenty of scope to think outside the box and get creative too.

In this guide, we'll talk about how to style shoelaces - including tie styles, materials and what you can do with them.

What's on this page:

• Different types of shoelace materials
• How to style different shoelaces

Different types of shoelace materials

There are many different shoelace materials that are commonly used on different types of shoes.

These include:

• Cotton - for tennis shoes and skater shoes

Cotton shoelaces blend durability with comfort, enhancing the everyday footwear experience. These laces, made from natural cotton fibres, offer a soft touch and breathability while maintaining resilience. With a timeless aesthetic and eco-friendly appeal, cotton shoelaces are a versatile choice for any shoe.

• Textured polyester - for work shoes

Textured polyester shoelaces redefine sporty elegance with their modern design and tactile feel. Engineered for durability, these laces offer a firm grip and resistance to wear. The textured surface adds a contemporary edge, ensuring a stylish and secure fit, making them an ideal choice for active lifestyles and fashion-forward footwear.

• Spun polyester - for super-smart shoes

Spun polyester shoelaces offer great versatility and durability. Created through a spinning process, these laces boast strength, resistance to fraying and a smooth texture. Ideal for smart dress shoes, spun polyester shoelaces combine functionality with a sleek appearance, ensuring long-lasting performance and timeless style.

• Nylon - for walking boots and shoes

Nylon shoelaces epitomise resilience and adaptability, offering a perfect blend of strength and flexibility. Known for their durability and water-resistant properties, these laces maintain shape and colour, ensuring longevity. Ideal for athletic and outdoor footwear, nylon shoelaces provide a reliable and low-maintenance solution for various shoe styles.

• Elastic - for sports shoes

Elastic shoelaces are made for convenience, transforming traditional footwear with a hassle-free design. These laces stretch for easy slip-on and snug fit, eliminating the need for tying. Perfect for athletes, children, and those with mobility challenges, elastic shoelaces combine comfort and functionality, making shoe-wearing an effortless and comfortable experience.

• Flat waxed - for dress shoes and boots

Flat waxed shoelaces exude vintage charm and modern durability. The wax coating ensures water resistance and a polished appearance, while the flat design adds a touch of sophistication. Ideal for dress shoes and boots, these laces blend style and functionality, elevating any footwear with a timeless and refined aesthetic.

But that isn't to say you have to stick with tried and tested formulas. Let's take a look at how to style shoelaces in different ways.

How to style different shoelaces

You'll be surprised at how using different shoelace styles can make a difference to your shoes.

Creative lacing can help you:

• Update the look of any shoe for different seasons and trends.
• Put your own twist on a classic shoe.
• Upcycle an older shoe.
• Replace a broken lace with a fun new style.
• Make your shoes comfier.

We tried out a range of different lacing methods with a pair of canvas shoes - which have a simple, springlike style that lends itself to any lace.

You will need:

• Your choice of lace up shoes (canvas, )
• A variety of different coloured laces and ribbons of your choice.
• Scissors (to cut the lace to the correct size).
• Instructions and examples.

Once you have everything you need, it's time to start experimenting with different lacing styles. Don't worry if you find some of them a bit tricky at first - you'll soon get the hang of it!

Criss-cross lacing

What is it? Criss-cross lacing is a classic, beginner style where the laces cross over one another diagonally, working their way up the shoe. You'll see criss-cross lacing on many different shoes, trainers and boots.

How do I do it?

• Go straight between the two bottom eyelets from the inside outwards.
• Next, feed the end of each lace to the next eyelet on the opposite side, so they cross over in the middle.
• Repeat until you've used each eyelet.

Army lacing

What is it? Army lacing has the crossover points on the inside, and lace running parallel through the eyelets. This gives you more flexibility in your shoes or boots - perfect for long walks.

How do I do it?

• Start by going straight through the two bottom eyelets from the inside out.
• On both sides, lace one eyelet directly above, and then cross over underneath to the diagonally opposite eyelet.
• Repeat this pattern.

Straight bar lacing

What is it? Straight bar lacing is where there are no crossovers. This gives you a smart lace look and relieves pressure on the ridge of the foot.

How do I do it?

• Go straight through the bottom two eyelets from the outside in.
• Feed the left-hand side of the lace through the next vertical eyelet from underneath.
• Feed the same lace through the eyelet directly on the opposite side, from the outside in.
• Take the right-hand side of the lace and feed it through the vertical eyelet third from the bottom.
• Feed this lace through the opposite eyelet from the outside in.
• Repeat this pattern until you have a set of alternating horizontal loops.

Bow tie lacing

What is it? Bow tie is a useful style for people learning to tie their own shoes as it leaves a lot of lace to play with.

How do I do it?

• Go through the bottom eyelets from the inside out.
• Cross your laces over to the next two diagonal eyelets.
• From underneath, feed your laces through the next two vertical eyelets.
• Cross over and repeat the pattern.

Ladder lacing

What is it? This distinctive style gives extra support for boots and other shoes with a large number of eyelets. Take your time with this one as it can be tricky.

How do I do it?

• Go through the bottom eyelets from the inside out.
• Feed each side of the lace vertically through the next eyelet from the outside in.
• Next, cross each side of the lace horizontally, and feed them under the vertical loop on the opposite side.
• Feed each side of the lace through the next vertical eyelet from the outside in.
• Repeat the pattern.

Over-under lacing

What is it? This simple style alternates between inner and outer crossovers. It reduces friction and make it easier to tighten.

How do I do it?

• Go through the bottom eyelets from the outside in.
• Feed each side of your lace to the opposite eyelet from the inside out.
• Feed each side of your lace to the opposite eyelet from the outside in.
• Repeat the pattern.

Gap lacing

What is it? This distinctive style gives you a mix of vertical and crossover lacing. It can be used to reduce tension in certain parts of the foot.

How do I do it?

• Go through the bottom eyelets from the inside out.
• Do a traditional criss-cross method until you get under the sensitive part of your foot.
• At this point, feed the laces vertically through the next set of eyelets (or two if needed).
• Complete the crossover pattern.

Hidden knot lacing

What is it? A great choice for trainers and dress shoes, this style hides the knot on the inside of the shoe.

How do I do it?

• Go through the bottom eyelets from the inside out.
• Follow instructions for straight bar lacing.
• When it comes to tying the laces, tuck a traditional bow or reef knot underneath the tongue.

Learn more

Once you've learned how to style laces, the world's your oyster. Experimenting with different lacing styles, materials and shoes can make your shoes a cut above the rest. But remember to lace your shoes tightly and safely before you use them.

Want to learn more about how to choose, style and maintain your shoes? Head over to our blog section for a range of handy tips and tricks.

Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.