How to Lace Sneakers with Flat Laces
By Doucal's: Calzature artigianali di lusso uomo e donna Made in ... | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to lace sneakers with flat laces, from basic criss-cross to straight bar. Includes tips for blue sport laces and lace replacement.
Quick answer
To lace sneakers with flat laces, use the criss-cross method for a classic, secure fit, or the straight bar method for a cleaner, dressier look. Always start from the bottom eyelets and keep tension even.
Why the lacing method matters
Flat laces stay in place better than round ones, so the lacing pattern you choose directly affects how the shoe feels and looks. The criss-cross method is the most common and works well for most foot shapes, while the straight bar method reduces pressure points across the top of the foot.
If your sneakers have an odd number of eyelet pairs, the straight bar method may leave one side uneven. In that case, stick with criss-cross or use a slight offset at the bottom.
When to replace sneaker laces
Frayed or dirty laces can make even clean sneakers look worn. Replacing them is a quick, low-cost refresh. A pair of blue sport laces, like the Doucal's Laccio sportivo blu per Sneaker, adds a subtle color accent and is long enough for most low-top sneakers.
How to lace sneakers with flat laces: step by step
- 1. Thread the bottom eyelets: Push one end of the lace through the bottom-left eyelet from outside to inside, then the other end through the bottom-right eyelet the same way. Pull both ends until they are even in length. Common mistake: pulling one side much longer than the other. Check symmetry after this step.
- 2. Criss-cross up the shoe (or straight bar): For criss-cross: cross the left lace over to the next right eyelet and thread from inside to outside. Repeat on the other side. Continue up. For straight bar: run the left lace straight up to the next left eyelet (inside to outside), then cross horizontally to the right eyelet. Alternate sides. Common mistake: skipping an eyelet or crossing unevenly. Use the same tension on both sides.
- 3. Tie the knot at the top: Once both laces reach the top eyelets, pull them to remove slack, then tie a standard bow knot. Tuck the loops inside the shoe if you prefer a cleaner look. Common mistake: overtightening, which can crease the sneaker upper. Stop when the shoe feels snug, not tight.
Product facts
- Laccio sportivo blu per Sneaker - 120 cm: 120 cm blue polyester sport lace made in Italy, designed for sneakers. The 120 cm length fits most low-top sneakers, and the polyester material resists fraying longer than cotton laces.
Laccio sportivo blu per Sneaker - 120 cm
