I've been writing about shoes for years, and one thing I keep hearing from readers is this: "My shoes never fit quite right." Well, I'm here to tell you that the problem might not be your shoes at all. It could be how to lace shoes properly.

Most people tie their shoes the same way they learned as kids. But here's what I've discovered – different shoe lacing patterns can completely change how your shoes feel and fit. Whether you have high arches, wide feet, or narrow heels, there's a lacing technique that can help.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the best shoe lacing techniques for every foot type. I've tried them all myself, and I'm excited to share what works.

Why Shoe Lacing Patterns Matter More Than You Think

Before we dive into specific techniques, let me explain why lacing patterns are so important. Your feet are unique. The way your arch curves, how wide your foot is, and where you feel pressure points – all of this affects how shoes fit.

The standard criss cross lacing method works fine for some people. But if you're dealing with pain, hot spots, or shoes that slip around, it's time to try something new.

I started experimenting with different lacing techniques when I couldn't find running shoes that felt right. Once I learned about gap lacing for high arches, everything changed. My feet felt better, and I could walk longer without discomfort.

How to Choose the Right Lacing Method for Your Feet

The first step is figuring out your foot type. Here's what I tell everyone who asks me about this:

Look at your feet when you're standing. Do you have high arches that barely touch the ground? Are your feet wider than average? Do your heels slip out of shoes easily?

Once you know your foot type, you can pick the right lacing pattern. It's really that simple. According to Harvard Health Publishing, proper shoe fit is crucial for foot health and overall comfort.

Basic Shoe Lacing Techniques Everyone Should Know

Normal Feet: Keep It Simple with Criss Cross Lacing

If you have normal shaped feet with average arches and width, the basic criss cross pattern works great. This is the method most people learn first.

Here's how to do it right:

Start at the bottom eyelets and thread the lace through both holes from underneath. Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the top. Keep crossing and threading until you reach the top.

The key is keeping even tension throughout. Don't pull too tight at the bottom or too loose at the top. Our casual sneakers work perfectly with this traditional method.

Gap Lacing for High Arches

This technique changed my life. If you have high arches like me, regular lacing creates too much pressure on the top of your foot. Gap lacing fixes this problem.

Start with normal criss cross lacing for the first few eyelets. When you get to the area that feels tight (usually around the middle of your foot), skip one set of eyelets. Thread the laces straight up on each side instead of crossing them.

Then go back to criss cross lacing for the remaining eyelets. This creates a gap that relieves pressure on your arch. The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends this method for people with high arches.

Wide Feet Lacing Technique

Having wide feet doesn't mean you're stuck with uncomfortable shoes. The right lacing pattern can give you extra room where you need it most.

For wide feet, try parallel lacing or straight lacing. Instead of crossing the laces, thread them straight across from eyelet to eyelet on the same level. This reduces the inward pressure on the sides of your feet.

You can also skip eyelets in the widest part of your foot, similar to gap lacing for high arches. Check out our wide-fit shoes designed specifically for broader feet.

Flat Feet Support Lacing

Flat feet need extra support, especially in the arch area. I recommend lock lacing combined with tighter lacing through the middle section.

Start with regular lacing at the bottom, then create a lock by threading the lace through the same eyelet twice before crossing to the other side. Do this in the arch area for extra support.

Keep the lacing snug through the middle of the foot, but don't over tighten at the toes or ankle. Our arch support shoes complement this lacing method perfectly.

Advanced Lacing Techniques for Specific Problems

Lock Lacing for Narrow Heels

Heel slippage is frustrating and can cause blisters. Lock lacing, also called heel lock or runner's tie, solves this problem.

When you get to the second-to-last eyelet, don't cross the laces. Instead, thread each lace straight up through the top eyelet on the same side. This creates a loop.

Now cross the laces and thread each one through the loop on the opposite side before tying. Pull tight, and your heel will stay locked in place. This technique is endorsed by Runner's World for preventing heel slippage.

Lacing for High Midfoot

Some people have feet that are higher through the middle section, even if their arches are normal. This creates pressure points that regular lacing can't fix.

Use window lacing for this issue. Skip several eyelets in the problem area, creating a "window" of relief. Thread the laces straight up on each side through the tight section, then resume normal criss cross lacing.

Too Tight on Top Lacing

If shoes feel tight across the top of your foot but fit everywhere else, try asymmetric lacing. Use different eyelet combinations on each side to customize the fit.

You can also use softer laces or lace looser through just the tight section while keeping normal tension everywhere else. Our comfort shoes are designed to work well with these specialized techniques.

Stylish Lacing Patterns That Look Great

Lightning Lacing for a Bold Look

Want to make your shoes stand out? Lightning lacing creates a zigzag pattern that looks amazing on sneakers and casual shoes.

Start at the bottom left eyelet and thread the lace up to the top right eyelet. Then zigzag back and forth, creating sharp angles instead of smooth crosses.

This works best with colorful laces and plain colored shoes. I love this look on our white sneakers with bright laces.

Lattice Lacing for Maximum Style

Lattice lacing creates a woven pattern that turns your shoes into art pieces. It's more complex but worth the effort for special occasions.

This technique involves multiple passes through the same eyelets to create an overlapping diamond pattern. It takes practice, but the result is stunning.

Use contrasting lace colors for the best visual impact. This works especially well on our boots and high-top sneakers.

Straight Bar Lacing for Clean Lines

If you prefer a minimalist look, straight bar lacing gives you clean horizontal lines across your shoes. Each lace segment runs straight across without any crossing.

This style works great for dress shoes and gives a very neat, organized appearance. It's also more comfortable than criss cross lacing for some foot types.

Tips for Perfect Shoe Lacing Every Time

After years of trying different techniques, here are my best tips:

Start with quality laces. Cheap laces stretch out and don't hold tension well. Invest in good ones – your feet will thank you. We offer premium shoelaces in various colors and materials.

Always lace with your foot in the shoe. This ensures proper tension and fit. I see people lacing empty shoes all the time, and it never works as well.

Adjust throughout the day. Your feet swell and change shape, so don't be afraid to retie your laces when needed.

Take time to find what works. The first lacing method you try might not be perfect. Keep experimenting until you find your ideal fit.

Things to Remember About Shoe Lacing

Good lacing technique can solve many fit problems, but it's not magic. If your shoes are the wrong size or completely wrong for your foot shape, lacing won't fix everything.

Always buy shoes that fit properly first, then use lacing to fine-tune the comfort and support. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of proper shoe fitting for foot health.

Remember that your feet change throughout the day and over time. What works in the morning might need adjustment by evening.

Don't be afraid to use different techniques for different activities. I lace my running shoes differently than my work shoes, and that's perfectly normal.

Different Foot Types Need Different Solutions

Understanding your foot type is crucial for choosing the right shoe lacing patterns. Here's a quick guide:

• High arches: Use gap lacing or window lacing to reduce pressure points
• Flat feet: Try lock lacing with extra support through the midfoot
• Wide feet: Parallel lacing or skipping eyelets works best
• Narrow heels: Heel lock lacing prevents slippage

Each of these lacing techniques can transform how your shoes feel. Don't settle for discomfort when the solution might be as simple as changing your lacing pattern.

Your Journey to Better Fitting Shoes Starts Here

Finding the right shoe lacing pattern for your feet can make an incredible difference in comfort. I've seen people go from dreading long walks to enjoying them, just by changing how they lace their shoes.

Start with your biggest problem area. If your heels slip, try lock lacing. If you have high arches, gap lacing might be your answer. Take it one technique at a time and see what works.

Remember, the best lacing pattern is the one that makes your shoes feel great on your feet. Don't worry about what looks "normal" – worry about what feels good.

Your feet carry you through life. They deserve shoes that fit perfectly and feel amazing. With the right lacing technique, you can make that happen.

For more shoe care tips, check out our guides on how to clean different shoe materials and choosing the right shoe size.

Ready to Transform Your Shoe Experience?

At Ardur Shoes, we believe every step should feel perfect. Our collection features high-quality shoes designed to work with these lacing techniques for the ultimate in comfort and style.

Browse our latest arrivals and find your perfect pair. With the lacing knowledge you've learned here and our expertly crafted shoes, you're ready for adventures in complete comfort.

Shop Ardur Shoes today and discover what perfectly fitted shoes feel like.