The Best Ways to Tie Your Converse Sneakers

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Style the laces on your Converse High Tops, Low Tops, and more
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Converse shoes can provide a trendy, fresh look to your outfit, and they’re a great footwear choice for almost any occasion. If you’re looking for a way to show off your own unique style, try out a cool new lace pattern. From regular criss-cross lacing to bar lacing, there are tons of interesting ways to turn your shoe into a lacing masterpiece. Try all these fun ways to lace your Converse and impress your friends!

Tying Converse Laces

  1. Place the shoe with the toe facing away from you.
  2. Pull the lace up through the bottom set of eyelets.
  3. Push the left lace underneath and up through the second eyelet on the right.
  4. Thread the right lace underneath the second eyelet on the left side.
  5. Repeat the last two steps until you reach the top two eyelets.
  6. Tie a bow or slide the laces behind the tongue to hide them.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Criss-Cross Shoelace Pattern

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    Face the shoe so the toe faces away from you. Thread the lace along the underside of the Converse, bringing both ends up through the bottom set of eyelets. This will create a horizontal bar connecting the two bottom eyelets. Pull the ends of each lace until they’re even so that your laces are symmetrical. [1]
    • This is the most traditional, common lacing style for shoes of all types because it’s simple and comfortable.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Insert "Side A" into the right eyelet second from the bottom on “Side B”. This creates a diagonal line connecting the 2 eyelets. The shoelace will wrap over the left bottom hole but run underneath the second-to-bottom hole on the right. Pull the lace all the way through the right eyelet. [2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Pull "Side B," the one on the right side of the shoe, through the left eyelet second from the bottom. This makes another diagonal line connecting the 2 eyelets. The shoelace will wrap over the right bottom eyelet, but will poke out underneath the second-to-bottom eyelet on the left. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Continue alternating "Side A" and "Side B" back and forth, crisscrossing the two laces until you reach the top pair of eyelets. Each end should be pulled through its eyelet and laced into the eyelet on the opposite side one row up. [4]
    • If you want your shoes to fit loosely, try not to pull the laces super tight. Instead, leave a little bit of slack as you continue upwards.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    This should create another horizontal pathway, similar to the one at the bottom. Tie the two laces in a bow to secure your feet on your shoes. Now you’re ready to go! [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Straight Bar Shoelace Pattern

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Push both sides of the lace down through the bottom two eyelets to create the first bar. Pull "Side A," or the shoelace on the left side of the shoe, through the left eyelet second from the bottom. Remember to keep the shoelace from twisting as you lace, especially if using flat laces. [6]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Pull the shoelace over the front of your shoe and under and into the right hole directly opposite the hole you pulled it through. This will create the second horizontal bar across the front of your shoe. Tuck “Side A” of the lace under the side of your Converse again. [7]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Both sides of the lace will be on the right side of the shoe. Keep the hole second from the bottom occupied by "Side A." Take time to straighten the laces so they don’t twist, especially if you’re using flat laces. [8]
    • If the lace starts to curl or twist, relace the last eyelet so it lies flat again.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Pull the shoelace end across the front of the shoe and lace it into the left eyelet third from the bottom, directly opposite the eyelet you pulled it through. This will create another horizontal bar across the front of your shoe. [9]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Lace "side A" through the eyelet pairs second, fourth, and sixth from the bottom. Lace "side B" through the eyelet pairs third, fifth, and seventh from the bottom. This will leave you with a column of horizontal bars without any laces lying diagonal underneath. [10]
    • Always keep those laces flat!
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Pull "Side A" through the right eyelet and "Side B" through the left eyelet at the top. Tie them together with a standard shoelace bow to complete your look! [11]
    • You can also tuck the laces underneath the cushion of your shoe so you don't have laces hanging out of the top.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Double-Sided Lace Pattern

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    You will need 2 thin, flat shoelaces in separate colors for this lacing style. The 2 laces must be equal in length. You can do this technique on Converse with an odd number of eyelet pairs, but it will look the most symmetrical with an even number of eyelet on both sides. [12]
    • 2 pairs of eyelets : 28 in (71 cm) long shoelace.
    • 3 pairs of eyelets : 32 in (81 cm) long shoelace.
    • 4 pairs of eyelets : 36 in (92 cm) long shoelace.
    • 5 pairs of eyelets : 40 in (102 cm) long shoelace.
    • 6 pairs of eyelets : 44 in (113 cm) long shoelace.
    • 7 pairs of eyelets : 48 in (123 cm) long shoelace.
    • 8 pairs of eyelets : 53 in (134 cm) long shoelace.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Arrange the 2 shoelaces so that they are evenly lined up back-to-back. Make sure the laces are even and flat, and that they’re both exactly the same length. [13]
    • This method is similar to the criss-cross method, but the laces may be slightly harder to tighten up.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Place the shoes so the toes are facing away from you. Pull the double laces through the bottom set of eyelets so that "Color One" shows. The other lace, "Color Two," will be hidden behind the top lace. Thread the shoelaces into the eyelets from the bottom so the ends come up through the eyelets. [14]
    • The ends of the laces will drape over the sides of the shoes when you’re done with this step.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Pull "Side A" out of the bottom left eyelet and through the second-to-bottom right eyelet. The shoelaces will twist slightly so that "Color Two" is now on top while "Color One" is hidden on the bottom. A diagonal line will connect the bottom and second-to-bottom holes on opposing sides of the Converse. Pull the laces from the underside of the right second-to-bottom hole and over the top. [15]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Pull "Side B" out of the bottom right eyelet and through the second-to-bottom left eyelet. "Color Two" will show on the top and "Color One" will be hidden on the bottom. Pull the shoelaces through the left eyelet from the underside, letting them drape over the top of the left eyelet once you pull them through. [16]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Repeat the criss-crossing pattern, but twist the shoelaces so that Color One is on top while Color Two is hidden on the bottom. Alternate "Side A" and "Side B" back and forth, criss-crossing the eyelets so that each end goes into the eyelet on the opposite side one row up. [17]
    • Twisting the laces will show a quick pop of color in the middle of your shoes.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Continue twisting and crisscrossing the shoelaces. Each "x" across your shoes will be composed of a single color, but each "x" will be the opposite color of the "x" beneath it and above it. [18]
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    When you pull the shoelaces through the top set of eyelets it doesn’t matter which side of the double-lace shows, since both sides will show when you tie your shoes. Tie your shoes into a bow using both laces. [19]
    • Alternatively, tuck one color shoelace into the top of your shoe and tie the other color in the front of your shoe to make it easier to tie them into a bow.
    • When you untie your shoes , leave the laces in the eyelets so they keep their alternating pattern.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Bar Lace Pattern Using the Extra Side Holes

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    You can try bar lacing using the holes in the side of your shoe if you already laced them in a criss-cross pattern. Unlace the top 2 eyelets on each side of the shoe and let the laces fall to either side to start. [20]
    • The extra holes in the side of your Converse are primarily used for extra ventilation, but some shoe owners use them to lace their shoes. [21]
    • You can try this method with other versions of lacing, like the straight bar, but it works best with the criss-cross.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Grab the lace that’s furthest away from the side holes, or the lace on the outside of your shoe. Cross that lace over the tongue and into the side hole nearest the toe so that it sticks out of the side of your shoe. Repeat this on the other side of the shoe. [22]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Grab the lace coming out of the side of your shoe and put it into the second side hole. Then, grab it from the inside of your shoe and pull it tight. [23] Do the same thing on the other side of the shoe.
    • Lacing your laces through the side hole can make your Converse tighter and fit better.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Grab both laces and run them back up through the top 2 eyelets of your shoe, or however you had them tied originally. [24]
    • Keep the lace sticking through the side of your shoe as close to the tongue as possible so it doesn’t rub against your foot as you walk.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Lace Converse
    Try your new lacing method out by tying up your shoes and seeing how they fit. If you need to, pull the lace through the side hole of your shoes more or less to tighten and loosen the fit.
    • This is a great hack if your shoes are feeling a little too floppy or loose!
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I lace them so I won't have to tie my shoes?
    Aidan Boyers
    Community Answer
    Try and lace them loosely, and when laced all the way up, either let them hang, or tie a small knot at each end of the lace so that they won't fall out of the last hole
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 32
  • Question
    Why are there 2 tongues?
    Kat :3
    Community Answer
    It's just a design choice. The suggested way to wear a double tongue shoe is with one tongue folded over so that you can see the design on the inner tongue. Look up pictures or videos for more info.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 13
  • Question
    How do I keep the tongue from scrunching up?
    Community Answer
    Tie your laces tightly to keep your tongues up and flat on your ankles.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Try changing up your lace pattern weekly or monthly!
        Thanks
        Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
      • Look for different colored laces for a fun pop of color. You can find laces in all different colors, including neon green and hot pink.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • Stuff a pair of socks into the toes of your shoes before lacing to keep an even amount of tension throughout the laces.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 3

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you want the tongue of the shoe to stop moving to the sides, insert your laces into the little tab near the bottom of the tongue and tie it like normal. This should keep the tongue in place.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straightbarlacing.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZDIJILCM-o&feature=youtu.be&t=43
      3. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/crisscrosslacing.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZDIJILCM-o&feature=youtu.be&t=60
      5. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/crisscrosslacing.htm
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/8DkCoG6n8vk?t=66
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/8DkCoG6n8vk?t=85
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIbLASaTas0&feature=youtu.be&t=17
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIbLASaTas0&feature=youtu.be&t=6
      1. ↑ https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straightbarlacing.htm
      2. ↑ https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/straightbarlacing.htm
      3. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/shoelacelengths.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublesidedlacing.htm
      5. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublesidedlacing.htm
      6. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublesidedlacing.htm
      7. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublesidedlacing.htm
      8. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublesidedlacing.htm
      9. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublesidedlacing.htm
      10. ↑ http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublesidedlacing.htm
      11. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cvam8VQUYuQ?t=23
      12. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/style/news/a44109/why-theres-holes-in-the-side-of-converse-shoes/
      13. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cvam8VQUYuQ?t=37
      14. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cvam8VQUYuQ?t=42
      15. ↑ https://youtu.be/Cvam8VQUYuQ?t=64

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To lace your Converse shoes using a criss-cross pattern, start by threading the lace up through the bottom set of eyelets from the underside of the shoe. Next, thread the left-sided lace up through the underside of the second right eyelet to create a diagonal line. Then, pull the right-sided lace through the second left eyelet. Continue criss-crossing the laces until you reach the top pair of eyelets, then tie your shoes as normal. For more tips, like how to lace your Converse shoes using a straight bar pattern, read on!

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        Feb 4

        "I untied them to wash them, then I couldnt figure out how to tie them, so this helped a lot. Thanks wikiHow."
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