Maybe you’re transitioning into the new version of your favorite shoe, and it just doesn’t feel the same. Or possibly you’re coming off an injury, and you’re trying to ease back into your routine or perhaps dealing with the dreaded black toenail. Some shoelace techniques can help you there.
If you have a regular shoe, you probably tie them the way you have always done, but the running shoe is different. It’s worth it to learn some shoelace techniques and handle typical running issues.
Many of you don’t know how much you can customize the fit of your running shoes just by changing the lacing techniques. Several techniques are available such as Wide Forefoot, Heel Lock Lacing, or Heel Slipping system. All the lacing techniques are equally useful for different foot issues.
Try The Runner’s Knot?
As different runners choose various shoes, different running shoes require unique lacing techniques. If you’re using good-quality concrete running shoes, then a runner’s knot is the best way of lacing. It can create a tighter connection in the top areas of your foot. If your shoes are tight on the top of the foot, this could cause severe pain.
If your activity level, training loads, and other things are not the main reason for your pain, you should check the shoelace. When your foot pain is in the top of the foot, then tie the runner’s knot.
Here’s how to tie the runner’s knot.
Crisscross your laces from the lowermost eyelets and stop before your reach, lacing the last one. Create a loop by bringing both laces to and through the eyelet from above. From the opposite side, criss-cross both the laces. Now lock the laces by pulling them tightly and then tie them.
How to Lace Running Shoes the Right Way?
Depending on how tight and loose fit you want, several lacing techniques are available. Here are some popular lacing techniques we’ve covered here.
High Instep Lacing
You have a high instep if your foot is slightly lifted under your arch. Unlace the laces’ top three or four eyelets (leaving only 2-3 laces). Do not cross over on the third or fourth eyelet.
Instead, go straight up into the eyelet above the one you just laced. The left lace should be woven directly into the hole directly above the left one. Continue in the same way with the right lace.
Now cross over and continue lace-making as normal. There will be no cross pressure over a portion of your foot’s top. Continue lacing and tying as usual.
Wide Forefoot
Unlace the shoe, and only the bottom section of your shoes need to be laced. The left shoelace end should go into the eyelet directly above it; then, the right shoelace end should go into the eyelet directly above it. Continue to lace up your shoes regularly and tie them as you would with other shoes. This can assist with bunions and other foot problems that affect your toes.
Heel Lock Lacing
Heel lock is a popular running technique, often known as the runner’s loop or runner’s knot. You use the extra lace hole to heel lock lace. Yes, many runners are perplexed as to why there are so many lace holes. Here’s the solution!
- Begin lacing your shoes as you have in the past (cross pattern)
- When you reach the top, exit from the front top hole and enter through the second hole, forming two little loops.
- Cross the laces over and thread each side of the lace through the loop you just made on the opposing side.
- Pull the laces tighter. Tie your shoes the way you typically would.
Heel Slipping
Until you’re in the top two eyelets tighten lace normally. Now skip the top front eyelets. Then try to lace into the back eyelet, which is going toward the outside of your shoe. Directly tie the shoelaces as normal.
Loop Lacing
This lacing technique is one of the comfortable techniques which will be helpful for a snug fit. Then your feet are under the shoes. However, this lacing technique will help you avoid your foot from moving its position.
Diagonal Lacing
By lifting your toe box, you can observe the natural motion of your foot, which is similar to the diagonal stitching.
Cross-over Lacing
People who have a higher arch can use the crop-over latching technique. You just need to loosen the middle part of the shoelace. It’ll allow you more room for your feet and peaks.
Skip Lacing
This technique is similar to the cross-over latching option. Here you just need to skip the loop in those places where you require more room. If you have a pair of Cloudflyer, then this is for you.
Speed Lacing
This lacing technique is for those who love easy things. It enables unique entry into the Cloud. With one elastic lace, you can make this happen. This technique is mainly for shoes like Cloud.
Extra Eyelet
For people who easily slip out, this extra eyelet is for them. Almost most of the shoes have an extra eyelet. These are also known as the seatbelts of the shoes.
How Tight Should Running Shoes Be Laced?
Your shoes should be fit but not too tight when you tie the shoelaces. Tie the laces, then place two fingers on each side.
Two fingers should fit between the eyelets. However, if you can fit three fingers between your toes, you’ve probably bought shoes with too much volume and shouldn’t try to fix it with lacing.
Wrapping Up
After reading this write-up, try some shoe lacing techniques and decide which one is perfect for you. When your laces tore, make sure you choose laces with similar lengths and shapes. Flat laces will save you from loosening knots than the round one.
You can also switch to the cotton one from those artificial synthetic ones. Most of the shoes and the lace lifespan are equal. So consider replacing your shoes if you have already changed your laces more than three times.