How to Lace Shoes Like a Breakdancer

Lace up your shoes to breakdance on the street or in the club.

Popular in the 1980s, breakdancing has once again surged to popularity. Some of the dance moves have become more extreme, but the fashion has changed more drastically over the years. Unlike the b-boys of the 1980s, most present day breakdancers don't lace up with fat laces unless they're trying look Old School. However, fashion and functionality still start with the shoes. While your overall look dictates how you lace your shoes, there are a few basic styles so you don't end up looking like a poser.

Instructions

Lace Your Shoes Like a Breakdancer

1. 

   Your laces should match your outfit.

   Choose your laces to complement your look. Whether you are going for a clean white-on-white look, or a pop of color, your laces should work with your overall outfit, matching your hat, shirts, gloves and shoes. Breakdancing outfits should match completely, both within one outfit, and with your dance group.

2. Lace up tight. To keep your ankles safe and your shoes on while you dance, lace up your shoes tight. Especially with the more intricate designs, you must be careful to pull the laces evenly and firmly through the shoes. If you choose to use a hidden knot (no visible tie), make the laces tight enough, without pressing on your foot, so they don't pull loose.

3. Choose your lacing style. There is no one way to lace your shoes as a breakdancer, but you can use the lacing style to further your look. Minimal designs simply create criss crosses, while more intricate designs form boxes or or lattices. "Sneaker Freaker Magazine" pulled some of the most visually exciting styles in an easy-to-follow guide (sneakerfreaker.com).

Tips & Warnings

• To create the more intricate styles, you need long, flat shoelaces. The flat laces show off the design better.

• Keep your laces relatively flat on the shoe to avoid the possibility of catching the laces on something or hurting your foot.

References

• Hip Hop Area: Breakdance Fashion
• Sneaker Freaker Magazine: Guide to Lacing

Resources

• 36 ways to tie shoelaces
• Shoelaces for Breakdancing