How to Tie Shoe Laces Straight

Straight lacing is also referred to as bar lacing, fashion lacing or lydiard lacing according to Ian's Shoelace Site. This method of shoe tying is beneficial for those who suffer from increased pressure across the top of your feet or if the shoe fit is overly tight. This tying technique is also good for those who prefer for their laced shoes to have a neat and orderly appearance.

Instructions

Straight or Parallel Lacing

1. Turn your shoe so that the toes are facing you. If the shoe already has laces, remove them. If you have purchased new laces, remove them from their packaging.

2. Start at the bottom of the shoe nearest the big toe and push one end of your shoe lace through the first eyelet. Bring the lace up along the underside and pull it through the second eyelet that is directly above the first. Adjust the lace so that an even length is coming from both eyelets.

3. Take the lace that is extending from the first eyelet and move it horizontally across the tongue. Push it through the first eyelet directly on the opposite side and pull the lace straight up along the underside. Do not touch the lace extending from the second eyelet at this time.

4. Skip the second eyelet on that side . Pull the lace up through the third eyelet.

5. Move the lace directly across the top of the shoe to the third eyelet on the side of the big toe. Push it through the top of the eyelet and bring it straight up along the underside. Skip the fourth eyelet and pull the lace out of the fifth eyelet on the same side. Repeat the process until you have reached the top.

6. Go back to the shoe lace that is sticking out of the second eyelet on the side of the big toe. Carry that lace straight across the top and push it through the top of the eyelet directly opposite it. Bring the lace straight up along the underside. Skip an eyelet and pull it out from the bottom of the next one. Continue lacing it in the same manner as the first lace until you have reached the top of the shoe and it is fully laced.

Simple Straight Lacing

1. Take your shoe lace and push one end through the top of the eyelet at the bottom of the shoe on the big toe side. Move across the top of the shoe and push the other end through the top of the first eyelet that is directly on the opposite side. Adjust the lace so that it is even.

2. Pull the lace that is on the big toe side straight up and pull it out of the uppermost eyelet on the same side.

3. Grasp the lace that is pushed through the first eyelet on the opposite side of the shoe. Pull it straight up to the second eyelet directly above it and push it out towards you. Cross the lace over the tongue to the eyelet that is directly opposite it and push it through the top of the eyelet. Pull it straight up along the underside to the next eyelet on the same side and push through.

4. Work your way up the shoe by continuing to cross the shoe and moving straight up to the next eyelet until you come out of the top empty one.

References

• Running World: How to Properly Tie Your Running Shoes: My Shoe is too Tight Along the Top
• Ian's Shoe Lace Site: Straight (Bar) Lacing
• Foot Fashion: Shoe Lacing
• Ian's Shoe Lace Site: Straight Easy Lacing