Unlocking Style: A Comprehensive Guide to Lacing Your Vans Shoes

Vans shoes, with their iconic skater aesthetic and timeless appeal, are a staple in countless wardrobes. But beyond their comfortable fit and durable construction lies the potential for self-expression through lacing styles. How you lace your Vans can dramatically alter their look, transforming them from casual everyday wear to a statement piece. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various lacing methods, providing detailed steps and instructions to help you achieve your desired style.

Why Does Lacing Matter?

Lacing isn’t just about keeping your shoes on; it’s about:

• Style: Different lacing techniques can create a unique visual appeal, reflecting your personal taste and complementing your outfit.
• Comfort: Proper lacing can improve the fit of your shoes, providing better support and preventing discomfort or blisters.
• Durability: Certain lacing methods can distribute pressure more evenly, potentially extending the lifespan of your laces and even your shoes.
• Personalization: Express yourself! Lacing is a simple and affordable way to customize your Vans and make them your own.

Essential Tools and Preparation

Before you begin, gather the following:

• Your Vans Shoes: Obviously! Choose the pair you want to re-lace.
• New or Clean Laces (Optional): If your current laces are worn, dirty, or you simply want a different color or style, have a fresh pair ready.
• Scissors (Optional): If your laces are excessively long, you may want to trim them after lacing. Be careful not to cut them too short!
• A Clean Surface: A table or counter will provide a comfortable workspace.
• Good Lighting: Ensure you have adequate lighting to see what you’re doing clearly.

Basic Criss-Cross Lacing (The Classic Look)

This is the most common and straightforward lacing method, perfect for a clean and casual look.

1. Starting Point: Remove the old laces completely. This allows for a fresh start and avoids any tangles.
2. Threading the First Eyelets: Hold both ends of the lace and insert them downwards into the two bottom eyelets of your shoe. Make sure the lace length is even on both sides.
3. The Criss-Cross: Take the left lace and insert it over and through the eyelet on the right side, one row up. Repeat this process with the right lace, inserting it over and through the eyelet on the left side, one row up.
4. Continue the Pattern: Continue criss-crossing the laces, alternating sides with each row, until you reach the top eyelets.
5. Adjust and Tighten: Before tying, gently pull on each lace segment to tighten the lacing. Ensure the tension is even throughout the shoe.
6. Tie the Laces: Tie your laces in a standard bow or knot. Adjust the loops and tails to your desired length.

Tips for Criss-Cross Lacing:

• For a Tighter Fit: Pull the laces tighter as you go.
• For a Looser Fit: Loosen the laces slightly as you go.
• Experiment with Lace Length: If you find the laces are too long, consider using shorter laces or adjusting the length of the loops and tails after tying.

Straight Bar Lacing (European Lacing)

Straight bar lacing, also known as European lacing or horizontal lacing, creates a clean, sophisticated look with parallel lines across the shoe. It’s a popular choice for a more formal or minimalist aesthetic.

1. Starting Point: As with all lacing methods, remove the existing laces.
2. Threading the First Eyelets: Insert one end of the lace downwards into the bottom left eyelet. Then, insert the same end of the lace downwards into the bottom right eyelet. This creates a horizontal bar across the bottom of the shoe.
3. Threading the Left Side: Take the left lace (the one that emerged from the bottom left eyelet) and thread it upwards through the eyelet directly above it on the same side.
4. Threading the Right Side: Take the right lace (the one that emerged from the bottom right eyelet) and thread it upwards through the *second* eyelet above it on the same side (skipping one eyelet).
5. Creating the Next Bar: Take the left lace (now emerging from the second eyelet) and thread it across to the opposite side, inserting it downwards into the eyelet. This forms the second horizontal bar.
6. Continue the Pattern: Continue threading the laces in this alternating pattern: one side goes up one eyelet, the other goes up two, and then each lace crosses over to form a horizontal bar.
7. Adjust and Tighten: Gently tighten the laces as you go, ensuring the horizontal bars are straight and even.
8. Tie the Laces: Tie the laces at the top, adjusting the loops and tails as needed.

Tips for Straight Bar Lacing:

• Concealing the Knot: For an even cleaner look, you can tuck the laces inside the shoe before tying them. This works best with slightly shorter laces.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Straight bar lacing can be a bit tricky at first, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.
• Variations: Some variations involve skipping different numbers of eyelets on each side, creating different visual effects.

Ladder Lacing (For a Rugged Look)

Ladder lacing creates a series of vertical bars that resemble a ladder, giving your Vans a more rugged and distinctive appearance. It’s often used for boots and work shoes but can add a unique touch to your Vans.

1. Starting Point: Remove the old laces.
2. Threading the First Eyelets: Insert both ends of the lace downwards into the two bottom eyelets.
3. Threading Upwards: Take the left lace and thread it upwards through the eyelet directly above it on the same side. Repeat this process with the right lace.
4. Creating the First Rung: Take the left lace and thread it horizontally across to the right side, inserting it underneath the vertical lace on the right side and then into the eyelet.
5. Creating the Next Rung: Now, take the right lace and thread it horizontally across to the left side, inserting it underneath the vertical lace on the left side and then into the eyelet.
6. Continue the Pattern: Continue threading the laces in this alternating horizontal pattern, creating the ladder rungs. Make sure the laces are pulled tight to maintain the ladder effect.
7. Adjust and Tighten: Ensure the ladder rungs are even and tight.
8. Tie the Laces: Tie the laces at the top.

Tips for Ladder Lacing:

• Tight Lacing is Key: The effectiveness of ladder lacing relies on tight lacing. Pull the laces firmly after each rung to maintain the ladder structure.
• Consider Lace Material: Thicker, sturdier laces work best for ladder lacing, as they hold the shape of the rungs better.
• Experiment with Color: Using contrasting colors for the laces and shoes can enhance the visual impact of the ladder lacing.

Over Under Lacing (For Durability and Security)

Over under lacing is a variation of criss-cross lacing that alternates the direction of the lace, resulting in a more durable and secure lacing method. It’s often used in athletic shoes and can provide a snug fit for your Vans.

1. Starting Point: Remove existing laces.
2. Threading the First Eyelets: Insert both ends of the lace upwards into the bottom two eyelets.
3. First Criss-Cross (Over): Take the left lace and thread it over the right lace and then downwards through the eyelet one row up on the right side.
4. Second Criss-Cross (Under): Take the right lace and thread it under the left lace and then downwards through the eyelet one row up on the left side.
5. Continue Alternating: Continue alternating between threading the laces over and under each other as you move up the shoe.
6. Adjust and Tighten: Adjust the tension of the laces to your desired level of comfort and support.
7. Tie the Laces: Tie your laces at the top.

Tips for Over Under Lacing:

• Focus on the Alternation: Remember to alternate between threading the laces over and under each other for each row.
• Good for High-Impact Activities: This lacing method is a good choice if you plan on using your Vans for skateboarding or other activities that require a secure fit.

Display Lacing (For Showing Off Your Laces)

Display lacing is a technique designed to highlight your laces, often using laces with unique patterns, colors, or textures. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your Vans and show off your style.

1. Choose Eye-Catching Laces: Select laces that you want to showcase. Think bright colors, bold patterns, or interesting textures like rope or waxed cotton.
2. Basic Criss-Cross or Straight Bar: Use either the basic criss-cross lacing or straight bar lacing method as your foundation. The key is to keep the lacing relatively simple and clean so the laces themselves remain the focus.
3. Don’t Over-Tighten: Avoid over-tightening the laces, as this can distort the pattern and hide the laces.
4. Experiment with Lace Placement: You can experiment with different lace placements to further emphasize the design. For example, you might leave a small gap between the laces on each row to create more visual space.
5. Let the Laces Speak: The goal is to let the laces be the star of the show, so keep the overall lacing simple and uncluttered.

Tips for Display Lacing:

• Consider the Shoe Color: Choose laces that complement or contrast with the color of your Vans.
• Match Your Outfit: Coordinate your laces with your outfit for a cohesive and stylish look.
• Have Fun with It!: Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations of laces and lacing methods.

Hidden Knot Lacing (For a Minimalist Aesthetic)

Hidden knot lacing is a technique where the knot is tied on the inside of the shoe, creating a clean and minimalist look. This is a great option if you prefer a sleek and uncluttered appearance.

1. Choose Your Lacing Method: You can use any of the lacing methods described above (criss-cross, straight bar, etc.) as your base.
2. Lace Almost to the Top: Lace your shoes as you normally would, stopping one or two eyelets short of the top.
3. Tie the Knot on the Inside: Instead of tying the laces at the top eyelets, tie them together on the inside of the shoe, underneath the tongue. Make sure the knot is secure and won’t come undone easily.
4. Tuck the Laces: Tuck the remaining lace ends into the shoe, concealing them completely.

Tips for Hidden Knot Lacing:

• Use Shorter Laces: Shorter laces work best for this method, as they will be easier to tuck away inside the shoe.
• Secure the Knot: Make sure the knot is tied tightly to prevent it from coming undone. You may want to use a double knot for extra security.
• Comfort is Key: Ensure the knot is not pressing uncomfortably against your foot. Adjust the placement of the knot if necessary.

Lacing Based on Shoe Style:

The best lacing style can also depend on the specific Vans model you’re working with:

• Vans Authentic: These low-profile classics look great with simple criss-cross lacing or straight bar lacing. Display lacing can also be fun with these.
• Vans Era: Similar to Authentics, Eras benefit from classic lacing styles. Over Under lacing can provide a more secure fit for skateboarding.
• Vans Old Skool: The iconic side stripe on Old Skools makes them ideal for showcasing different lacing styles. Straight bar lacing highlights the clean lines, while criss-cross adds a more casual vibe.
• Vans Sk8-Hi: These high-tops offer more lacing options. Ladder lacing adds a rugged touch, while criss-cross or Over Under provide secure ankle support.
• Vans Slip-On: Since Slip-Ons don’t have laces, you can get creative with lace-like accessories or decorative elements around the shoe’s opening to mimic lacing styles.

Beyond the Basics: Creative Lacing Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the basic lacing methods, you can start experimenting with more creative ideas:

• Two-Tone Lacing: Use two different colored laces for a bold and eye-catching look. You can either thread one color on each side or alternate colors throughout the lacing pattern.
• Ombre Lacing: Use laces that gradually change color from one end to the other, creating a subtle and stylish effect.
• Patterned Laces: Choose laces with unique patterns, such as stripes, polka dots, or floral prints, to add a playful touch to your Vans.
• Ribbon Laces: Replace traditional laces with satin or velvet ribbons for a more feminine and elegant look.
• Rope Laces: Use thicker rope laces for a more rugged and industrial aesthetic.
• Beaded Laces: Add beads to your laces for a bohemian-inspired look.
• DIY Lace Charms: Create your own lace charms using beads, buttons, or other small objects.

Maintaining Your Laces

To keep your laces looking their best, follow these simple tips:

• Wash Your Laces Regularly: Hand wash your laces with mild soap and water, or machine wash them in a laundry bag on a delicate cycle.
• Replace Worn Laces: Replace your laces when they become frayed, worn, or discolored.
• Store Your Laces Properly: Store your laces in a clean and dry place to prevent them from becoming damaged or tangled.

Troubleshooting Common Lacing Problems

• Laces Too Short: If your laces are too short, you may need to purchase longer laces. Alternatively, you can try skipping an eyelet or two to create more slack.
• Laces Too Long: If your laces are too long, you can trim them with scissors, but be careful not to cut them too short. You can also try creating larger loops or tucking the excess lace into the shoe.
• Laces Coming Undone: If your laces are constantly coming undone, try using a different knot or tying the laces tighter. You can also try using waxed laces, which are less likely to slip.
• Uneven Lacing: If your lacing looks uneven, take the time to adjust the tension of the laces on each side of the shoe. You may need to loosen and re-lace certain sections to achieve a balanced look.

Conclusion: Lacing is an Art

Lacing your Vans shoes is more than just a practical necessity; it’s an art form that allows you to express your individuality and enhance your style. By mastering the basic lacing methods and experimenting with different techniques and accessories, you can transform your Vans into a unique and personalized statement piece. So, grab your laces and get creative! Have fun exploring the endless possibilities of lacing and discover the perfect look for your Vans.

Remember to share your unique lacing styles with us in the comments below!