Criss Cross Lacing

A Step-by-Step Shoe Lacing Tutorial

About the Criss Cross Method

The Criss-Cross method is probably the easiest way to lace dress shoes. It’s straightforward, classic and functional. This is a great starting point for any novice or traditionalist because it’s time-tested and easy to tighten.

DIFFICULTY 1/5

Criss Cross Instructions

1. 1. With the toe facing you, slip your shoelace through the bottom eyelet pair. The shoelace should go over the facing to create a straight bar.
2. 2. Take the left shoelace and thread it through the right eyelet and take the right shoelace and thread it through the left eyelet. It should lace behind the facing and remain unseen.
3. 3. Take the right shoelace and lace it through the left eyelet. It should lace behind the facing and remain unseen.
4. 4. Take the left shoelace and lace it through the right eyelet. It should lace behind the facing and remain unseen.
5. 5. Repeat steps three and four until you have one set of eyelets remaining.
6. 5. Once you get to the top, lace the shoelace through the top eyelets and below the facing to allow the shoelace to lay flat.

Open Lacing vs. Closed Lacing