How to Lace Your Vans

Today we’re answering the age-old question: how do I lace Vans shoes? Whether you’re wondering how to lace chunky Vans, Hi-top Vans, or Knu Skool Vans, we’ve got your back because the answer is, of course, whatever way suits your style.

How To Cross-Lace Vans Shoes 

Wondering how to lace Authentic Vans or how to lace Old Skool Vans? The cross-lacing method is the standard for our iconic styles, including the Vans Authentic and Old Skool. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Thread each end of the shoelace through the two bottom eyelets: the left end through the left eyelet and vice versa, forming a bar between them.
2. Thread the right lace through the next eyelet on the left side, going over and down through the hole (be careful not to twist the lace!).
3. Repeat the process with the left lace, being sure to feed the lace downward through the eyelet, then bring it back up again once it's threaded.
4. Continue the pattern up to your desired eyelet. Some people like to leave a few eyelets empty for more room, while others like a snug fit.
5. Cross-lacing shoes means that one side of your laces will always lie atop the other. When lacing your second shoe, if you reverse the pattern, your shoes will be mirrored.

How To Straight-Lace or Bar-Lace Vans Shoes 

If you’re wondering how to lace your skate shoes or just need an extra-snug fit on your shoes, the straight-lacing method will give you a good grip throughout the day (and give your shoes a unique look, to boot). Here’s how it’s done: 

1. Thread the left end of the lace in downwards through the bottom left eyelet, right end of the lace through the bottom right eyelet.
2. Feed the left lace underneath the second-bottom eyelet on the left side and bring it up through the hole. This method hides the laces for a clean look.
3. Take the right lace and feed it through the third bottom-right eyelet from underneath. The second right eyelet should remain empty.
4. Grab your left lace and insert it down through the second bottom-right eyelet (the empty one). Both laces should now be on the right side of the shoe.
5. Now take the right lace (the one in the third bottom-right eyelet) and feed it up and across to the left side and down through the third bottom-left eyelet.
6. Repeat the process on the other side.

How To Zipper Lace Vans Shoes 

Can’t decide between cross laces and straight laces? Zipper lacing is the unique middle ground between the two. Follow these steps to zipper lace your favorite pair of Vans: 

1. Tie one end of your lace in a knot. This knot will act as an anchor of sorts, so make sure it isn’t able to fit through the eyelets.
2. Thread the unknotted end of the lace through the bottom right eyelet from underneath.
3. Take this same end across and over, threading it downwards through the bottom left eyelet.
4. Bring the lace under and across, threading it upwards through the second-to-bottom right eyelet.
5. Repeat until your shoe is laced all the way. You won’t have to tie your shoelaces with this method, so simply pull it as tight as you like, tuck in the end of the lace, and you’re good to go.

How To Hide Your Vans Shoelaces 

Wondering how to tie your Vans without your laces showing? Perhaps you’re about to hit the skatepark or single track. Maybe you’re heading out on a camping trip. Whatever the case, hiding the laces on your Vans trainers is the best way to avoid tripping on them and getting them caught in your wheels. Luckily, it’s pretty simple: instead of bringing your laces back up to tie them at the front, just tuck the ends into the sides. This works best with the straight-lace and zipper-lace methods.

Get The Most Wear Out of Your Vans Laces 

Whether you’re a skater, rider, or avid walker (nothing wrong with that!), chances are that signs of wear and tear will eventually appear on your Vans laces. Swap out your lace patterns every so often to reduce the impact on your laces and keep them looking fresh for longer.

Switch It Up 

Give your fav go-to skate shoes a new look with a fresh pair of laces, available in black, white and our iconic Checkerboard print. Our shoelaces are made to fit any pair of Vans shoes, so you can wear them however you like. They’re also designed for the daily grind with 100% polyester for long-lasting durability.