Criss Cross Lacing

First pattern that I learned was Straight European (probably because I saw it around, I live in Europe), at the start I didn't like Criss Cross at all (bit now I think its probably the most practical pattern).

– Dejan S., Jul-2022

It seems like display style lacing has gained massive popularity in the last ten years or so. Shoes like converse chuck taylors and jack purcells can be commonly seen laced in this fashion when traditionally they were laced criss cross. I have gone with both methods over the years and have come to the conclusion that while display looks good on some shoes, the criss cross method is much better in terms of comfort and ease of tightening laces. I recently relaced my jacks from display to criss cross and it's amazing how much less pressure I feel on the top of my foot and easier to adjust they are. I always used to think not bridging the first eyelet was visually unappealing, but it's alot easier to get shoes or boots uniformly tight this way and feels very secure.

– Blake R., Oct-2020

Several years ago I had a pair of deck shoes, with leather laces, that irritated my skin under the bottom lace. I had laced them using the Criss Cross method. I discovered that going back to the Factory Variation relieved the pressure from the bottom lace (grey section) that was causing the irritation.

– George, OK, USA, Jan-2017

I tried doing the simple criss cross because it looked cool. But when I put my foot in and tightend my shoe it looked really funny. I have converse shoes and when i do the thing they cross over and u only see one lace and It doesnt look to pleasing. You know how the laces look like crosses... mine look like this \/ all the way up and all the way down .

– Ryan M., Jul-2005

That straight lacing method is the method used on shoes and ankle boots (but not combat boots which are laced using the standard criss cross lacing) for, not only cadets, but by all members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

– J-P J., Ontario, Canada, Jun-2005

For those of us with narrow feet, criss cross lacing has an disadvantage compared with straight lacing: For the standard criss cross style, the laces must run from above to below between the left and the right side; but with narrow feet, you sometimes simply don't have the space for laces at that place.

– Bodo M., Feb-2005

I've also noticed that I'm lacing my shoes using a variation of the Criss Cross lacing, resulting in the first cross being under and sebsequent crosses being over. The reason is that I was starting the lacing by running the bottom line down into the shoe instead of up creating a sort of “shoe hood ornament.” So my variation wasn't as visually pleasing as the original. There was also a bunching at the bottom from my step.

– Rob M., Oct-2004

For example the European straight lacing method, as well as the shoe shop menthod result in various crossings of the laces UNDER the two sides of the shoe. Consequently the thickening due to the crossing of the laces is pressed into the instep of the foot when tying the laces. For me that is THE most important reason why I prefer the criss-cross method, where the thickening of the crossed laces is BETWEEN the two sides of the shoe. No pressure on the instep!

– Martin v-H., Leiden, The Netherlands, Mar-2004

By the way, something you might want to explicitly add to your “Traditional criss-cross” lacing. Make sure to alternate which lace goes on top with each pair of eyelets. Your illustration does show this. It's always the left or right side that crosses on top.

I learned this method from professional hockey players. By alternating, it “locks” the laces into place, ensuring a long-lasting, tight - but comfortable fit. The last thing you want went you're going from 20 mph to 0 in less than a second is a loose boot!

– (Anonymous), Mar-2004