So you just bought a brand new pair of basketball shoes, and you laced them up and went straight to the court to play a few games. However, when you got back home you noticed your feet and ankles were sore and you had a few blisters on your feet.
These are all problems from having your basketball shoes improperly laced. Knowing exactly how and why you should lace your shoes properly for basketball can ensure you are playing at your peak performance, and also stave off injury.
First Things First
When you are looking for the best way to tie your basketball shoes, there are a few things to consider:
Are you playing in a sanctioned game or a pick-up game?
Does the way your shoes look matter to you?
Do you have wide feet?
These are all things that will matter in the final decision on how to tie your shoes and should be considered. While the first method on our list below will work for any of these situations, the other methods should be considered as well.
Trial and error to see how your feet react to different lacing and tying are paramount. Every person has a different preference for how their shoes should feel, so we suggest experimenting to find exactly what works for you.
Method #1 – The Old School
If you are looking for a good all-around way to tie your shoes, this is simple and decently effective. Your mom probably showed you how to tie your shoes this way when you were a little kid, and there is a good chance you still tie at least some of your sneakers this way today.
All you need to do is lace them in the normal crisscross pattern all the way to the top of the shoe. If you are wearing high tops, make sure you go all the way up to the top of the shoe, providing that extra ankle support.
This method works great for quick pickup games at your local park, or when playing with your friends. It could be used in a proper game situation, but there are better options.
Most people know how to lace and tie this knot, but if you don’t, this video will teach you how:
Method #2 – The Sasquatch
If you have extremely wide and large feet, this is the method for you. You will lace them exactly the same as the old school, starting at the bottom eyelets. The difference here is you will skip the next set of eyelets, giving you more room in the shoes for your larger feet.
You will still need to tie them as tight as you can comfortably, but this should provide an easier fit for your wider than average feet. Don’t forget to go to the top of your high tops. Don’t skip any sections on the high top upper, as you don’t want to run the risk of a sprained ankle.
Check out this video to see this lacing technique in action:
Method #3 – The Competitor
The last method is for those of you who play basketball competitively. This means at a high level, be it a church league, high school, college, or even professionally.
You will want to tie them as you did in Method #1, starting at the bottom and lacing up in a crisscross pattern. However, once you reach the top of your high top sneakers, you will want to lace the very top eyelet reverse (lace from outside to inside) and leave it loose. It should look like you have two bunny ears, one on each side.
After that, you will want to finish normally, except taking the criss crossed laces at the end through the bunny ears and pulling tight before tying. This will give you the absolute most support and protection against injuries.
To get a better understanding of this method, check out this video:
Tips and Tricks
Making sure the bottom of your shoes stay clean and clear of any debris is just as important as lacing and tying them properly. So after you leave the gym and head home, make sure you take the time to scrub the bottom with soap and water to keep your soles nice and clean to prevent injury.
The last tip we have for you is to always double knot your shoes. This will ensure that they don’t come loose and cause a tripping hazard. The knot is what holds the entire shoe firmly against your foot, giving you the most stability. Given its importance, make sure it is as strong as possible with a double.
Final Words
Don’t go into a game with your shoes laced halfway and tied loosely. You are just asking for a twisted ankle or worse. Take the time out to tie your shoes correctly and keep your feet and ankles in the best shape they can be.
Do you have a specific way you tie your basketball shoes? Let us know in the comments below!
How To Tie Basketball Shoes (3 Different Ways)
I was seven years old the first time I learned to tie my shoe by myself. It was one of the happiest days of my life because I felt I achieved something. It was my dad who taught me how to tie my shoe. The reason why he taught me to tie my shoe is that he was tired of bending his knees every time I loosen the tie on my shoe.
When I grew older, I realized that learning to tie my shoe is essential because this skill I’ve learned will be used every day in my life. I used this skill in many circumstances in my life, especially when I started to fall in love with basketball.
There are injuries that you can encounter because of improperly lacing up your basketball shoes. Knowing the correct way of lacing up your shoes will bring the best out of you. Plus, it will prevent you from getting some serious injuries.
What To Consider?
1 What To Consider?
2 Different Ways To Tie Your Basketball Shoes
3 How Tight Should Your Basketball Shoes Be?
4 Final Words
There are a few things you need to consider before picking what method you will use. These are things to consider:
How many minutes would you play?
Do you have wide or large feet?
Are you playing an organized game or a pickup game?
Do you feel any pain in your ankle lately?
Will you consider to play at your highest level?
These are a few things you probably need to consider before choosing what method you will use to tie your shoes. Lacing up your shoe isn’t just lacing up your shoe. Consider the lacing of shoes as your priority as well because mistakenly laced shoes can cause injuries.
Try our different methods below and see what your feet would feel. People have diverged preferences for how their shoes should feel, so we cannot come up with a conclusion on what your feet should feel when you try one of each method. Try experimenting some of these methods to see which of these methods works perfectly for you.
Different Ways To Tie Your Basketball Shoes
These are the different ways to tie your basketball shoes. Each distinct ways have different purposes. The first method we’ve featured was the basic and can be used in any situation but try to consider the other methods to see what works well for you.
Method #1 – The Basic
If you wanted a simple method and easiest way to learn to tie your shoes, this method is the one you should consider. Probably this was the method taught by your mom or dad when you are a little kid. You can use this method in any situation and can compatible with any lace-up basketball shoes.
We called it “the basic” because the method is a piece of cake. All you need to do is to lace it in a crisscross pattern to the top of the shoe. Tie a basic knot and make a bunny ear with each lace. Crisscross the loops, tuck one under the hole that has been created, and then pull.
This method is adequate for street basketball games, pickup games, or when playing with your friends. You can use it in an organized game, but there are other best options below.
Check the video below if you have no idea what this method is:
Method #2 – Wide Feet Method
If you have wide and large feet, then this method is basically for you. You will lace them like the basic. Start at the bottom eyelets on the way to the top eyelets. The only difference here is you will skip one set of eyelets. Doing this method will give your large feet more room in the shoes.
Make sure to tie them in a comfortably tight manner. It should be tight so the knot won’t lose easily, but it should be also comfortable so your feet won’t get irritated while running on the floor.
Check the video below to see how this method was done:
Method #3 – The Ultra Lock
This method is for basketball players who play in an organized game. An organized game means playing in a 12 minutes quarter game. It could be a college basketball game, intramural games, or even professionally.
First is to tie them like in method #1, start at the bottom eyelets and lacing it in a crisscross pattern up to the top eyelets. When you get to the top, place it on the other side and pull it through, and you will have one bugs bunny ears, one on each side. Cross the laces, and put it through each bugs bunny’s holes.and then pull it nice and tight. Then tie the shoe like you normally do. This method will give you strong support and protection on your ankles. It will prevent you from getting severe injuries.
Check the video below for a concise instruction of this method:
How Tight Should Your Basketball Shoes Be?
A poorly tied basketball shoe can put you at risk of injuries. Basketball will test your physical strength. You will do a lot of jumping and changing direction at a very high speed. Plus, you will run around the court for many minutes.
Your basketball shoes must be properly laced up to prevent serious injuries. It should be enclosed and tight to ensure that your risk of getting an ankle sprain is lessened. Aside from making sure your lace is tight, consider making sure to tie your shoe where you are comfortable. In other words, lace your basketball shoe as tight as possible where you feel comfortable and safe at the same time.
Final Words
Never enter the court without correctly lacing your shoes. It will affect your game and prevent you from playing at your best. Improperly lacing up your shoe can cause you many unwanted injuries. Injuries could be severe or mild. Make sure to take time to tie your shoe before playing. It will keep your feet and ankles unharmed.
Do you have your unique way of tying your basketball shoes? If so, please let us know in the comments section below!
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How to lace up basketball shoes correctly
Not so easy: we'll tell you how to lace up your sneakers correctly.
It's not that easy: we'll show you how to lace your sneakers correctly.
Most people believe that if the foot is uncomfortable in a sneaker, then it's only about the shoes. It is enough to change the model, as the problem will disappear. This is partly true. But still it is worth paying attention to one more component - lacing. Wrong lacing can create a lot of trouble in training. And if you also have a non-standard foot, then lead to painful sensations.
Today we offer you several options for the correct lacing of basketball shoes. You will only have to choose the most suitable for you.
Classic
This is the most common type of lacing. Get sneakers "from birth" at the factory. Approximately 90% of buyers stay with her.
Classic lacing technique:
1. Pass the lace through the first holes.
2. Align so that the ends are the same length.
3. Cross through the following holes to the end.
4. Tighten and tie a bow.
Straight or Rectangular
Suitable for sneakers with 6 holes as an even number of holes is required. Gives shoes a very aesthetic look.
Straight lacing technique:
1. Pass the lace through the first lower holes inwards.
2. Pass the left end through the next hole on the same side. Then horizontally to the opposite.
3. Pass the right end through one hole on the same side. And then horizontally through the opposite.
4. Repeat all steps to the end.
Gossamer
It is also called “Grid”. At first glance, this type of lacing is very complicated. But the main thing is to remember the very beginning, and the rest will follow the knurled one. Here you will also need sneakers with 6 holes. Of the minuses, it can be noted that such lacing is difficult to tighten. But it looks very original.
Gossamer lacing technique:
1. We thread the lace into the first holes from the inside. Align the ends.
2. Thread each end of the lace into the 4th holes in a criss-cross pattern.
3. From the wrong side, return the ends to the second holes on the same side.
4. Cross again and thread through the 5th holes.
5. We return from the inside to the 3rd holes.
6. We pass through the 6th holes crosswise.
Back loop with 2 laces
This method will require you almost the skill of a spider. If you lace up incorrectly, lose the center of the plexus, then the pattern will not work. We'll have to start over this laborious task.
But your patience will be rewarded in full. This type of lacing is the most effective. Especially if you take 2 laces of contrasting color.
Back loop lacing technique:
1. First we thread 1 cord from the left side from the inside.
2. Bring the other end out and lift it up along the same side.
3. Create a spiral. You can leave the loops as the same length, and in decreasing order. The drawing will be even more interesting.
4. The second cord does the same, but on the right side. Only with each hole still passes through the loops of the first lace.
5. At the beginning, the ends of both laces can be tied together or simply hidden from the inside.
6. Do not overtighten! Otherwise, the drawing will be broken.
Lacing extra holes
High top sneakers usually have 2 extra holes that are slightly higher than all the others. We bet you, too, wondered “Why are they?” and “How to lace them?”.
The answer turned out to be banal. They serve as an additional fixation of the leg. And to achieve this goal, a special lacing was invented.
Lacing technique with add. holes:
1. In the first additional hole we thread the cord as usual, in the traditional way, crosswise.
2. Insert the end horizontally along the same side into the second one, leaving a loop. We do this on both sides.
3. Cross the ends and thread them into opposite loops.
4. Tighten and tie a bow.
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Are you wearing basketball shoes now? They were most likely designed by one of these guys. Find out how they got into this business and what we can expect in the future.
Robbie Fuller, 28, Adidas I started out designing trail running shoes here in Portland, then went to Germany for three years and switched to running shoes. I returned to America two years ago, and I only got into basketball design five or six months ago. All previous experience is cool, but basketball is true love. We're kind of a retooled design team, we have a lot of young talent. I still have six designers working with me, all around the same age and all with a basketball background. We play together every week, two or three times a week, and definitely draw our inspiration from the games. It also comes from young guys. I've been to national events hosted by adidas and just meeting high school players and watching them play, I've learned a lot. Our biggest challenge is to make sure the entire basketball line is as exciting as the highest level products. So to say - "not a single sneaker remains in the shadows." This is where I want to use the basketball row, to make sure we give all the players a choice. The game is getting faster, the players are getting bigger and faster, so everything is really in execution. The development of materials plays a big role in what happens - what will affect the stability, cushioning, and you never know what else. Working on new products for guys like Garnett, Duncan and Dwight Howard, we try to use technology to give them what they want. I need to be able to say, "Here's something that will help you improve your level of play." Today, a lot of the design of sneakers is borrowed from the past. In general, you can remake the sneaker itself, or the idea associated with it. I think you can see more examples of the idea of taking a sneaker from the past and redoing it - new treatment, new bells and whistles and a new look. If you want to be a good designer, it's never too early to start. In my fourth year, my friends and I started our own brand. We named him I.F. - "If You Wanna" - and we treated it like a real one. I went to sneaker stores and just drew them. My 5th year progress report says, “Even the pattern of a regular sneaker can bring success.”
Peter Kreidelmayer aka Sneaka Pete, 34, K1X I grew up in Munich, and I was always doing something - building toy spaceships, decorating bikes, a lot of things. In the early 90s, I got into sneakers. Then there was no Internet and you had to save money, fly to New York, look for and buy sneakers with all the money you had. It took some time before I realized that shoe design is an actual job. I studied industrial design in college, wrote my thesis with adidas, and after graduation went to work for Puma. I have worked in different fields but always dreamed of playing basketball, so I gladly took the chance to do something with k1x. I've been here since 2001, when the idea for the first shoe, the Chiefglider, was born. All of our shoes are designed by me, including the upcoming Chiefglider II and 187. In a place like k1x, the whole company is involved in the design; fashion designers, salespeople, marketing team, director - all contribute their valuable ideas. If they don't feel the product, they don't like it, I completely redesign it. I am rarely inspired by any particular thing or work of art. It is rather the need of the company and a personal point of view at a particular point in time. For me, design is about finding your niche and working to stay there as much as possible. It is always a difficult process. It never happens that you create something completely new with the first sketch. We need to be competitive with our design. We also need to stay at the same level of performance to be accepted by the market, but on the basis of reducing the budget. This is the engine that makes us create all the time and bring out the best that we have. That's what drives us forward - David versus Goliath. About the prospects, I think, it is worth talking not about the presence in Germany, but about our presence in Europe. We see great success with our products throughout Europe. Our things can be seen on almost every court and in the club. We have our own style, we combine basketball and hip-hop in the way we see it. Although, of course, highly reliable German technology is a model for us, the best machines are still made here. And don't forget that the sneaker tradition originated with us.
Jason Mayden, 26, Jordan Brand I came here as an intern right out of college - actually, I was hired before I graduated. I worked for nike on cross country shoes for a year and then moved back to Jordan. I worked on the Jeter and Carmelo models and also helped with some of the latest Air Jordans. Growing up, I wasn't a big fan of running shoes, but I had a developed sense of self. I thought, “If I ever make Jordan shoes, I won’t have to pay for them.” My biggest inspiration is - as expected, but outwardly - Michael Jordan. This is the first example of a person who changed his appearance right before your eyes, from costume to uniform on the court and back. He was like a living superman. Another aspect for me is the story. Nas inspired me so much. I look at him as a storyteller and a poet, and I want to create some kind of plot, a basis, before I start sketching. We want to create something more than just leather and rubber. We want to create motivation. That's why the story is so important - it's part of the story, here MJ is a living story. The next sneaker is always my favorite. I'm currently working on the first signature shoe for Cris Paul, it's been a great experience. He is not just one of the best athletes - he is one of the best people I have ever met. It is very easy for such a person to go all out and do something really special. When I first sat at a meeting with MJ, moments of my life passed before my eyes: childhood in Chicago, watching his games, and now I'm sitting at a meeting with him. The first thing I said to him was, "Man, I've been waiting for this moment all my life." It just broke. In design, if you constantly look at your weaknesses as areas for improvement, you will always have fresh ideas. I am constantly trying to be better than I was. Ideas are always somewhere nearby, they just need to be taken out of thin air.
Jason Petrie, 32, Nike Many people on NikeTalk..com(forum) know my story: when I went to school I knew I wanted to be a shoe designer, but I didn't know how to become one at all. I was lucky, I got an intern at Converse. A few years later, when NikeTalk was gaining momentum, I noticed that some people left their drawings there. I started leaving mine, just for fun. I thought it was a great opportunity to get feedback on my work from knowledgeable people. Someone from Fila noticed my drawings and invited me for an interview - they took me, and I went to work in Italy. I've been with Nike for about four years now. It definitely put me on the right track. I need inspiration. Do you know how basketball gets you? I think you just have to love it. If you're designing cars and somewhere on the side you're designing sneakers, I'm not sure if your approach is right. I was the lead designer on the STAT 1. It was my first signature shoe and I wanted it to be on point, especially for Amare, one of my favorite players. He came to us, and we worked together - he was then injured; we got to know him well - he's a fun, cool guy. We saw his shoes as a bridge between Amare and Barkley in Phoenix. Well, you know, those sneakers that are still relevant. There are a lot of references to Chuck in Amare's sneakers. It seems to me that you can freshen up by trying to capture what inspired you when you were young. And at the same time, you have to think two moves ahead. Talk about crazy kids learning every detail on a sneaker - me too! I am the one who never tires of repeating: "You must have a hanging tongue to tell stories." For me, it gives them soul and essence, and that's why they become special. As long as it works for the show, it's part of our job to take them to the next level with those details. I do everything that I have done since the seventh year - I draw.
Drew Winfield, 26, Reebok I already came across one of the Sole Passion events at SLAM in 2002. Definitely, I saw this as motivation. It was cool that someone was interested in what I do. Sneakers - everything is already done, it's time to do something solid. You have to have some kind of foundation or a unique story to captivate people. I think I'm very good at coming up with new concepts. I was the lead designer on Answer XI, and Allen is the second athlete to own 11 named shoes, so the story should be all about him. I started with the number 11. This number is made up of two identical digits and I thought it could represent Alain Iverson from both sides. He is a twin; in mythology there were two twin brothers Castor and Pollux - Castor was mortal, and Pollux was immortal. We connected it with Alain. The immortal part is his courage; on the other hand, he has matured, a family man and a good team player. We can say that we split the boot into two parts, where the outer part, which is visible on the court, is more aggressive and conspicuous. The middle part, which, in general, is not visible on the site, is a more “human” part. Everyone knows that his type of game has the features of another sport: he plays basketball as if he is fighting a crowd of opponents for victory. I thought, how can I relate this to the design of the sneaker? Therefore, in the middle part of the boot there is a shell that wraps the foot. Designing a signature shoe for someone like Allen Iverson is both a gift and a curse: you get the opportunity to make your own shoe, but the burden of responsibility falls on you and you say to yourself: “This should be the best shoe of all time.
This means at a high level, be it a church league, high school, college, or even professionally.
So after you leave the gym and head home, make sure you take the time to scrub the bottom with soap and water to keep your soles nice and clean to prevent injury.
It was my dad who taught me how to tie my shoe. The reason why he taught me to tie my shoe is that he was tired of bending his knees every time I loosen the tie on my shoe. 
Lacing up your shoe isn’t just lacing up your shoe. Consider the lacing of shoes as your priority as well because mistakenly laced shoes can cause injuries. 
You can use this method in any situation and can compatible with any lace-up basketball shoes. 
It should be tight so the knot won’t lose easily, but it should be also comfortable so your feet won’t get irritated while running on the floor.
Basketball will test your physical strength. You will do a lot of jumping and changing direction at a very high speed. Plus, you will run around the court for many minutes. 
First we thread 1 cord from the left side from the inside. 
I need to be able to say, "Here's something that will help you improve your level of play." 
It never happens that you create something completely new with the first sketch. 
I worked for nike on cross country shoes for a year and then moved back to Jordan. I worked on the Jeter and Carmelo models and also helped with some of the latest Air Jordans. Growing up, I wasn't a big fan of running shoes, but I had a developed sense of self. I thought, “If I ever make Jordan shoes, I won’t have to pay for them.” 
He is not just one of the best athletes - he is one of the best people I have ever met. It is very easy for such a person to go all out and do something really special. 
I started leaving mine, just for fun. I thought it was a great opportunity to get feedback on my work from knowledgeable people. Someone from Fila noticed my drawings and invited me for an interview - they took me, and I went to work in Italy. I've been with Nike for about four years now. It definitely put me on the right track. 
And at the same time, you have to think two moves ahead. 
I started with the number 11. This number is made up of two identical digits and I thought it could represent Alain Iverson from both sides. He is a twin; in mythology there were two twin brothers Castor and Pollux - Castor was mortal, and Pollux was immortal. We connected it with Alain. The immortal part is his courage; on the other hand, he has matured, a family man and a good team player. We can say that we split the boot into two parts, where the outer part, which is visible on the court, is more aggressive and conspicuous. The middle part, which, in general, is not visible on the site, is a more “human” part. 
