How to Lace Skechers
Lacing your Skechers is about way more than just keeping them on your feet. Whether you're hitting the gym, heading to the track or just hanging out, knowing how to lace trainers can make a big difference to how your trainers both look and feel. Here we take a look at some of the key lacing techniques so you can shake things up, or find a new favourite.
What are the different types of lacing
When it comes to how to lace Skechers shoes, there are tons of options to choose from. Different techniques offer different benefits—whether that's added support, easy adjustability, or simply to stand out in a crowd. Three popular methods when it comes to how to tie your laces are cross lacing, bar lacing, and zipper lacing. Here, we take a look at how to get each of them right.
Cross lacing
Looking for how to put laces in Skechers the easiest way? Cross lacing is your best bet. It's the classic style that most men’s and ladies' Skechers trainers come pre-laced with, and it’s a great starting point for just about any outfit or activity. To start cross-lacing your Skechers:
1. Insert the lace into the bottom set of eyelets, pulling each end evenly.
2. Cross one end over the other, threading each lace diagonally through the next higher set of eyelets.
3. Continue crossing the laces until you get to the top.
4. Finally, tie your laces securely using the knot you like.
Cross lacing also lets you tweak the tension you feel in specific zones of your foot. For example, if you notice hot spots near the ball of your foot, you can pause a cross and rather double-tunnel the lace through the same eyelets to add a little extra lift there. Or, if the top of your foot feels pinched, skip a cross for one or two rungs and then carry on lacing as normal.
Another great trick with cross lacing is to try experimenting with lace materials. Flat cotton laces tend to grip the eyelets best, while waxed or nylon laces slide more easily. Plus, switching lace type is an instant way to bring something new to your look—you can swap in neon or reflective laces for a pop whenever there’s low light. Kids, especially, can bring some funky vibes to their trainers with a new, fun pair of laces or a new lacing style.
Cross lacing is a natural fit for everyday pairs like the Skechers Arch Fit® Arcade or our classic canvas trainers. Their relaxed design makes this timeless style feel effortless, while still giving you plenty of room to make it your own.
Bar lacing
Bar lacing, sometimes known as straight lacing, is about giving a clean, sleek look to your trainers. Instead of the traditional diagonal lacing pattern you get with cross lacing, bar lacing means the laces lie horizontally over the foot. Here's how to do it:
1. Begin by threading your lace straight across the bottom eyelets from above. That will create a horizontal bar.
2. Take the left lace end, thread it straight up inside the shoe, skipping one eyelet, then feed it across horizontally to form another bar.
3. Now, repeat with the right lace end, threading straight up, skipping an eyelet, then horizontally across.
4. Alternate sides, ensuring each lace is threaded inside the shoe between bars.
5. Finish by tying your laces neatly behind the tongue.
One of the greatest perks of bar lacing is how it can help your trainers adapt to different sock thicknesses. If you’re swapping between no-show gym socks, lightweight running socks, or chunkier wool blends, bar lacing means your shoes can get tighter or looser with a single cinch.
Bar lacing looks especially sharp on styles like the Skechers Oxford, where the streamlined upper makes the straight bars pop.
Zipper lace
Looking for something different when it comes to how to tie your running shoe laces? Zipper lacing is all about making your Skechers lace ups for men or women pop. As the name suggests, this lacing style makes the laces look almost like a zipper, for a funky and unique vibe. Here's how to lace Skechers using the zipper method:
1. Begin similarly to cross lacing by inserting the lace ends into the bottom eyelets.
2. Cross the laces, but instead of threading through the next set of eyelets immediately, loop each lace around the other, creating a small twist or "zipper" look in the middle.
3. Thread the laces through the next set of eyelets.
4. Continue crossing and looping, ensuring consistency in your twists up to the top of your shoe.
5. Secure your laces with a knot at the top.
Zipper lacing works even better when you mix lace textures—try a flat lace on one side and a round lace on the other to really make those twists pop. You can also tuck the excess lace ends under the last “zipper” twist to keep everything neat.
For extra hold, thread a tiny elastic band around each twist as you go—it locks each loop in place and adds a subtle, sneaker‑nerd detail that’ll have people asking how you did it. Styles like Skechers Uno or the Court & Classics line work especially well with this lacing because their clean uppers and eyelet spacing really show off the pattern without looking too busy.
No-Lace Options
Not every pair needs traditional laces. For easy, everyday wear, Skechers offers no-lace and easy-lace designs that keep you moving without the extra steps. Our Slip-Ins™ collection features hands-free technology so you can step in and go, while elastic lace systems—found on favorites like the BOBS canvas and Arch Fit® casuals—give you the look of a classic lace-up with none of the tying.
Kids’ pairs, including styles from our Skechers Kids Sport and Twinkle Toes™ lines, get the same convenience with stretch-lace fronts and hook-and-loop straps that make getting shoes on and off simple—no knots, no fuss.
And because these designs still look as polished as traditional lace-ups, you get all the style with none of the effort. Comfort, convenience, and signature Skechers style—built for the whole family.
How to choose the best lacing
Choosing the ideal lacing method for your Skechers shoes comes down to what you do in your trainers, your personal comfort and overall aesthetic. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose the perfect approach.
- Running or sports: For high-intensity activities, choose a method like cross lacing or zipper lacing, which provides strong support, reduces slipping, and evenly distributes pressure across your feet.
- Casual and lifestyle: If your Skechers are for casual wear, bar lacing or zipper lacing are both great choices, giving your Skechers a modern, fresh look.
- Comfort-focused: If you’ve experienced foot pain or uncomfy pressure points, consider bar lacing. It alleviates pressure from the top of the foot, for long-lasting comfort throughout the day.
Remember, experimenting is part of the fun. So don’t hesitate to try different styles of how to lace Skechers until you find what feels and looks best for you.
By getting the hang of different lacing styles, you’ll be able to transform any pair of men’s, women’s or kids trainers in moments for a look that’s comfy and stylish.
You have successfully logged in.