Get ready to elevate your sneaker game with the iconic Dunk Low. Known for its clean lines, sturdy construction, and retro charm, this versatile sneaker demands attention. Whether you’re a seasoned sneakerhead or a budding enthusiast, mastering the art of lacing your Dunks Low impeccably will add a touch of finesse to your footwear. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of lacing techniques, transforming your Dunks Low into a statement piece that commands admiration.
Before embarking on this lacing odyssey, let’s gather the essential tools: your coveted pair of Dunk Lows, an ample supply of laces, and an open mind. As with any endeavor, patience and precision are paramount. Begin by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets, ensuring they emerge from the inside of the shoe. This fundamental step establishes the foundation for the lacing pattern you’ll employ. With this sturdy base in place, you’re ready to explore the realm of lacing possibilities.
The classic criss-cross lacing technique is a timeless choice that complements the Dunk Low’s minimalistic design. Thread the laces through the second set of eyelets, crossing them over in the center. Repeat this process for each subsequent set of eyelets, gradually tightening the laces as you progress. For a secure and comfortable fit, avoid over-tightening, as this can restrict foot movement and cause discomfort. Conversely, ensure the laces are snug enough to keep your foot firmly in place within the shoe while allowing for a degree of breathability. Experiment with different tension levels to find the perfect balance for your feet.
Choosing the Right Laces
When selecting laces for your Dunk Lows, several factors come into play. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice:
Lace Material
The material of your laces affects their durability, comfort, and style. Common options include:
- Cotton: Soft and comfortable, but not as durable.
- Nylon: Durable and moisture-resistant, but can be stiff.
- Waxed Cotton: A blend that combines the softness of cotton with the durability of nylon.
- Leather: Luxurious and durable, but more expensive.
Lace Length
The length of your laces depends on your desired lacing style and the number of lace holes on your Dunks. Here’s a table to guide you:
Lace Holes | Lace Length |
---|---|
6 | 45″ – 54″ |
7 | 54″ – 63″ |
8 | 63″ – 72″ |
Lace Color and Style
The color and style of your laces can complement or contrast with your Dunks. Consider the following options:
- Flat Laces: Standard and versatile, available in various colors.
- Rope Laces: Thicker and more textured, adding a bolder look.
- Colored Laces: Brighten up your Dunks with contrasting colors.
- Lace Swaps: Replace the original laces with customized or limited-edition options.
Preparing the Shoes
Before you start lacing your Dunks Low, make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need two laces, one for each shoe. The laces should be about 45 inches long. You’ll also need a pair of scissors to cut the laces to the correct length.
Step 1: Insert the Laces
Start by inserting the laces into the bottom two lace holes on each side of the shoe. The laces should come out of the inside lace hole on one side and go into the inside lace hole on the other side.
Step 2: Criss-Cross the Laces
Next, criss-cross the laces over each other. The lace on the left should go over the lace on the right. Then, bring the lace on the right up and through the next lace hole on the left. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the shoe.
Step 3: Tie the Laces
Once you reach the top of the shoe, tie the laces together in a double knot. To do this, cross the laces over each other and then bring the right lace up and through the loop on the left. Then, bring the left lace up and through the loop on the right. Pull the laces tight to secure the knot.
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Insert the laces into the bottom two lace holes on each side of the shoe. |
2 | Criss-cross the laces over each other. |
3 | Tie the laces together in a double knot. |
Congratulations! You have now successfully laced your Dunks Low. Enjoy wearing your new sneakers!
Basic Lacing Technique
The most common lacing technique for Dunk Lows is the Basic Lacing Technique. This technique is simple and easy to do, and it provides a secure and comfortable fit. To lace your Dunk Lows using the Basic Lacing Technique, follow these steps:
1. Start by threading the laces through the bottom two eyelets of the shoe.
2. Cross the laces over each other and pull them through the next two eyelets.
3. Continue crossing the laces over each other and pulling them through the remaining eyelets.
Alternative Lacing Techniques
There are a number of different lacing techniques that you can use to customize the look and feel of your Dunk Lows. Here are a few of the most popular alternatives:
Criss-Cross Lacing
This technique is similar to the Basic Lacing Technique, but instead of crossing the laces over each other, you simply criss-cross them. This creates a more decorative look, and it can also help to improve the fit of the shoe.
Lace-Lock Lacing
This technique is designed to provide a more secure fit, especially for high-top Dunk Lows. To do this, start by lacing the shoe up using the Basic Lacing Technique. Then, take the laces and cross them over each other, pulling them through the top two eyelets. Finally, tie the laces together like normal.
Heel Lock Lacing
This technique is designed to prevent the heel of your shoe from slipping. To do this, start by lacing the shoe up using the Basic Lacing Technique. Then, take the laces and cross them over each other, pulling them through the top two eyelets. Now, take the laces and loop them around the back of the heel, then pull them back through the top two eyelets. Finally, tie the laces together like normal.
Alternative Lacing Methods: Crisscross
For a more classic look, try the crisscross lacing method. This method is often used on sneakers and boots and creates a clean, symmetrical look.
Step 1:
Cross the right lace over the left lace and thread it through the top eyelet on the left side.
Step 2:
Cross the left lace over the right lace and thread it through the bottom eyelet on the right side.
Step 3:
Continue crisscrossing the laces across the shoe, alternating between the top and bottom eyelets on each side.
Step 4:
Once you reach the last eyelet on each side, tie the laces together securely.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for the crisscross lacing method:
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Cross the right lace over the left lace and thread it through the top eyelet on the left side. |
2 | Cross the left lace over the right lace and thread it through the bottom eyelet on the right side. |
3 | Continue crisscrossing the laces across the shoe, alternating between the top and bottom eyelets on each side. |
4 | Once you reach the last eyelet on each side, tie the laces together securely. |
Alternative Lacing Methods: Straight Bar
The Straight Bar lacing method is a classic and straightforward technique that creates a clean and symmetrical look. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by threading the laces through the bottom two eyelets closest to the toe box.
- Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two eyelets directly above.
- Repeat this process, crossing the laces over each other and threading them through the next two eyelets until you reach the top.
- When you reach the top, tie the laces together in a knot or bow.
- To finish, tighten the laces evenly to create a secure and symmetrical fit. Ensure the laces are equally tensioned on both sides to prevent the tongue from shifting or becoming misaligned.
Step | Description | Image |
---|---|---|
1 | Thread the laces through the bottom two eyelets. | |
2 | Cross the laces and thread them through the next two eyelets. | |
3 | Repeat the process until you reach the top. | |
4 | Tie the laces together in a knot or bow. | |
5 | Tighten the laces evenly to ensure a secure and symmetrical fit. |
Alternative Lacing Methods: Checkerboard
The Checkerboard lace is a classic design that adds a touch of style to your Dunks Low. To create the Checkerboard lace, follow these steps:
- Start by lacing the shoes normally, crossing the laces over each other at the bottom holes.
- At the second set of holes, cross the left lace over the right lace and then up through the hole on the right side of the shoe.
- Cross the right lace over the left lace and then up through the hole on the left side of the shoe.
- Continue alternating laces in this manner, crossing them over each other and then up through the opposite side of the shoe.
- Once you reach the top of the shoe, tie the laces together as usual.
The Checkerboard lace can be created with any color combination of laces, so you can customize your shoes to match your personal style.
Additional Details for Step 6: Tying the Laces
There are several different ways to tie your laces after completing the Checkerboard pattern. Here are three popular methods:
Tying Method | Description |
---|---|
Standard Knot | The most common method, simply cross the laces over each other and pull tight. |
Surgeon’s Knot | A secure knot that is difficult to untie, perfect for athletic activities. |
Double Bow Knot | A decorative knot that creates a large, symmetrical bow. |
Alternative Lacing Methods: Under-Over
#7: Reverse Under-Over Lacing
This variation creates a unique crisscross pattern by lacing the laces under the tongue and then over the next pair of lace holes. The laces continue to alternate under and over until they reach the top of the shoe.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the Reverse Under-Over Lacing method:
1. Start by threading the laces through the bottom two lace holes of the shoe, from the inside out.
2. Cross the laces over each other and insert them into the second pair of lace holes from the top, from the outside in.
3. Repeat step 2 with the next pair of lace holes, this time crossing the laces under the tongue.
4. Continue alternating under and over lacing until you reach the top of the shoe.
5. Tie the laces as usual.
This method not only provides a secure and comfortable fit but also gives your Dunks Low a stylish and eye-catching look.
Finishing the Laces
Once you’ve threaded the laces through all the eyelets, it’s time to finish them off. There are a few different ways to do this, but here’s a simple and effective method:
-
Make a loop with one lace. Hold one of the laces in your left hand and create a loop by crossing it over the other lace.
-
Pass the other lace through the loop. Take the other lace in your right hand and pass it through the loop from the bottom.
-
Pull both laces tight. Pull both laces tight to create a secure knot.
-
Trim the excess laces. Once the knot is secure, trim off any excess laces.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Make a loop with one lace. |
2 | Pass the other lace through the loop. |
3 | Pull both laces tight. |
4 | Trim the excess laces. |
Tightening and Adjusting
Once you’ve laced up your Dunks Low, you can tighten them to your desired snugness. Here’s how:
1. Pull on the Top Lace Loops
Grip the top two lace loops on each side of the shoe and pull them up simultaneously. This tightens the laces across the upper and provides a secure fit.
2. Cross-Lace the Middle Loops
Take the left lace from the top right loop and cross it over to the bottom left loop. Repeat with the right lace, crossing it over to the bottom right loop. This creates a cross-lacing pattern that further tightens the fit.
3. Pull on the Lower Lace Loops
Once the middle loops are cross-laced, pull up on the lower two lace loops on each side to tighten the laces around the ankle.
4. Repeat Cross-Lacing
Repeat the cross-lacing pattern with the lower lace loops. Cross the left lace over to the bottom right loop, and cross the right lace over to the bottom left loop.
5. Pull and Adjust
Continue to pull on the upper and lower lace loops alternately until the laces are tight enough for a comfortable fit. Remember to distribute the tension evenly across the entire shoe.
6. Tie the Laces
Once the laces are tightened, tie them securely using your preferred method. The most common method is to create a double knot, which provides extra security.
7. Tuck in the Excess
After tying the laces, tuck the excess lace into the shoe to prevent tripping or tangling.
8. Adjust for Comfort
If the laces are too tight or too loose, adjust the tension by loosening or tightening the appropriate loops. Remember, the goal is to find a snug fit that provides support and comfort without restricting movement.
9. Experiment with Different Lacing Techniques
There are numerous lacing techniques that can alter the fit and style of your Dunks Low. Experiment with different patterns, such as straight lacing, criss-cross lacing, or heel lock lacing, to find the one that suits you best. Here’s a table summarizing some popular lacing techniques:
Lacing Technique | Description |
---|---|
Straight Lacing | Passes the laces straight through the lace loops, creating parallel lines. |
Criss-Cross Lacing | Interlaces the laces across each other, forming a criss-cross pattern. |
Heel Lock Lacing | Creates a snug fit around the heel by wrapping the laces around the back tabs. |
How to Lace Dunks Lows
Personalizing with Lace Locks
Lace locks are a great way to add a personal touch to your Dunks Lows. They come in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find the perfect ones to match your personality. To install a lace lock, simply remove the laces from the top of the shoe and feed the lock through the holes. Then, replace the laces and tighten them as desired.
Popular Lace Lock Styles
There are many different styles of lace locks to choose from, including:
- Cord locks
- Barrel locks
- Toggle locks
- Magnetic locks
- Claw locks
Each style has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Cord locks are the most common type of lace lock, and they are easy to use and adjust. Barrel locks are also easy to use, but they are not as secure as cord locks. Toggle locks are more secure than both cord locks and barrel locks, but they can be more difficult to adjust. Magnetic locks are the most secure type of lace lock, but they can be expensive. Claw locks are a unique type of lace lock that is designed to grip the laces securely. They are easy to use and adjust, but they can be more difficult to find than other types of lace locks.
Lace Lock Style | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Cord Locks | Easy to use and adjust | Not as secure as other types of lace locks |
Barrel Locks | Easy to use | Not as secure as cord locks |
Toggle Locks | More secure than cord locks and barrel locks | Can be more difficult to adjust |
Magnetic Locks | Most secure type of lace lock | Can be expensive |
Claw Locks | Easy to use and adjust | Can be more difficult to find than other types of lace locks |
How To Lace Dunks Low
Dunks Lows are a popular sneaker that can be styled in many different ways. One of the most important aspects of styling Dunks Lows is the way you lace them. There are many different ways to lace Dunks Lows, and the best way for you will depend on your personal style and the look you’re going for.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to lace Dunks Lows in three different ways: the classic criss-cross lace, the straight lace, and the double lace. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your laces looking neat and tidy.