How to Tie Soccer Shoes

Traditional options for lacing soccer shoes include Standard Lacing (the same lacing you use for regular sneakers), Top Lock Loop Lacing to secure the ankle and heel, or Forward Foot Lock Lacing to give you a tighter feel in the front of the foot. A lot of thought and energy go into selecting the right soccer cleats, but how you lace them up is also important for getting the right feel on the pitch. There’s no one correct way, so players should give all three a shot and see what feels right for them.

Let’s examine your options in greater depth.

The Right Laces Make a Difference

Before we learn how to lace soccer shoes, we need to make sure your laces are in good condition. Worn laces may break during a match, which could cause your team to play with a man down while you re-lace your cleats or secure new footwear. Laces that are too long can also pose a tripping hazard, which can lead to a serious injury (or, at the very least, serious embarrassment). The first step is to make sure you have laces that are the correct length and in good shape.

Standard Lacing

Of all the lacing techniques, standard lacing is the most common. Put simply, it’s the same way you’d lace a pair of casual sneakers. Start by pulling the laces through the bottom eyelets until there’s an equal amount on both sides. Then lace up your shoes right after left (or left after right, it doesn’t matter as long as you are consistent), forming X patterns up until the last eyelets. When you get to the end, simply tie a knot. If you’re getting a great lock-down feel, you might not feel the need to experiment with other techniques.

Top Lock Loop Lacing

If you’re looking for more lock-down in the ankle and heel, you can try the top lock loop lacing technique. It involves lacing soccer shoes exactly like you would with a standard lacing system. When you get to the second to last eyelets, instead of crisscrossing, you run the laces through the eyelets directly above each side. Form a loop between the uppermost eyelets on either side and pull the laces through. This “loop lock” style is preferred by many pro players.

Forward-Foot Lock Lacing

Forward-foot lock lacing is similar to the top lock system, but you make the loop lock near the front of the foot, usually starting one eyelet up. While top-locking might provide a more secure ankle and heel fit, front foot locking may give you a tighter feel from the front—middle of your boot. Again, there’s no right way of lacing cleats. It ultimately comes down to your individual preference.

Discover the Latest Cleats

Now you know how to tie them up, it’s time to buy a pair. Here at The Instep, we recommend many of the top designs by Nike®, adidas®, and PUMA®. Find the best shoe for you, and dominate the pitch this season.