How to Install Nike Air Force 1 Replacement Laces

To install Nike Air Force 1 replacement laces, remove the old laces, start the new lace through the bottom pair of eyelets with even ends, criss-cross it up through each pair, and tie or tuck the ends at the top. The Air Force 1 Low takes 54-inch laces and the Air Force 1 High takes 63-inch laces. Flat laces match the stock Air Force 1 look, and Lace Lab Jordan 1 Replacement Shoelaces or Flat Shoe Laces are the closest fit.

Shop Air Force 1 laces, or check the shoelace size chart for every other sneaker you own.

What size laces do Air Force 1s need?

If you lace your Air Force 1 Lows loose or skip the top eyelet, 54 inches still works, it just leaves a little more lace for a bigger bow.

Which laces work best on Air Force 1s?

• Flat laces are the stock Air Force 1 style and give the cleanest, classic look.
• Jordan 1 Replacement Shoelaces are an 8 mm flat lace with the same feel as stock Nike laces, in 54" for Lows and 63" for Highs.
• Waxed laces look more polished and hold a knot well.
• Rope laces give a sportier, rounder look.
• Reflective laces add flash at night.

How to install Air Force 1 replacement laces

1. Remove the old laces

1. Loosen the laces from the top eyelets down so you don't tug on the leather.
2. Pull the laces out of each eyelet gently, top to bottom.
3. Wipe the eyelets with a soft brush or cloth so the new laces slide through cleanly.

2. Thread the new laces

1. Run the lace through the bottom pair of eyelets and pull until both ends are even.
2. Cross the ends and thread each one up through the next pair, or keep them straight for bar lacing.
3. Keep the tension even at every pair so the laces sit flat.

3. Finish the top

Tie a standard bow for everyday wear, double-knot if your laces come undone, or tuck the ends inside for a clean, no-tie look. Lace locks hold the tension if you slip your shoes on and off.

How to lace Air Force 1s: 3 styles

Criss-cross lacing

The classic look. Start through the bottom eyelets from the inside out, cross the laces over the tongue, and thread each one into the next pair from the outside. Repeat to the top, then tie or tuck.

Straight bar lacing

A clean, minimal look. Start through the bottom eyelets from the outside in. Run one end up inside the shoe and straight across to the opposite eyelet, then do the same with the other end on the next pair. Keep going until you have flat, horizontal bars across the shoe.

Loop back (heel lock) lacing

For a more secure fit. Criss-cross to the second-to-last pair, then thread each end through the top eyelet on the same side to make a small loop. Cross the ends through the opposite loops, pull snug, and tie.

Troubleshooting

• Uneven ends. Pull the laces back through until both ends match, then lace again.
• Too tight or too loose. Adjust the tension one pair at a time from the bottom up.
• Frayed tips. Re-tip them with new aglets rather than taping or cutting them.
• Laces too long. Go down one size, or tuck the ends inside the shoe.

Caring for your Air Force 1 laces

Clean the laces by soaking them in warm water with a small amount of Angelus Easy Cleaner, scrubbing gently, and air drying. For the shoes themselves, the Angelus Easy Cleaner Kit handles the leather uppers and midsoles, and Angelus Water & Stain Repellent helps keep them clean once they're dry. For white pairs, see how to clean shoelaces without removing them. Store spare laces rolled up in a cool, dry place.

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