How to Straight Lace Shoes: Straight Bar Lacing Guide

With both lace ends positioned inside the shoe, pull them gently and compare their lengths. Adjust the lace through the bottom eyelets until the left and right ends match while the horizontal bar remains centered. Equal starting lengths reduce the chance of either lace end becoming too short as the pattern moves toward the top eyelets. Once the ends are balanced, keep the left lace inside the shoe and prepare the right lace to go vertically to the next right eyelet.

• Run the right lace underneath and up through the next right eyelet
  

Take the right lace end and run it vertically upward along the inside of the shoe toward the next required right eyelet. Feed the lace from the underside and pull it upward through the eyelet so the end emerges on the outside. Keep the vertical section behind the right eyelet row so it remains hidden rather than crossing visibly over the shoe. With the right lace now outside, position it to travel horizontally across to the matching left eyelet.

• Pull it straight across and down through the matching left eyelet
  

Pull the exposed right lace horizontally across the shoe toward the matching left eyelet at the same level. Insert it downward through the left eyelet, moving from the outside toward the inside. This outside pass creates the next visible straight bar above the starting bar. Keep the lace flat and level so the two bars remain parallel, then leave the lace inside the shoe while the other lace end advances to the next open eyelet.

• Run the left lace underneath and up through the next open eyelet

Take the left lace end that remained inside the shoe and route it upward behind the eyelet row toward the next open eyelet required by the pattern. Keep this vertical movement concealed on the inside, then feed the lace upward through the open eyelet until the end emerges on the outside. This internal route continues the straight bar pattern without creating a visible diagonal crossing. With the left lace now exposed, position it to travel horizontally toward the matching right eyelet.

• Pull it straight across and down through the matching right eyelet
  

Guide the exposed left lace straight across the shoe toward the matching right eyelet at the same level. Insert the lace downward through the right eyelet from the outside toward the inside to form another visible horizontal bar. Keep this bar flat, level, and parallel with the bars below it. The lace now returns to the inside of the shoe, establishing the same internal vertical and external horizontal routing needed to continue the pattern.

• Repeat the pattern until reaching the top eyelets
  

Continue through the remaining open eyelets using the established straight bar routing pattern. Move each lace end vertically upward on the inside of the shoe, bring it through the required open eyelet, pull it horizontally across the outside, and insert it downward through the matching eyelet. Alternate the lace ends as the pattern progresses toward the top. Repeat this sequence until the remaining eyelets form a consistent series of visible horizontal bars, then check the completed pattern before adjusting the fit.

• Adjust the bars for even spacing and tension

With all straight bars in place, check their alignment and tension from the bottom eyelets to the top eyelets. Flatten any twisted lace sections and adjust each horizontal bar so the bars remain level and evenly spaced. Distribute the adjustment across several bars rather than pulling only the lace near the top, helping maintain balanced tension across the shoe. Once the shoe feels comfortable and the bars appear consistent, prepare the remaining lace ends for a concealed finish behind the tongue.

• Tie the ends behind the tongue for a clean finish
  

After balancing the straight bars, move the remaining lace ends behind the tongue and tie them securely for a concealed finish. Position the tied ends so they remain out of sight without creating uncomfortable pressure against the foot. This placement preserves the straight, uninterrupted appearance created by the horizontal bars across the shoe. The finished straight bar lacing should display parallel horizontal bars on the outside while the vertical routing and tied lace ends remain concealed.

How Do You Straight Lace Shoes With an Even Number of Eyelets?

Straight lace shoes with an even number of eyelets by routing the laces vertically inside the shoe and straight across the outside, skipping the required eyelets and repeating the alternating pattern until you reach the top. This routing keeps the vertical lace sections concealed while creating clean, parallel horizontal bars across the shoe.

The 5 key steps to straight lace shoes with an even number of eyelets are: 

1. Lace straight across and into the bottom eyelets

Insert both lace ends downward through the lowest pair of eyelets from the outside toward the inside of the shoe. Position the lace straight across the outside to create the starting horizontal bar. Keep the bar flat and centered between the bottom eyelets. Finish both lace ends inside the shoe, ready for separate upward routing.

2. Run the left end up inside and across outside

Take the left lace end and guide it upward along the inside of the shoe to the next required eyelet. Feed it up through the eyelet, so it emerges on the outside, then guide it straight across and down through the eyelet directly opposite. Keep the vertical section concealed inside and the horizontal section visible outside. Finish the lace inside the shoe after forming the next straight bar.

3. Run both ends up inside, skipping one eyelet

With both lace ends inside the shoe, route each end up behind its respective eyelet row, skipping one eyelet as the pattern requires. Bring each lace end up through its next open eyelet so both ends emerge on the outside. Keep these upward sections concealed to prevent visible vertical or diagonal lines. Both lace ends are now positioned outside the shoe for the next horizontal passes.

4. Cross both ends outside into the adjacent eyelets

Guide each exposed lace end straight across the outside of the shoe and insert it downward through the adjacent eyelet on the opposite side. Keep each outside section flat and level to form visible horizontal bars rather than diagonal crossings. The lace ends should return to the inside after passing through their matching eyelets. This position prepares both ends to continue the same internal-upward and external-across routing.

5. Repeat the pattern to the top.

Continue the established pattern through the remaining open eyelets by moving each lace end up the inside and straight across the outside. Skip the required eyelets during the internal routes and use the adjacent eyelets to create each visible horizontal bar. Repeat the sequence until the laces reach the top eyelets. Check that the finished pattern displays flat, parallel bars while the vertical lace sections remain concealed inside the shoe.

How Do You Straight Lace Shoes With an Odd Number of Eyelets?

Straight lace shoes with an odd number of eyelets by repeating the straight-bar pattern to the second-from-top eyelet, then using a concealed crossover before finishing at the top eyelets. This adjustment keeps the horizontal bars aligned while accommodating the odd eyelet count.

7 key steps to straight lace shoes with an odd number of eyelets are:

1. Lace straight across and into the bottom eyelets

Start at the lowest pair of eyelets with both lace ends passing from the outside toward the inside of the shoe. Center the lace to form a flat horizontal bar across the bottom. Match the length of both ends so they rest evenly inside the shoe. This starting position prepares the left end for the next upward route.

2. Run the left end up inside and across outside

Route the left end upward behind the eyelet row and out through the next required eyelet. From there, draw it straight across the outside and down through the opposite eyelet. The hidden vertical section and visible horizontal section establish the straight-bar structure. The lace finishes inside, where the pattern can continue with both ends.

3. Run both ends up inside, skipping one eyelet

Move both ends upward behind their respective eyelet rows, skipping one eyelet as required by the pattern. Feed each end through the next open eyelet until it appears on the outside. The upward sections remain concealed while the lace ends reach the positions needed for the next bars.

4. Cross both ends outside into the adjacent eyelets

Draw each exposed end straight across to the adjacent eyelet on the opposite side. Pass the laces downward while keeping each outside section flat and level. These passes create the next visible horizontal bars and bring both ends inside the shoe. From this position, continue the established routing toward the upper eyelets.

5. Repeat until reaching the second-from-top eyelet

Continue alternating between concealed upward routes and visible straight-across passes. Keep the bars flat and parallel as the pattern progresses toward the top of the shoe. Stop at the second-from-top eyelet rather than completing the final row. The remaining top eyelets provide the space needed for the odd-eyelet adjustment.

6. Cross outside, return inside, and tuck under the vertical lace

At the second-from-top position, direct the required lace end across the outside and back through the opposite eyelet. Once inside, tuck it beneath the nearby vertical lace section to conceal the crossover. This adjustment redirects the lace while preserving the straight-bar appearance. Finish both ends inside near the remaining top eyelets.

7. Bring both ends up through the top eyelets

Finish by feeding both lace ends from the inside through the top pair of eyelets. Even out the ends without disturbing the horizontal bars below. The completed pattern should display parallel straight bars while keeping the odd-eyelet adjustment largely concealed near the top.

How Do You Straight Lace Different Types of Shoes?

To straight lace different types of shoes, use clean horizontal bars for sneakers, adjustable bars for skate shoes, waxed laces for dress shoes, balanced tension for boots, and comfortable tension for running shoes. Each variation keeps the straight-bar pattern while adapting the fit and finish to the shoe type.

How Do You Straight Lace Sneakers?

To straight lace sneakers, start at the bottom eyelets, route each lace upward inside and straight across outside, repeat the pattern to the top, then adjust and secure the ends. This method creates flat, parallel horizontal bars while keeping the vertical lace sections concealed inside the sneakers.

1. Start with flat shoelaces that fit the sneaker’s eyelets and are long enough to reach the top without leaving excess lace.

2. Pass both lace ends straight across the bottom eyelets from the outside in, keeping the starting horizontal bar flat and both ends even.

3. Route one lace end upward inside the sneaker and out through the next required eyelet, then pass it straight across to the opposite eyelet to form the next horizontal bar.

4. Move the other lace end upward inside the sneaker, skipping the required eyelet, then run it straight across the outside through the matching eyelet.

5. Continue alternating both lace ends upward on the inside and straight across on the outside until the pattern reaches the top eyelets, keeping each visible bar flat and parallel.

6. Finish by adjusting the horizontal bars for balanced tension, then tie or tuck the remaining lace ends behind the tongue for a clean, straight-laced look.

How Do You Bar Lace Skate Shoes?

To bar lace skate shoes, start at the bottom eyelets, route the laces upward inside and straight across outside, repeat the pattern toward the top, then adjust the bars and secure the ends. Variations such as loose bar lacing, hidden-knot bar lacing, and tighter bar lacing can modify the fit and finish while maintaining the horizontal bar pattern.

1. Pass both lace ends through the bottom eyelets from the outside in to create a flat horizontal starting bar.

2. Route one lace end upward inside the skate shoe and through the next required eyelet.

3. Draw the exposed lace straight across and down through the matching eyelet on the opposite side.

4. Move the other lace end upward inside, skipping the required eyelet before forming the next horizontal bar.

5. Continue the inside-up, outside-across pattern toward the top, keeping the bars flat and evenly tensioned.

6. Adjust the horizontal bars for a secure fit, then tie or conceal the remaining lace ends without creating uncomfortable pressure.

How Do You Straight Lace Dress Shoes?

To straight lace dress shoes, start at the bottom eyelets, route the laces upward inside and straight across outside, repeat the pattern toward the top, then adjust and secure the ends. This lacing style hides diagonal sections beneath the eyelet rows and creates clean horizontal bars that complement the formal look of dress shoes.

1. Choose thin, waxed laces that suit the eyelets and formal style of the dress shoes.

2. Pass both lace ends through the bottom eyelets from the outside in to form the starting horizontal bar.

3. Route one lace end upward inside the shoe and straight across the outside through the matching eyelet.

4. Move the other lace end upward inside, skipping the required eyelet before creating the next horizontal bar.

5. Continue alternating the inside-up and outside-across pattern until the laces reach the top eyelets.

6. Adjust each horizontal bar for even tension, then tie or conceal the lace ends to maintain a neat finish.

How Do You Straight Lace Boots?

To straight lace boots, form the bottom bar, create successive horizontal bars through the eyelets, continue the pattern up the boot, then balance the tension and secure the laces. Straight-bar lacing gives boots an orderly front profile, and you can adjust the final tension based on boot height and desired fit.

1. Select laces long enough to cover the boot’s full eyelet row without leaving excessive length at the top.

2. Form the starting bar by passing both lace ends through the lowest eyelets from the outside toward the inside.

3. Run one lace upward behind the eyelet row and across the outside to create the next horizontal bar.

4. Advance the opposite lace behind the eyelet row to the next required opening, then form another straight bar across the boot.

5. Repeat the concealed vertical and visible horizontal routing through the remaining eyelets until reaching the top.

6. Balance the tension across the horizontal bars and secure the lace ends at the top for a stable fit.

How Do You Straight Lace Running Shoes?

To straight lace running shoes, form the bottom bar, route each lace upward inside and horizontally across the outside, continue the pattern toward the top, then balance the tension and secure the ends. Variations such as loose straight lacing, pressure-relief straight lacing, and hidden-knot straight lacing can adapt the pattern for different fit, comfort, and finishing preferences.

1. Choose flat laces that fit the running shoe’s eyelets and are long enough to complete the pattern.

2. Form the starting horizontal bar by passing both lace ends through the lowest eyelets from the outside toward the inside.

3. Route one lace upward behind the eyelet row and across the outside through the matching eyelet.

4. Advance the opposite lace inside the shoe to the next required eyelet, then form another horizontal bar across the outside.

5. Continue the concealed vertical and visible horizontal routing through the remaining eyelets while keeping the bars flat.

6. Balance the tension across the bars and secure the lace ends without creating excessive pressure across the foot.

What Eyelets Work Best for Straight Lacing?

Paired, evenly spaced eyelets arranged in two straight, parallel rows work best for straight lacing. Consistent spacing and symmetrical alignment make it easier to form clean horizontal bars across the shoe. Straight bar lacing works best with an even number of eyelet pairs, such as 4, 6, or 8, because the lace ends can follow the standard routing and finish together at the top. Shoes with an odd number of pairs can still be straight laced, but usually require a routing adjustment.

What Shoelaces Work Best for Straight Lacing?

The best shoelaces for straight lacing are flat, waxed, and round, depending on the shoe design and eyelet size. These laces support clean horizontal bars and suit different footwear styles, eyelet openings, and straight-lacing finishes.

3  types of shoelaces that work best for straight lacing are:

1. Flat Shoelaces: Designed to sit evenly across wider eyelets, these laces suit sneakers, skate shoes, and casual footwear. Their broad profile forms defined horizontal bars in a straight-lacing pattern.

2. Waxed Shoelaces: Suitable for dress shoes and formal footwear, the coated construction creates a neat, structured lace profile. The finish complements the polished look of formal shoes.

3. Round Shoelaces: Designed for compact openings, this narrow profile fits smaller eyelets commonly found on dress shoes and some boots. The rounded construction occupies less space as it passes through each opening.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Straight Lacing Shoes?

Common mistakes to avoid when straight lacing shoes include starting with uneven lace ends, miscounting eyelet pairs, twisting the laces, applying uneven tension, and skipping the wrong eyelets. These errors can disrupt the straight-bar pattern, causing uneven horizontal bars and inconsistent lace alignment.

5 common mistakes you should avoid when straight lacing shoes are:

1. Starting with uneven lace ends: Avoid starting with one lace end longer than the other, as this can leave insufficient lace on one side near the top. Match both ends after forming the bottom bar before continuing the straight-lacing pattern.

2. Miscounting odd or even eyelet pairs: Count the eyelet pairs before starting because odd and even configurations can require different routing near the top. Confirming the eyelet count helps keep both lace ends in the correct finishing positions.

3. Twisting the laces inside the shoe: Keep the laces flat as they travel behind the eyelet rows to prevent folds or twists. Check each concealed section before forming the next horizontal bar so the visible lace remains flat and aligned.

4. Applying uneven lace tension: Avoid tightening individual bars more than surrounding sections because uneven tension can distort the straight-bar pattern. Adjust the tension gradually from bottom to top to maintain consistent alignment and fit.

5. Skipping the incorrect eyelets: Follow the required sequence when skipping eyelets during the concealed vertical route. Check the next open eyelet before passing the lace through it to prevent missing or uneven horizontal bars.