How To Lace Dunks: Your Ultimate Guide To Fresh Styles

By Dianna KertzmannJul 16, 2025

Getting your Dunks to look just right, you know, it's almost like an art form. These shoes, very popular for a good reason, deserve a little care when it comes to how their laces sit. It is that, the way you lace them, that can really change their whole vibe, making them either super neat or wonderfully relaxed. So, if you're looking to give your favorite pair a fresh look or just want to make them feel better on your feet, you've come to the right spot.

There's more to it than just pulling strings through holes, you see. A well-laced Dunk can help keep its shape, preventing those annoying creases that sometimes appear. Plus, it just looks better, doesn't it? It's about personal style, really, and finding what feels good and looks good for you.

Think of it this way: just like an ornamental fabric, which is an openwork design formed by looping and interlacing threads, your shoe laces can create their own kind of intricate pattern. It's a delicate process, in a way, turning simple threads into something quite striking. So, let's explore the ways you can make your Dunks stand out.

Why How You Lace Your Dunks Is a Big Deal
Getting to Know Your Dunk Laces and Eyelets
- Lace Types and Lengths
- Understanding Eyelets
Popular Lacing Styles for Dunks
Tips for a Perfect Lacing Job
Frequently Asked Questions About Lacing Dunks

Why How You Lace Your Dunks Is a Big Deal

The way you lace your Dunks, well, it goes beyond just keeping them on your feet. It's a statement, a bit of personal flair that can really make your outfit pop. Actually, it also plays a part in how comfortable your shoes feel and how long they stay looking fresh.

A good lacing job can distribute pressure evenly across your foot, which is that, just making walks or long days much more pleasant. It can also help keep the shoe's structure, which might be, you know, important for preventing those unwanted creases that sneaker lovers try to avoid. So, paying attention to this small detail can make a big difference in your daily wear and your shoe's longevity.

Getting to Know Your Dunk Laces and Eyelets

Before you start pulling laces, it helps to know a little about the tools you're working with. Your laces and the eyelets on your Dunks are key components. Basically, understanding them will help you get the look you want.

Lace Types and Lengths

Dunks typically come with flat laces, which are pretty common. These are, you know, good for a variety of styles. The length of your laces really matters for the look you're going for. For example, if you plan to tie them, a longer lace is usually better. If you prefer a loose, untied look, a shorter lace might be what you need, or you can just tuck the ends.

Most Dunk Lows use laces around 45-54 inches (114-137 cm) for a standard tie. Dunk Highs often need longer ones, maybe 63-72 inches (160-183 cm). These measurements are, like, general guidelines, so you might find slight variations. Always consider if you're using all the eyelets or leaving some open.

Understanding Eyelets

Eyelets are the little holes your laces go through. Dunks usually have a consistent number of eyelets, typically 7 or 8 pairs, depending on whether it's a Low or a High. Knowing how many you have helps you plan your lacing pattern. You can use all of them, or skip some for a different feel. It's really up to your personal preference, you know.

Popular Lacing Styles for Dunks

There are several ways to lace your Dunks, each giving a distinct appearance. We'll cover the most popular ones here, giving you step-by-step instructions. These methods are, honestly, pretty straightforward once you get the hang of them.

The Classic Straight Bar Lacing

This style, also known as parallel lacing, gives a very clean and tidy look. It's often the way Dunks come laced from the factory. It creates straight, horizontal bars across the shoe, which is that, a really neat appearance. This method, you know, makes your Dunks look sharp and put-together.

Start by feeding the lace straight across the bottom two eyelets, from the outside in. Make sure both ends are even inside the shoe.
Take the left lace end and feed it straight up on the inside to the next eyelet on the same side.
Then, bring that same lace straight across the outside to the opposite eyelet.
Repeat this process with the right lace end: feed it straight up on the inside to the next available eyelet on its side, then straight across the outside to the opposite eyelet.
Keep alternating, always bringing the lace straight up on the inside and straight across on the outside. This creates those clean, parallel bars.
Once you reach the top, you can tie a knot inside the shoe for a hidden look, or tie a regular bow outside.

This style can be a little bit tighter to adjust at first, but it gives a very sleek finish. It's often preferred for a more formal or polished sneaker look. So, it's a good one to master.

The Go-To Criss-Cross Lacing

Criss-cross lacing is probably the most common way people lace their shoes, and for good reason. It's easy to adjust, comfortable, and offers a classic look. You know, it's pretty versatile for everyday wear.

Begin by feeding the lace straight across the bottom two eyelets, from the outside in. Make sure the ends are even inside.
Take the left lace end and cross it diagonally over to the second eyelet up on the right side, feeding it from the outside in.
Do the same with the right lace end: cross it diagonally over to the second eyelet up on the left side, feeding it from the outside in.
Continue this criss-cross pattern all the way up the shoe. Always feed the laces from the outside in to keep the "X" shape visible on top.
When you get to the top, you can tie your laces in a bow, or tuck them if you prefer.

This method is very forgiving and lets you loosen or tighten your shoes easily. It's a great choice for comfort and a traditional appearance. So, many people opt for this one.

The Relaxed Loose Lacing

For a more casual, laid-back vibe, loose lacing is the way to go. This style is popular among those who like their Dunks to look effortless and unbothered. It's that, a look that says "I just threw these on."

Start with a straight bar or criss-cross method for the first few eyelets, maybe two or three pairs.
Instead of pulling the laces tight, leave them quite loose as you work your way up.
You can skip eyelets, perhaps every other one, to create an even looser appearance and show more of the tongue.
Once you reach the top, you have a few options:
- Leave the laces untied, letting them hang loosely.
- Tie a very loose knot and tuck the ends inside the shoe.
- Tie a small, discreet knot and tuck it under the tongue or behind the top eyelet.

This look is often paired with baggier pants or shorts to complete the relaxed aesthetic. It's a bit less about function and more about fashion, you know, giving off a chill vibe. Just be careful not to make them so loose they slip off your feet!

Tips for a Perfect Lacing Job

Beyond the specific styles, there are a few general tips that can help you get the best out of your Dunk lacing. These little tricks can make a big difference, honestly.

Keeping Your Laces Clean

Clean laces make a huge impact on the overall look of your Dunks. Dirty laces can make even the cleanest shoes look a bit worn. So, it's a good idea to keep them fresh.

You can remove your laces and wash them separately with a mild soap and warm water. A small brush can help with stubborn dirt. Let them air dry completely before putting them back on your shoes. This simple step, you know, can really brighten up your Dunks.

Helping Prevent Creases

While lacing won't completely stop creases, a well-laced shoe can definitely help. If your laces are too tight, they can pull the shoe in ways that might encourage creasing, especially around the toe box. On the other hand, if they're too loose, your foot might move around too much, also leading to creases. It's a balance, really.

Aim for a snug but not overly tight fit. This allows your foot to move naturally without putting too much strain on the shoe's materials. Sometimes, you know, a slightly looser lace in the toe area can give your foot more room to flex.

Adjusting for Comfort

The best lacing style is ultimately the one that feels most comfortable for you. Some people prefer a very snug fit for support, while others like a looser feel. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tensions in different parts of the lacing. You might find that a slightly looser fit over the top of your foot feels better, but a tighter fit around the ankle offers more stability. It's all about what your feet like, basically.

You can learn more about shoe care on our site. And if you're curious about different materials, you can also link to this page about textiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lacing Dunks

People often have questions when they're figuring out the best way to lace their Dunks. Here are a few common ones, you know, to help you out.

Should Dunks be laced tight or loose?

This really depends on your personal preference and the look you're going for. For a clean, structured look and more support, a tighter lace is good. For a casual, relaxed vibe, a looser lace is often preferred. Many people like a balance, not too tight and not too loose, just comfortable. So, it's your call.

How many eyelets do Dunks have?

Most Nike Dunk Lows typically have 7 pairs of eyelets. Nike Dunk Highs usually have 8 or 9 pairs, depending on the specific model. It's a pretty standard setup, which is that, easy to work with for most lacing styles.

Do you tie Dunks?

You certainly can tie your Dunks, and many people do for a secure fit. However, it's also very popular to leave them untied, especially for a loose, casual look. If you leave them untied, you might tuck the laces inside the shoe or just let them hang. It's all about the style you want to achieve, you know.

How to Lace Dunks In The Coolest & Easiest Steps Like A Pro?

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