Most people tie skate shoes the same way they tie any sneakers. That is fine for walking to class, but it misses the point. Skate shoes are built for board feel, grip, and style. The cool way to tie them keeps your laces secure, your shoes comfortable, and your look relaxed. Here is how to do it right.
The Classic Loose Lace Method
This is the go-to look for skaters everywhere. You lace your shoes normally, but you leave the top one or two eyelets unlaced. Then you pull the laces just tight enough to keep the shoe on your foot without squeezing. A loose fit gives you more ankle movement and a laid-back vibe.
After you tie a standard bow, tuck the loops and ends inside the shoe on each side. This keeps them from dragging on the ground or getting caught on your board. If your shoes have a split tongue (like many Vans or Nike SB models), the laces sit naturally inside the tongue gap. For non-split tongues, just push them down. No double knot needed — the tuck holds them fine.
Pro tip: use flat cotton laces for this method. They stay tucked better than round or waxed laces. Brands like Vans, Converse, and Adidas skate models come with flat laces by default.
The Heel Lock (Lace Lock) Technique
If you actually skateboard or want extra heel security, the heel lock is both functional and cool. This method uses the extra eyelet near the top of most skate shoes. Lace as usual up to the second-to-last eyelet. Before crossing the laces over, take each lace and go into the top eyelet on the same side, creating a small loop on each side. Then cross the laces and thread them through those loops. Pull tight.
The result is a locked-down heel that stops your foot from sliding forward inside the shoe. The trade-off is a snugger fit, but you can leave the laces looser lower down. This technique works great on suede or leather shoes where the eyelets stay put. For canvas shoes, the lace lock can pull on the fabric over time. Use it only for skating, not for casual wear, unless you like the technical look.
The Hidden Knot Method
For the cleanest silhouette, eliminate visible laces entirely. Lace the shoes normally, but when you reach the top, tie a simple knot at the very end. Then tuck the entire knot and lace length down inside the shoe, hidden under the tongue. This gives a smooth, uninterrupted front look — no bows, no hanging straps.
This works best with shoes that have a thick tongue or a gusseted tongue (attached on both sides). Many skate shoes like the Nike SB Dunk or New Balance Numeric have this build. If your tongue is thin and floppy, the knot may poke out. In that case, use the heel lock method to keep everything inside. The hidden knot method looks especially good with high-top skate shoes, where the collar naturally covers the top eyelets anyway.
Be careful: you cannot adjust the tightness once the knot is hidden. Tie it at the right tension before tucking. A double overhand knot is secure enough — no need for a bow.
The Over-the-Tongue Style
This one is purely about attitude. You lace the shoes normally, but you deliberately pull the tongue forward so it hangs out over the lace area. Then you tie the laces loose and let them drape over the tongue. The tongue covers the knot partially or completely. This works best with shoes that have a tall, padded tongue — think old-school Vans Sk8-Hi or Etnies.
To pull this off, you need a shoe with a tongue that stays in place. Some tongues are flimsy and will slide back down. If that happens, use a small piece of double-sided tape on the underside of the tongue to stick it to the lace area. Or simply tuck the tongue under the laces at the bottom but let it pop out at the top. The result is a messy, lived-in look that says you do not care — even though you clearly do.
Pair this with cuffed jeans or shorts that hit above the ankle. The tongue and laces become the focal point.
Lace Swap for Extra Style
Changing your laces changes the whole feel of your shoes. For skate shoes, switch from the standard flat white or black laces to something more personal. Try waxed round laces for a premium look that stays tied. Or go with patterned laces — stripes, camo, or even reflective ones. The thickness matters: thin laces look sleek, thick laces look chunky.
You can also mismatch colors. One shoe with a red lace, another with a blue lace. Or use two different colors on the same shoe — lace one side in white, the other in black. This works best on simple two-tone shoes like black and white Vans Old Skool. Just make sure the lace length is right: skate shoes usually need laces around 45 to 54 inches, depending on the number of eyelets.
When swapping laces, remove the old ones completely and relace from scratch. Use the method you prefer — loose, locked, or hidden — with the new laces. The lace swap alone can make an old pair of shoes feel brand new.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should I tie skate shoes for skating?
For actual skating, you want them snug in the heel and midfoot but loose in the toe area. The heel lock method gives you that secure heel without crushing your toes. If you are just wearing them casually, loose all the way is fine. The key is to avoid pressure points that cause blisters.
Can I use these methods on any shoe?
Most work on any lace-up shoe with at least five eyelet pairs. The heel lock needs shoes with an extra top eyelet. The hidden knot works best on shoes with a gusseted tongue. The over-the-tongue style needs a thick, stiff tongue. For slip-ons or laceless skate shoes, none of these apply — you are stuck with good old sock style.
How do I keep my laces from dragging on the ground?
Tuck them into your shoe after tying. If the laces are too long, loop them around the back of the heel before tying. You can also cut them shorter — just seal the ends with a lighter or clear nail polish to prevent fraying. Many skate shops sell pre-cut laces in shorter lengths for low-top shoes.
What kind of laces are best for skate shoes?
Flat cotton laces are the most durable and hold a knot well. Waxed laces resist fraying and look more polished. Avoid thin round laces — they come untied easily and offer less grip. For a cool look, try thick rope-style laces on chunky skate shoes like the Osiris D3 or DC Court Graffik. For classics like the Vans Era, stick with standard flat laces.