Most skaters don’t give much thought to how they lace their skates. They just loop, tie, and roll. But the way you lace your roller skates can have a big impact on comfort, fit, and even performance.
Whether you’re looking to prevent foot pain, add ankle support, or show off your style, these lacing techniques can help you get the perfect fit for your ride.
- Standard Criss-Cross Lacing
- What it is: The classic diagonal crossing from bottom to top.
- Use it for: Everyday skating—stable, simple, and versatile.
- Benefits: Balanced tension and easy to adjust.
- Heel-Lock Lacing (Runner’s Loop)
- What it is: After the normal crisscross, create small loops in the top eyelets, cross the laces, and thread through the opposite loops before tying.
- Use it for: Preventing heel lift and enhancing ankle support.
- Benefits: Secure heel, reduced friction/blisters, improved stability for tricks or long sessions.
- Window or Pressure-Relief Lacing
- What it is: Skip lace crossing over sensitive areas (like a high arch) and continue lacing past them.
- Use it for: Alleviating pressure points or numbness. Best lacing technique for wide feet.
- Benefits: Better comfort, improved circulation.
- Checkerboard / Aesthetic Lacing
- What it is: Two colored laces woven horizontally and vertically to form a checkerboard pattern.
- Use it for: Creative style and personalization.
- Benefits: Visually striking and great for photos or rink nights (purely aesthetic).
- Over-Under (Under-Over) Lacing
- What it is: Alternate weaving laces "over" then "under" each eyelet.
- Use it for: Maximizing lace grip and tension.
- Benefits: Maintains snug fit longer, reduces lace wear. Perfect for outdoor or long-distance skating.