How To Lace Soccer Cleats Like a Pro [2 Simple Ways]

If you are like most players, lacing up your soccer cleats is probably just a mindless pre-game ritual: you take out your cleats, pull the laces tight, tie them up, and hit the field. Simple, right?

How you lace your soccer cleats can affect everything from performance and comfort to your overall experience on the field.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Does it matter? Laces are laces.”

But trust me, it does.

If you’ve ever had to deal with foot pain, blisters, or that dreaded moment in time when your laces come undone in the middle of a game (ugh), then you’ll know how you lace up matters more than you thought.

Lucky for you, I’ve got your back.

Today, I’m going to break down two tried-and-true methods of lacing your soccer cleats like a pro. They are simple, effective, and will make sure you are comfortable and ready to dominate the field.

Let’s get in.

Why Proper Lacing Matters

Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. You’re probably wondering why lacing your cleats the right way makes a difference at all.

Soccer is a game of precision, speed, and control. Every touch of the ball, every run, and every strike relies on your feet working at their absolute best.

If your cleats are too loose, too tight, or just uncomfortable, you’re already at a disadvantage. You’ll be focused on adjusting your shoes instead of the game, and that’s a recipe for disaster.

Proper lacing gives you:

• Better support: Your feet stay snug and secure, reducing the likelihood of sliding inside the cleat.

• Spare yourself comfort: No longer worry about unnecessary blisters, pinching, or pressure points.

• Better performance: Because cleats secure, control and confidence are improved in every motion.

Bottom line: it’s not an oversight. The little stuff counts, and your method of lacing is surely among those small things that are worth getting right.

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The Two Best Ways to Lace Soccer Cleats

To lace cleats, there are actually a lot of fancy methods out there you can use, but the two methods you need to know and master are the Criss-Cross Method and the Ladder Method.

Both are quite effective; which one is used really depends on preference and personal comfort.

The Criss-Cross Method

The criss-cross method is the most reliable and common way to lace up your soccer cleats. Fast, easy, and supportive across your whole foot.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

• Start at the bottom: Start with threading one lace through the bottom eyelet on one side of the cleat, and then take the other lace across, threading it through the opposite eyelet to create an “X” at the bottom.

• Work your way up: Take each lace and cross them over to the next set of eyelets, threading from the outside in. This creates a secure criss-cross pattern that goes up the cleat.

• Keep even: Make sure the laces are the same length as you go. It will not work properly at the end if they remain uneven.

• Finish strong: Once you reach the top of the cleat, pull the laces tight to secure your foot. Tie them in a double knot to make sure they don’t come undone mid-game.

Why it works: The criss-cross method evenly distributes tension across your foot, giving you solid support without pinching. It’s ideal for players who want a snug, secure fit to keep their cleats locked in place.

The Ladder Method

If the criss-cross method feels too tight or restrictive, the ladder method is a great alternative. This lacing technique is a bit more relaxed and can help take some pressure off the top of your foot.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

• Start at the bottom: Just like with the criss-cross method, start by threading your laces through the bottom eyelets.

• Go straight across: Instead of crossing over, simply thread the laces straight across to the next set of eyelets above. This will create horizontal lines instead of X shapes.

• Repeat the process: Continue threading the laces straight across until you reach the top of the cleat.

• Tie it off: When you reach the top, tie the laces in a double knot to keep everything secure.

Why it works: The ladder method reduces pressure on the top of your foot, so it’s a solid choice if you struggle with tightness or discomfort. It’s a looser lacing option but still keeps your foot secure in the cleat.

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How to Lace Like a Pro

Now that you know the two main lacing methods, let’s take it up a notch. Here are a few bonus tips to ensure you’re lacing your cleats like the pros do:

Double Knot It : This one’s non-negotiable. Always, always double knot your laces before a game. There’s nothing worse than stopping mid-match to retie your shoes while your teammates (and coach) yell at you to hurry up.

Tuck the Ends: After you tie your laces, tuck the ends into the sides or under the tongue of your cleat. This keeps everything neat and prevents the laces from flopping around or coming undone.

Check the Tightness: Your cleats should feel snug but not too tight. If you lace them up and your feet feel numb, then it’s time to loosen them a bit. If the opposite happens and your foot is moving around too much, it’s time to tighten it up. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.

Adjust for Pressure Points: If you feel pain or pressure in a certain area, try skipping an eyelet near that spot. This can relieve pressure without compromising the fit of your cleat.

How Tight Should Soccer Cleats Be?

Here’s a golden rule: your cleats should be snug but not suffocating. You want them tight enough to prevent your feet from sliding around, but not so tight that you cut off circulation.

Now, to test it, lace them up with cleats, get up, and walk around. If your feet feel good, then great.

If there is a pinch or some numbness in your feet, loosen up the laces a little. Also, don’t forget that toes do need room-left always, since feet will be working during the play, shifting and flexing.

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Wrapping up

There you have it: two simple ways to lace your soccer cleats like a pro.

The truth is, proper lacing is not just about looks – it’s about comfort, support, and performance. By taking a few extra minutes to lace your cleats the right way, you’re giving yourself the best chance to play your best game.