Lacing Fixes for Fit Problems

schematic

Bunion Relief Lacing

Bunion relief lacing skips the crossing over the bunion and runs the lace straight along the medial side, so nothing pulls the upper down onto the joint.

Best for: Pressure on the first metatarsal head

Steps

1. Bar across the bottom pair as normal.
2. Run the medial-side end straight up its own side past the bunion.
3. Cross only on the lateral side for those rows.
4. Resume normal crossings above the forefoot.

Tip
Lacing relieves pressure but does not correct the joint. Persistent bunion pain needs a podiatrist.

schematic

Heel Slip Fix

The heel slip fix is a heel lock at the top eyelet, which pulls the collar of the shoe forward and down against the back of the heel without tightening anything below the ankle.

Best for: A heel that lifts out on every step

Steps

1. Lace normally to the second-from-top eyelet.
2. Loop each end up into the offset top eyelet on its own side.
3. Pass each end through the opposite loop.
4. Pull outward, not upward, and tie.

Tip
If the heel still slips after a proper heel lock, the shoe's heel counter is too wide for you.

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Top-of-Foot Pain Relief

Top-of-foot relief uses window lacing to open a gap directly over the painful area, which is usually where the extensor tendons run under a tight lace bar.

Best for: Aching across the instep

Steps

1. Locate the sore spot and count which eyelet row sits over it.
2. Lace normally up to the row below.
3. Run each end straight up its own side, skipping that row's crossing.
4. Cross above and finish normally.

Tip
Extensor tendonitis from over-tight lacing is common in runners. Loosen before you medicate.

schematic

High Arch Lacing

High arch lacing removes two or three central crossings, converting the middle of the shoe into parallel vertical runs that carry almost no downward force.

Best for: A tall instep in a low-volume shoe

Steps

1. Criss-cross the two lowest rows.
2. Run both ends straight up their own sides for the middle rows.
3. Resume criss-cross for the final two rows.
4. Add a heel lock to compensate for the looser midfoot.

Tip
A high arch usually needs a high-volume shoe, not just different lacing.

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Flat Foot Lacing

Flat foot lacing tightens the midfoot with a surgeon's knot so the arch stays seated on the shoe's support, while leaving the forefoot free to splay.

Best for: Low arches and overpronation

Steps

1. Lace the forefoot loosely.
2. Tie a surgeon's knot at the midfoot row.
3. Cinch the rows above the knot firmly.
4. Finish with a heel lock.

Tip
Combine with a supportive insole. Lacing holds the foot in place; the insole shapes the support.

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Numb Toes Lacing

Numb toes lacing opens the forefoot entirely by running the lower rows as parallel verticals, removing the compression that pinches the nerves between the metatarsals.

Best for: Tingling or numbness in the forefoot

Steps

1. Bar the lace across the bottom pair only lightly.
2. Skip all crossings for the first three rows.
3. Begin crossing only at the midfoot.
4. Tighten the ankle to stop forward slide.

Tip
Numbness that persists out of the shoe is a medical question, not a lacing one.

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Achilles Relief Lacing

Achilles relief lacing skips the topmost eyelet so the collar of the shoe does not press forward into the tendon, and compensates with a lock one row lower.

Best for: Rubbing at the back of the heel

Steps

1. Lace normally to the third-from-top row.
2. Tie a surgeon's knot there.
3. Cross once more and stop, leaving the top eyelet empty.
4. Tie a low bow.

Tip
A shoe collar that rubs the Achilles at rest will only rub harder at speed.

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Hammertoe Lacing

Hammertoe lacing lifts the toe box with a single long diagonal from the lowest eyelet on one side to the highest on the other, raising the upper clear of the bent toe joints.

Best for: Toes rubbing on the upper

Steps

1. Thread one end up through the bottom eyelet on the affected side.
2. Run it in one straight diagonal to the top eyelet opposite.
3. Lace the other end normally in criss-cross.
4. Tension the diagonal to lift the toe box.

Tip
Test the lift by pressing on the toe box before and after. You should feel a clear difference.

schematic

Uneven Feet Lacing

Uneven feet lacing simply laces each shoe of a pair differently, tightening the shoe on the smaller foot and opening the shoe on the larger one.

Best for: One foot bigger than the other

Steps

1. Lace the smaller foot's shoe with under-eyelet threading to pull the sides closer.
2. Lace the larger foot's shoe with gap lacing at the widest point.
3. Use a heel lock on the smaller foot only.
4. Check both shoes at the same time of day; feet swell unevenly.

Tip
Up to a half size difference between feet is normal. Fit the larger foot and lace the smaller.