Classic lacing
Over and Under Lacing: Step-by-Step Shoelace Tutorial
Over Under Lacing is a clever variation on classic Criss Cross Lacing. Instead of every crossover being laced in exactly the same way, the laces alternate between crossing over and running underneath, creating a neat, balanced pattern with a slightly different look and feel.
It’s simple enough for everyday shoes, quick to learn and a great next step if you want to try something different without straying too far from traditional lacing.
Difficulty
★
★
★
Easy
Time
2–5 mins
Best for
Trainers, casual shoes & everyday footwear
Lace length
120–140cm per lace
Familiar enough to feel easy, but different enough to make you look twice.
Watch the video tutorial
Overview
Watch Lindsay demonstrate Over Under Lacing from start to finish. This simple technique alternates the direction of each crossover as you work up the shoe, creating a clean pattern that is easy to lace and comfortable for everyday wear. Once you've mastered the alternating rhythm, you'll fly through it.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time required: 2–5 mins
- Best for: Trainers, casual shoes & everyday footwear
- Lace length: 120–140cm per lace
The Story Behind This Style
Over Under Lacing takes one of the most familiar ways of lacing a shoe and gives it a clever little twist.
At first glance it can look very similar to traditional Criss Cross Lacing, but look more closely and you'll see the difference. Instead of every crossover following the same route, the laces alternate over and under as they travel up the shoe.
That small change creates a neat repeating pattern and gives the finished lacing its own character without making the technique unnecessarily complicated.
It's exactly the sort of style we love in the Lace Library: proof that you can take the same shoe, the same eyelets and the same pair of laces, change one small detail - and create something different.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow each step to create this lace pattern.
1
Step One
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets, feeding both ends from the 'inside' to the 'outside'.
2
Step Two
Cross the two lace ends diagonally over the tongue and feed each end through the next eyelet on the opposite side.
3
Step Three
Now begin the under part of the pattern. Take each lace underneath and across the tongue towards the next eyelet on the opposite side.
4
Step Four
Here you have your first 'over' cross, now to move on to making your first 'under' cross.
5
Step Five
Feed both lace ends through their opposite eyelets so they emerge ready for the next crossover. You should now be able to see the alternating pattern beginning to form.
6
Step Six
Cross the laces over the again and feed each end from the 'outside' to the 'inside' through the next eyelet on the opposite side.
7
Step Seven
Repeat the over, under, over, under pattern until you reach the final pair of eyelets. Gently straighten the crosses and adjust the tension.
8
Step Eight
Tie the lace ends into a bow and make any final adjustments. Your Over Under Lacing is complete!
The History of This Style
Over Under Lacing is a clever variation of traditional Criss Cross Lacing, using the same familiar diagonal route but alternating the way each section passes across the shoe.
Rather than every cross sitting in exactly the same way, the laces alternate between travelling over and underneath. This creates the distinctive repeating pattern while still keeping the simplicity of classic shoe lacing.
It’s a great example of how even the smallest change in technique can alter the finished appearance of a shoe - no complicated knots or elaborate weaving required.
Sometimes the simplest ideas really are the best.
Did You Know?
Over Under Lacing can involve less rubbing between sections of lace than a traditional repeated crossover pattern. Because the direction of the lacing alternates as it travels up the shoe, the lace follows a slightly different route at each row.
It’s a wonderfully simple example of how changing the path of a shoelace can affect both the appearance and construction of the finished pattern.
Shop Laces That Work Beautifully
Choose a lace colour and style that helps this pattern look its best.
Laceologist's Style Tip
Over Under Lacing is perfect when you want something a little different without completely changing the classic look of your shoes.
Try it with a contrasting lace if you want the alternating pattern to stand out. With a lace closer to the colour of the shoe, the effect becomes much more subtle - the sort of detail people might not notice until they take a second look.
Lindsay, Chief Laceologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some of the most common questions about this lacing style.
What is Over Under Lacing?
Over Under Lacing is a variation of traditional Criss Cross Lacing in which the direction of the crossovers alternates as the laces travel up the shoe. This creates a neat repeating pattern while remaining simple enough for everyday use.
Is Over Under Lacing difficult?
No. Over Under Lacing is an easy technique once you understand the repeating over-and-under sequence. If you can Criss Cross lace a pair of shoes, this is a great style to try next.
What shoes are best for Over Under Lacing?
Over Under Lacing works well on trainers, casual shoes and many other everyday lace-up shoes. A contrasting lace can make the alternating pattern particularly easy to see.
Is Over Under Lacing the same as Criss Cross Lacing?
No. The two styles look similar, but traditional Criss Cross Lacing follows the same crossover pattern all the way up the shoe. Over Under Lacing alternates the direction of the laces as you work upwards, creating a different finished pattern.
Happy Lacing!
And there you have it - Over Under Lacing!
It’s familiar, simple and just different enough to give an everyday pair of shoes a fresh new look.
Once you’ve found the rhythm - over, under, over, under - this is a wonderfully easy style to master. Try it with different lace colours and see how much more noticeable the alternating pattern becomes.
Small change. Big impact.
I'm Lindsay, Chief Laceologist at Love Your Laces.
Until next time... Happy Lacing!