How to Lace Dunks: Easy Guide for Cool and Comfy Sneakers

Lacing your Nike Dunks the right way isn’t just about tying your shoes—it’s about style, comfort, and showing off your personality. Whether you’re rocking Dunks for the first time or customizing them for a fresh look, learning how to lace Dunks properly makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to lace Nike Dunks with easy steps, fun styles, and pro tricks that anyone can do. Let’s dive into the world of laces!

What Are Nike Dunks and Why Lacing Matters

Nike Dunks started as basketball shoes back in the 1980s, but they’ve grown into one of the most iconic sneakers in the world. Today, you’ll see people wearing them not only on the court but also on the streets, in skate parks, and in fashion shows. Dunks are loved for their bold colors, strong build, and that classic sneaker shape. You’ll find both Nike Dunk High and Nike Dunk Low styles, each with their own vibe.

But here’s the thing—no matter how cool your Dunks look, the way you lace them can totally change how they feel and how they look on your feet. Bad lacing can make your shoes feel too tight, too loose, or even cause the tongue to slip to the side. Good lacing, on the other hand, keeps your shoes comfy all day and helps them look clean, balanced, and stylish. That’s why learning how to lace Nike Dunks properly is key.

How to Lace Dunks the Basic Way (Step-by-Step)

If you’re just starting out or want a simple, clean look, the basic criss-cross lacing method is the best place to start. This is the way most Dunks come laced when you buy them, and it’s also the most common method you’ll see people using.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with even lace lengths: Take your laces and make sure both ends are the same length. Insert both tips into the bottom eyelets from the top side, so the lace lies over the hole and goes inside.
2. Create your first cross: Take the left lace and feed it through the next eyelet on the right side from underneath. Do the same with the right lace to the left side. Now you’ve got your first “X.”
3. Repeat up the shoe: Keep repeating the criss-cross pattern, making sure the laces are flat and not twisted.
4. Stop where you want: You can lace all the way to the top or leave one or two holes open for a relaxed, skater style.
5. Tie them up: Finish with a bow or use a hidden knot (we’ll talk about that soon!).

This method gives your sneakers a secure fit and works great for everyday wear.

Cool Ways to Lace Dunks (Fun Styles to Try)

While the basic lacing method is functional, sometimes you want to add a little flair. Dunks are perfect for getting creative with lacing styles. Whether you want to stand out or just try something new, these fun and cool lacing styles will take your Dunks to the next level.

Criss-Cross Style

This is the traditional style most people use. It’s easy, do fila tenis shoes run small , and keeps your foot secure. You can adjust how tight or loose you want it by pulling the laces tighter or letting them sit more relaxed. This method is great for both casual wear and athletic use. If you’re wondering how to lace Nike Dunk Low for skateboarding, this method works well when kept a little loose.

Straight Bar Lacing

Straight bar lacing gives your Dunks a super clean and organized look. It works best with Nike Dunk Lows because of the flat upper.

How to do it:

• Start by inserting the lace through the bottom eyelets from underneath.
• Bring one side straight across to the opposite eyelet, always keeping the lace on the outside.
• Skip one hole on the same side before threading the lace through the next hole underneath.
• Repeat this process on both sides until you reach the top.

The final look is neat, with all horizontal lines showing and no crossing.

Loose Skater Style

If you like a relaxed, chill vibe, the loose skater style is the way to go. This method involves lacing your shoes only halfway up or skipping every other hole to leave extra room.

Why skaters love it:

• It keeps the shoe from feeling too tight during tricks.
• It gives the Dunks a laid-back streetwear look.

To try this style, lace them using the criss-cross method, but stop around the third or fourth eyelet from the top. Tuck the laces inside or let them hang loose for extra skate flair.

Best Way to Lace Dunks for Comfort

Comfort is key, especially if you’re wearing your Dunks all day. If your shoes feel too tight, it could cause foot pain or blisters. On the other hand, if they’re too loose, your heel might slip out, and your walk will feel off. The best way to lace Dunks for comfort is to balance support with flexibility.

Here’s how:

• Don’t overtighten: Gently pull the laces so your foot feels snug, but you should still be able to move your toes freely.
• Use the extra eyelets: If your Dunks have an extra top hole, try the “heel lock” or “runner’s loop” trick. It helps prevent heel slippage.
• Adjust evenly: Make sure each lace section has similar tension so your foot doesn’t feel squeezed in one area.

Also, consider using flat, wide laces instead of round ones—they distribute pressure better and feel more comfortable.

How to Tie Dunks Without a Knot (Hidden Laces Trick)

Want to keep your laces out of sight for a clean, minimal look? The hidden laces trick is perfect for you. It’s super popular with sneakerheads who love the “no-knot” look.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Lace up to the second-last eyelets using any style you like.
2. Tuck the lace ends inside the shoe instead of tying them.
3. Use a lace lock or double loop inside to keep them from slipping.
4. Optional: Use slightly shorter laces so the excess doesn’t bulge inside the shoe.

This trick works great for those wondering how to lace Dunks without tying and keeps your sneakers looking sharp for photos or streetwear fits.

Different Ways to Lace Dunks for Style or Sport

Your lacing method can totally change how your Dunks feel during different activities. Whether you’re balling, skating, or just walking around, there’s a way to lace for every purpose.

Tight Lacing for Basketball or Skating

If you’re active—on the court or in the skate park—you need your Dunks to stay on tight. That means using tight criss-cross lacing all the way up to the top eyelet.

Tips:

• Lace tightly but not so much that your foot goes numb.
• Add a heel lock at the top to stop your foot from moving around.
• Make sure the tongue stays in place for better ankle support.

This style helps reduce the risk of injury and gives you full control during movement.

Loose Fit for Everyday Walking

If you’re just walking or styling your Dunks casually, go for a looser lacing pattern. This gives your foot room to breathe and keeps things comfy.

Best methods:

• Loose criss-cross lacing
• Skip the top two eyelets
• Use thicker laces for extra style

A lot of people search for how to wear Dunks loose, and this method is ideal.

How to Lace Dunks Without Tongue Slipping

The tongue slipping to one side is one of the most annoying things about sneakers. To avoid this, follow these tricks:

• Use the tongue loop: Many Dunks have a small fabric loop on the tongue. Thread your lace through it as you pass that level—it holds the tongue centered.
• Lace evenly: Uneven lacing causes pressure on one side, pushing the tongue off-center.
• Tighten top eyelets slightly: This locks everything in place while keeping the tongue straight.

Mistakes to Avoid When Lacing Your Dunks

Even though lacing seems easy, people often make simple mistakes that can ruin their look or make their sneakers uncomfortable. Here are the top ones to avoid:

• Using uneven lace lengths: One lace ends up super short while the other hangs too long.
• Overtightening: This can cut off circulation and make your foot hurt.
• Ignoring the tongue loop: Leads to tongue slipping every time you walk.
• Skipping too many eyelets: Can make your shoe too loose and unstable.
• Choosing the wrong laces: Thin, round laces don’t look or feel as good as flat ones for Dunks.

Taking time to lace your shoes properly makes them look better, last longer, and feel more comfortable.

The Bottom Line

Knowing how to lace Dunks the right way is more than just a style move—it’s about feeling good and walking with confidence. From basic criss-cross to cool hidden lace tricks, there are so many ways to make your Dunks match your style and fit your needs. Whether you’re skating, playing ball, or just strolling around town, try out different lacing methods and find what works best for you. Remember, there’s no “wrong” way to do it—as long as you’re comfortable and happy with how your kicks look, you’re doing it right.