Ive been lacing shoes a special way like this for 23 years, Brian Beckstead, Altra co-founder and de facto shoe-tying guru, told me. Beckstead, I learned, had not only made a career of perfecting how running shoes work — and fit — hed gotten his start lacing up runners shoes working at the Runners Corner shoe store.

　　So, this reassured me I hadnt pulled a few strings to speak with him for no good reason. Speaking with one another over Zoom, we were both looking at something Id come across while perusing Reddits /r/coolguides — a trove of DIY guides and do-life-better infographics. It can be as helpful as How to Tie the Strongest Knot There Is in Four Steps, and as dubious as the Guide to Cheesecakes from Around the World.

　　And when I showed Altras co-founder the guide titled, 12 Running Shoe Lacing Techniques, I didnt know which variety it fell under.

　　This infographic is absolutely perfect! Beckstead assured me. I actually lace all my shoes with the heel slippage technique, referencing one of the 12 pictures on the graphic.

　　And this helpful chart wasnt just lauded by Altras brass; HOKA even hooked me up with Zack Paris, the brands senior product line manager, to weigh in.

　　This is probably the most extensive list of alternatives I’ve seen, Paris said, impressed. People generally look for the easiest solution — but there are so many ways to do it. He even echoed Beckstead, citing the heel slippage option as the most common shoe-tying variation.

　　Take a look for yourself — see if any of the techniques represent a foot type that matches your own.

　　How to Lace Running Shoes

　　High Arch, Midfoot Test I identify with the high-arch and high-midfoot variants, so I relaced a pair and went for a run. Anyone with a pronounced midfoot (often accompanied by a high arch) probably experiences soreness on top of the midfoot after long runs. I know I do.

　　As my feet swell during a run, the top of my foot starts to press against the tongue. With standard, out-of-the-box lacing, there just isnt any give, and the foot suffers.

　　By lacing them by skipping one or two crisscrosses, the tongue has room to push outward. And Ive noticed my feet dont hurt as much.

　　Of course, theres a downside. In addition to adding some breathing room, my modified lace system also introduces more play in the shoe overall. That said, this is not egregious. And I can leave my gnarly trail shoes laced more for security.

　　Blisters? Try the Heel Lock aka Runners Loop Another helpful lacing trick is the Heel Lock (also known as the Runners Loop). This technique actually demonstrates the reason for the very top eyelet, which is often left unlaced on most shoes.

　　As the name suggests, the Heel Lock will help prevent slippage, which can cause blisters along the heel. To do this, lace up through the inside (tongue-side) up to the second eyelet from the top. Here, switch direction and feed the lace back through the top eyelet on the outside of the same side of the shoe (i.e., dont crisscross laces). The image below illustrates this.

　　Before you pull it tight, cross the laces over the top of the tongue once more and pass them under the new loop on the outside of your shoe. Pull it tight, and youve got a Heel Lock!

　　Which Technique Is Right for You? Of course, both Beckstead and Paris agreed that runners should absolutely play around with their lacing technique — just not on race day.

　　Try out lacing one shoe laced one way and another way with the other — for example, one high arch and one wide,' Beckstead said. Experience and experimentation will help.

　　And if youre uncertain which option(s) you should try, both experts point to the surest way to find out.

　　Wherever theres pain, Paris said, focus there first.

　　Window and Parallel Lacing

　　Window lacing (left) relieves specific pressure spots, while parallel lacing (right) creates a less constricting fit across the entire shoe (illustration/GearJunkie) Generally speaking, youre not limited to crossing laces after each eyelet. So, if you notice tightness, pressure, or pain in a certain area, you can either create more space by lacing vertically (window lacing) instead of over the tongue or lace horizontally (parallel lacing) to provide just a little more give than diagonally.

　　Theres no hard and fast rule here. If you have discomfort from your forefoot up to the top of your foot, try parallel or window lacing in that specific area.

　　There are even lacing techniques to prevent the infamous dead, black toenail —unless you consider that a badge of honor. Its all about finding the right combination of comfort and security and accommodating your unique physiology.

　　FAQ What is the top lace hole on running shoes (How to tie a heel lock)? That top eyelet that never seems to be laced from the factory —thats for your Runners Loop (also known as Heel Lock lacing). When you feed your laces back through this eyelet, it creates a loop on either side of the shoe. When you cross your laces over the tongue, pass the ends through this loop on each side and pull tight. Youve now locked your heel in place to prevent slipping and blisters!

　　What to do for numbness/tightness Whether you experience numb toes or feel like your shoes are always too tight, two lacing options exist to address this. If you notice tightness or soreness in a specific area, like your midfoot, try window lacing in that spot. Window lacing is simply feeding a lace up the eyelets along one side instead of crossing over the tongue.

　　If your shoes feel tight most or all of the time, you might consider parallel lacing instead of the standard crisscross style. It takes some practice, but it isnt difficult once you have the correct start.