Essential Tips on How to Keep Your Shoe Tongue in Place

Dealing with a shoe tongue that constantly slips to the side is annoying. It can ruin the fit, cause discomfort, and even lead to blisters. We’ve all been there, and it’s frustrating when your shoes just won’t stay put.

But don’t worry. We’ve tested a bunch of fixes over the years – from simple lace tricks to small upgrades – and found what really works. 

To keep your shoe tongue in place, try lacing through the small loop on the tongue. You can also use tighter lacing near the top or try a “runner’s loop” for better hold. Adjust the tongue before tightening to make sure it stays centered.

Curious to know more?

Here, we’ll share the 17 best tricks we’ve learned, so you can finally enjoy a snug, comfortable fit. Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

• Use tongue loops to hold the tongue in place.

• Wear thicker socks for a snugger fit.

• Add tongue pads for extra grip.

• Double knot your laces for added stability.

• Use no-tie laces for a tighter fit.

• Add Velcro strips for shoes without loops.

17 Tips on How to Keep Your Shoe Tongue in Place

To keep your shoe tongue in place, here’s what you can do:

Use Tongue Loops: The Best Method

Most shoes come with a little loop on the tongue, and honestly, it’s one of the simplest fixes. We used to ignore these loops, thinking they were just for show, but once we started using them, the difference was clear.

You can keep your shoe tongue in place, just thread your laces through that loop as you lace up, and the tongue stays right where it should be.

When we first tried this, we noticed our shoes felt more secure. The tongue didn’t slide around, even when we picked up the pace or hit uneven trails.

Try Elastic Laces

Elastic laces can be a game-changer if you want a snug, slip-free fit. We switched to these for our running shoes, and it felt like a whole new shoe. The stretchy material keeps the tongue in place because it adapts to your foot’s movement without loosening up.

We’ve taken these on everything from morning jogs to weekend hikes, and the tongue just doesn’t budge. Plus, they’re quick to slip on and off, which is perfect if you’re always in a rush.

And the best part? They’re not just for runners. We’ve used them on casual sneakers, too, and they hold up just as well.

Use Lace Anchors

If you want a permanent fix to keep your shoe tongue in place, lace anchors are the way to go. These tiny devices hold your laces in place, keeping the tongue centered no matter what.

Installing them is easy – just thread the laces through the anchor, lock it down, and you’re set.

And they have another bonus: They keep your laces from coming undone, which is great if you hate stopping to tie your shoes.

Lace the Shoes Correctly

The crisscross method is the simplest method to keep your shoe tongue in place. Just lace your shoes in a basic crisscross pattern, pulling the laces snug as you go up. This helps keep the tongue from drifting to one side.

But if you need a really tight, secure fit, try the lock lacing method. We’ve found it makes a big difference, especially on long hikes where loose shoes can become a real problem.

Both methods are easy to do, require no special gear, and work on almost any type of shoe. If you’ve got shoes that just won’t stay put, this is a great place to start.

Add Tongue Pads

Tongue pads can be a simple fix if your shoe tongue keeps slipping. If the tongue is made from a smooth material, these pads can really help. You can buy them online or at most shoe stores. Or, if you want a more customized fit, you can cut your own from thick felt or foam.

We’ve done this for a few pairs, and it worked just as well as the store-bought versions.

Plus, tongue pads add a bit of comfort. They can fill small gaps, which makes your shoes feel more secure.

Choose the Right Size

One of the main reasons shoe tongues slip is poor fit. We’ve seen this happen with shoes that are too loose or have tongues that don’t match the shape of the foot. When the shoe is too big, the tongue has more room to slide around.

We figured this out after wearing shoes that felt fine at first but ended up being too roomy over time. Once we switched to better-fitting shoes, we noticed the tongues stayed in place without much effort. The shoes felt more secure, and we didn’t have to keep adjusting them on long walks or hikes.

Double Knot the Laces

Double knotting your laces can keep your shoe tongue secure. We’ve been doing this for years, especially when running or playing sports, and it really helps.

When you double knot your laces, they stay tighter for longer. This keeps the tongue from moving as much. It also stops those annoying moments when your laces come undone in the middle of a run.

Use No-Tie Laces

No-tie laces are a good option if you want a comfortable fit. They keep steady pressure on the tongue, which helps it stay centered as you move.

They’re also great for kids’ shoes or if you like a quick slip-on fit.

Plus, these laces can make your shoes feel more comfortable overall. They stretch, which means they move with your foot.

Wear Thicker Socks

Did you know thicker socks can help keep your shoe tongue in place? It’s true. We’ve used this trick with hiking boots and work shoes, and it really works. The extra fabric takes up some of the space inside the shoe, which stops the tongue from shifting around.

We’ve also noticed that thicker socks add a bit of grip. They create more friction against the tongue, which helps hold it in place.

Apply Velcro Straps

Velcro is an effective way to keep your shoe tongue in place. Just add a small strip of Velcro to the inside of the tongue and the corresponding spot on the shoe. This helps lock the tongue in place, even if you’re moving around a lot.

You can find Velcro strips at most craft stores or online. Just make sure to pick a strong adhesive so it stays put.

Use a Tongue Stabilizer

Tongue stabilizers are another solid option. These small inserts sit under the tongue and help keep it centered as you move. We’ve used them on hiking boots and running shoes, and they do a good job of keeping the tongue from sliding.

They’re usually made from soft, cushioned material, so they add a bit of comfort too.

Just make sure to pick the right size for your shoes. We’ve found that a snug fit makes them work even better.

Reposition the Tongue Regularly

We’ve found that if you take a moment to adjust the tongue before putting your shoes on, it tends to stay in place longer. Just make sure the tongue is straight and centered before you lace up.

We’ve noticed that a good start really helps. It’s a small thing, but it sets your shoes up for a better fit.

Break in the Shoes Properly

Here’s the thing: Breaking in your shoes properly can also reduce tongue movement. We’ve noticed that new shoes often have stiffer tongues, which can make them slip around more. Once the shoes soften up, the tongues tend to stay put better.

Here’s how you can break in your shoes:

Try a Heel Lock Lacing

Heel lock lacing is a great way to keep your shoe tongue in place. We’ve used this method on hiking boots and running shoes, and it really helps. It’s a simple trick that creates a more secure fit by locking your heel down, which reduces foot movement inside the shoe.

To do this, you use the top eyelets to create a loop, then pull the laces through those loops before tying them as usual. This keeps your foot from sliding forward and takes pressure off the tongue. We’ve found it works well for any activity where you need a snug, stable fit.

Apply Grip Tape

Grip tape is another quick fix if your shoe tongue keeps moving around. We’ve tried this on a few pairs, and it does the job well. Just cut a small piece and stick it to the underside of the tongue.

You can find grip tape at most sporting goods stores or online. We’ve also used skateboard grip tape for this, and it worked just as well. Just make sure to choose a tape that’s not too rough, so it doesn’t irritate your foot.

Use Shoe Tongue Clips

Shoe tongue clips are another smart option. These clips are small and lightweight, but they do a great job of locking the tongue in place. They’re easy to install and remove, so you can switch them between different shoes if needed.

If you’re tired of constantly adjusting your shoe tongue, these clips are a simple, low-cost fix. We’ve found they work especially well on running shoes and boots.

Opt for High-Quality Shoes

Sometimes, the best fix is to start with a better pair of shoes. Why? High-quality shoes have better tongue designs and more secure lacing systems, which makes a big difference.

Shoes with gusseted tongues, for example, have the tongue attached to the sides of the shoe. This keeps it from sliding around. And some shoes come with tongue loops or lace guides, which can also help.

Here’s what we recommend:

Final Words

Keeping your shoe tongue in place doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just remember:

• Use tongue loops, Velcro strips, or pads for better hold.

• Try thicker socks or double knots for a snugger fit.

• Use no-tie laces for quick, secure wear.

• Break in your shoes to reduce tongue movement.

• Invest in better shoes if you’re constantly adjusting.

That’s all.

Dealing with a shoe tongue that constantly slips to the side is annoying. It can ruin the fit, cause discomfort, and even lead to blisters. We’ve all been there, and it’s frustrating when your shoes just won’t stay put.

But don’t worry. We’ve tested a bunch of fixes over the years – from simple lace tricks to small upgrades – and found what really works. 

To keep your shoe tongue in place, try lacing through the small loop on the tongue. You can also use tighter lacing near the top or try a “runner’s loop” for better hold. Adjust the tongue before tightening to make sure it stays centered.

Curious to know more?

Here, we’ll share the 17 best tricks we’ve learned, so you can finally enjoy a snug, comfortable fit. Let’s begin!

Key Takeaways

• Use tongue loops to hold the tongue in place.

• Wear thicker socks for a snugger fit.

• Add tongue pads for extra grip.

• Double knot your laces for added stability.

• Use no-tie laces for a tighter fit.

• Add Velcro strips for shoes without loops.

17 Tips on How to Keep Your Shoe Tongue in Place

To keep your shoe tongue in place, here’s what you can do:

Use Tongue Loops: The Best Method

Most shoes come with a little loop on the tongue, and honestly, it’s one of the simplest fixes. We used to ignore these loops, thinking they were just for show, but once we started using them, the difference was clear.

You can keep your shoe tongue in place, just thread your laces through that loop as you lace up, and the tongue stays right where it should be.

When we first tried this, we noticed our shoes felt more secure. The tongue didn’t slide around, even when we picked up the pace or hit uneven trails.

Try Elastic Laces

Elastic laces can be a game-changer if you want a snug, slip-free fit. We switched to these for our running shoes, and it felt like a whole new shoe. The stretchy material keeps the tongue in place because it adapts to your foot’s movement without loosening up.

We’ve taken these on everything from morning jogs to weekend hikes, and the tongue just doesn’t budge. Plus, they’re quick to slip on and off, which is perfect if you’re always in a rush.

And the best part? They’re not just for runners. We’ve used them on casual sneakers, too, and they hold up just as well.

Use Lace Anchors

If you want a permanent fix to keep your shoe tongue in place, lace anchors are the way to go. These tiny devices hold your laces in place, keeping the tongue centered no matter what.

Installing them is easy – just thread the laces through the anchor, lock it down, and you’re set.

And they have another bonus: They keep your laces from coming undone, which is great if you hate stopping to tie your shoes.

Lace the Shoes Correctly

The crisscross method is the simplest method to keep your shoe tongue in place. Just lace your shoes in a basic crisscross pattern, pulling the laces snug as you go up. This helps keep the tongue from drifting to one side.

But if you need a really tight, secure fit, try the lock lacing method. We’ve found it makes a big difference, especially on long hikes where loose shoes can become a real problem.

Both methods are easy to do, require no special gear, and work on almost any type of shoe. If you’ve got shoes that just won’t stay put, this is a great place to start.

Add Tongue Pads

Tongue pads can be a simple fix if your shoe tongue keeps slipping. If the tongue is made from a smooth material, these pads can really help. You can buy them online or at most shoe stores. Or, if you want a more customized fit, you can cut your own from thick felt or foam.

We’ve done this for a few pairs, and it worked just as well as the store-bought versions.

Plus, tongue pads add a bit of comfort. They can fill small gaps, which makes your shoes feel more secure.

Choose the Right Size

One of the main reasons shoe tongues slip is poor fit. We’ve seen this happen with shoes that are too loose or have tongues that don’t match the shape of the foot. When the shoe is too big, the tongue has more room to slide around.

We figured this out after wearing shoes that felt fine at first but ended up being too roomy over time. Once we switched to better-fitting shoes, we noticed the tongues stayed in place without much effort. The shoes felt more secure, and we didn’t have to keep adjusting them on long walks or hikes.

Double Knot the Laces

Double knotting your laces can keep your shoe tongue secure. We’ve been doing this for years, especially when running or playing sports, and it really helps.

When you double knot your laces, they stay tighter for longer. This keeps the tongue from moving as much. It also stops those annoying moments when your laces come undone in the middle of a run.

Use No-Tie Laces

No-tie laces are a good option if you want a comfortable fit. They keep steady pressure on the tongue, which helps it stay centered as you move.

They’re also great for kids’ shoes or if you like a quick slip-on fit.

Plus, these laces can make your shoes feel more comfortable overall. They stretch, which means they move with your foot.

Wear Thicker Socks

Did you know thicker socks can help keep your shoe tongue in place? It’s true. We’ve used this trick with hiking boots and work shoes, and it really works. The extra fabric takes up some of the space inside the shoe, which stops the tongue from shifting around.

We’ve also noticed that thicker socks add a bit of grip. They create more friction against the tongue, which helps hold it in place.

Apply Velcro Straps

Velcro is an effective way to keep your shoe tongue in place. Just add a small strip of Velcro to the inside of the tongue and the corresponding spot on the shoe. This helps lock the tongue in place, even if you’re moving around a lot.

You can find Velcro strips at most craft stores or online. Just make sure to pick a strong adhesive so it stays put.

Use a Tongue Stabilizer

Tongue stabilizers are another solid option. These small inserts sit under the tongue and help keep it centered as you move. We’ve used them on hiking boots and running shoes, and they do a good job of keeping the tongue from sliding.

They’re usually made from soft, cushioned material, so they add a bit of comfort too.

Just make sure to pick the right size for your shoes. We’ve found that a snug fit makes them work even better.

Reposition the Tongue Regularly

We’ve found that if you take a moment to adjust the tongue before putting your shoes on, it tends to stay in place longer. Just make sure the tongue is straight and centered before you lace up.

We’ve noticed that a good start really helps. It’s a small thing, but it sets your shoes up for a better fit.

Break in the Shoes Properly

Here’s the thing: Breaking in your shoes properly can also reduce tongue movement. We’ve noticed that new shoes often have stiffer tongues, which can make them slip around more. Once the shoes soften up, the tongues tend to stay put better.

Here’s how you can break in your shoes:

Try a Heel Lock Lacing

Heel lock lacing is a great way to keep your shoe tongue in place. We’ve used this method on hiking boots and running shoes, and it really helps. It’s a simple trick that creates a more secure fit by locking your heel down, which reduces foot movement inside the shoe.

To do this, you use the top eyelets to create a loop, then pull the laces through those loops before tying them as usual. This keeps your foot from sliding forward and takes pressure off the tongue. We’ve found it works well for any activity where you need a snug, stable fit.

Apply Grip Tape

Grip tape is another quick fix if your shoe tongue keeps moving around. We’ve tried this on a few pairs, and it does the job well. Just cut a small piece and stick it to the underside of the tongue.

You can find grip tape at most sporting goods stores or online. We’ve also used skateboard grip tape for this, and it worked just as well. Just make sure to choose a tape that’s not too rough, so it doesn’t irritate your foot.

Use Shoe Tongue Clips

Shoe tongue clips are another smart option. These clips are small and lightweight, but they do a great job of locking the tongue in place. They’re easy to install and remove, so you can switch them between different shoes if needed.

If you’re tired of constantly adjusting your shoe tongue, these clips are a simple, low-cost fix. We’ve found they work especially well on running shoes and boots.

Opt for High-Quality Shoes

Sometimes, the best fix is to start with a better pair of shoes. Why? High-quality shoes have better tongue designs and more secure lacing systems, which makes a big difference.

Shoes with gusseted tongues, for example, have the tongue attached to the sides of the shoe. This keeps it from sliding around. And some shoes come with tongue loops or lace guides, which can also help.

Here’s what we recommend:

Final Words

Keeping your shoe tongue in place doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just remember:

• Use tongue loops, Velcro strips, or pads for better hold.

• Try thicker socks or double knots for a snugger fit.

• Use no-tie laces for quick, secure wear.

• Break in your shoes to reduce tongue movement.

• Invest in better shoes if you’re constantly adjusting.

That’s all.