If you’ve ever struggled with how to tie Vans, you’re not alone. Luckily, there’s an easy way, which we have told hundreds of people.
To tie Vans:
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Start with even laces: Make sure both sides are the same length.
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Cross the laces: Form an “X” with the laces.
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Loop one lace under the “X”: Pull it tight to secure.
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Repeat this pattern: Keep going until you reach the top eyelets.
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Tie a knot or bow: Finish with a simple knot or a clean bow.
If you want to step up your Vans game, keep reading. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to lace like a pro, whether you’ve got Old Skools, high-tops, or a classic low-top pair.
Key Takeaways
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Classic Criss-Cross Lacing: This is the go-to way to lace Vans for a snug, classic fit.
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Straight Bar Lacing: Perfect if you like a clean, low-profile look with straight lines.
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Loose Skater Style: Great if you want a relaxed, slip-on feel without tight laces.
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No-Tie Old Skool Setup: Use elastic laces for a quick, slip-on style without the hassle.
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5-Hole Lacing: Ideal for Vans with fewer eyelets, keeping things simple and secure.
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Hidden Laces: Tuck the laces behind the tongue or under the insole for a sleek, no-lace vibe.
How to Tie Vans? (Simple Steps)

Lacing your Vans is a simple thing, but it can totally change the way your shoes look and feel. For the classic look, standard Criss-Cross Lacing is the best. Most people prefer this when they are wearing running sneakers.
Here’s how you can lace your Vans shoes:
Step |
Description |
Start with even lace lengths |
Push both ends through the bottom two eyelets from the inside out. |
Create the criss-cross pattern |
Cross the laces over each other and pull them through the next set of eyelets. |
Keep the pattern going |
Repeat this all the way up to the top. |
Finish it off |
Tie a simple bow or double knot at the top. |
But what if you prefer a clean, minimalist style? In this case, we recommend Straight Bar Lacing.
Step |
Description |
Start with the basics |
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets. |
Build the straight bars |
Take one lace end up to the next eyelet and pull it straight across to the other side. |
Mirror the pattern |
Do the same with the other lace end, keeping the bars straight. |
Keep going |
Repeat this all the way to the top. |
Final adjustments |
Tighten or loosen as needed for a comfy fit. |
Many people tell us that they prefer a laid-back, skater vibe. To them, we recommend Loose Skater Style. Here’s how to tie Vans:
Step |
Description |
Start with a criss-cross base |
Lace them normally for the first few holes. |
Loosen it up |
Skip a few eyelets for a more relaxed fit. |
Let them hang |
Leave the laces loose for that chill, skater vibe. |
Slip-on ready |
This is perfect if you’re always on the go. |
How to Tie Vans Without Laces Showing

If you like a clean, no-laces look, this one’s for you. To keep your Vans laces hidden:
Step |
Description |
Use shorter laces |
This makes them easier to hide. |
Lace up like normal |
Use the criss-cross method but stop two eyelets from the top. |
Tuck the ends |
Hide the extra lace behind the tongue or under the insole. |
Check the fit |
Make sure your shoes are still snug. |
How to Lace Vans with 5 Holes
For Vans with 5 eyelets, the lacing is a bit different, but it’s still simple and stylish. To lace 5-eyelet Vans:
Step |
Description |
Start with even lengths |
Thread the lace through the bottom eyelets from the inside out. |
Create the criss-cross |
Pull the laces through the next set of eyelets, crossing them over each other. |
Repeat the pattern |
Keep going up all five holes. |
Finish it off |
Tie a small knot or tuck the ends for a cleaner look. |
How to Lace Vans Old Skool No Tie
Old Skools are a classic, and lacing them without a tie gives them a super chill, slip-on vibe.
For a no-tie Old Skool setup:
Step |
Description |
Use elastic laces |
This is the trick for a no-tie, slip-on fit. |
Thread them normally |
Use a criss-cross or straight bar pattern, whichever you like. |
Set the tension |
Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. |
Trim the extra lace |
Cut them down and secure the ends under the insole. |
How to Bar Lace Vans
Bar lacing is one of the cleanest and most stylish ways to lace your Vans. It’s perfect if you like a low-profile, minimalist look. We’ve used this method on our Old Skools, and it always stands out. Here’s how to do it:
To bar lace your Vans:
Step |
Description |
Start with the basics |
Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets from the outside in. |
Build the first bar |
Take one lace end up to the next eyelet on the same side, then pull it straight across. |
Mirror the pattern |
Do the same with the other lace end, keeping the bars straight and flat. |
Repeat this all the way up |
Continue until you reach the top eyelets. |
Tuck or tie the ends |
You can either tie a small knot behind the tongue or tuck the ends for a cleaner finish. |
Adjust the fit |
Make sure it’s snug but not too tight. |
How to Hide Laces on Vans
If you like a clean, no-laces look, hiding your laces is a simple but effective trick. To hide your laces:
Step |
Description |
Use shorter laces |
This makes them easier to tuck away. |
Lace up normally |
Use the criss-cross method but stop about two eyelets from the top. |
Tuck the ends |
Hide the remaining lace behind the tongue or under the insole. |
Test the fit |
Make sure your shoes are still snug but comfortable. |
Make final adjustments |
Pull the laces tight if needed, so they don’t slip. |
Final Words
All-inclusive, tying Vans is a really easy thing to do. Classic Criss-Cross Lacing is the go-to way to lace your shoes. You can also do Straight Bar Lacing if you like a clean, low-profile look with straight lines.
For hidden Laces, simply tuck the laces behind the tongue or under the insole. It’s that simple!