1. Blog Home
  2. Expert Advice
How to Lace Air Jordan 1s

Expert Advice

How to Lace Air Jordan 1s

Feb 4, 2025

Got a closet full of fresh Air Jordan 1s and looking for new ways to wear them? Sure, you can swap out your outfits or change your Air Jordan laces. But you can also add an extra layer of style to your sneakers with some simple lacing techniques. Here’s how to lace Air Jordan 1s to create a custom aesthetic.

Steps for Bar Lacing 

  1. Thread laces through the bottom eyelets so they are on the underside of the holes.
  2. Take the left lace (from inside) and pass it through the second eyelet on the left side, going outward.
  3. Repeat with the right lace on the right side. You should now have a straight bar across the bottom eyelets.
  4. Take the left lace and run it under the tongue to the second eyelet on the right side. Insert it from the inside to the outside.
  5. Do the same with the right lace, bringing it to the second eyelet on the left side from the inside to the outside.
  6. Form the next bar by taking the left lace and inserting it into the third eyelet on the left side from the inside to the outside. Do the same for the right lace on the right side. 
  7. Repeat the pattern, and then either tie with a bow or tuck in the laces.

Loop-Back Lacing

Rather than a traditional crisscross style, if you’re trying to figure out how to lace Air Jordan 1 Mids, this technique essentially twists two loops together to create unique-looking Xs up the sneaker.

Steps for Loop-Back Lacing

  1. Create a bar at the bottom of the lacing system by running the left end of the lace into the left eyelet and the right side into the bottom right eyelet. 
  2. Cross the middle of the laces (between the bar and the ends), so they form an X. 
  3. Make a second X below the first, then take your left lace end and thread it through the right eyelet. 
  4. Continue this pattern up the shoe, and then tie a bow.

Classic Lacing

Want to lace Air Jordan 1 Lows without tying them? With the classic lacing technique, also called the crisscross method, you can keep your laces pulled tight and laced to the top eyelets. Or you can keep them loose, only laced halfway up the shoe and kept untied.

Steps for Classic Lacing

  1. Create the horizontal bar at the bottom of the shoe. 
  2. Take the right lace and thread it through the next left eyelet by going down through the hole. Repeat on the left side.
  3. Continue crisscrossing the shoelaces through the eyelets, forming Xs as you go.
  4. Leave laces untied.

Window Lacing

Need to loosen up the lockdown at the top of your arch? Window or box lacing may be a good technique for you. This style effectively leaves a “window” of space halfway between the lacing system.

Steps for Window Lacing

  1. Thread both ends of the laces into their respective bottom eyelets to create a horizontal bar. 
  2. Begin lacing in a crisscross pattern. At the third eyelet from the bottom, take the lace and thread it directly over and through the fourth eyelet right above it. 
  3. Repeat this pattern on both sides with the third and fourth eyelets, and then continue crisscrossing to the top of the shoe. 
  4. Tie a bow.

Bar Lacing

Want to create a clean finish when Also known as straight lacing, bar lacing creates a clean finish for your Air Jordan 1 Highs and Lows. 

Lock it Down with Air Jordan Lace Locks 

Designed to secure laces in place, Air Jordan lace locks prevent the need for constant retying, which is super useful during athletic activities or longer wear. Air Jordan 5 lace locks, for example, ensure a snug and consistent fit. The Air Jordan 6 lace locks are also standard to help reduce the risk of laces loosening or becoming a tripping hazard. No matter the silhouette, however, these customizable accessories allow you to add a personalized touch to your sneakers with different colors or designs.

Air Jordan 1 Lacing Technique FAQs 

How should I lace my Jordan 1s?

Whether you’re trying to figure out how to lace Air Jordan 1 Highs, Lows or Mids, you can choose one of the above techniques that fits your preferred style. 

How to lace Jordan without tying?

To lace Jordans without tying, use the "loose lacing" method by threading the laces through each eyelet, leaving some slack for a snug but untied look, and tucking the ends inside the shoe. You can also add Air Jordan lace locks or elastic no-tie laces for a secure, no-tie fit. 

Do you lace up Jordans all the way?

Whether to lace up Jordans all the way depends on your personal style and comfort. While lacing them fully provides better ankle support, leaving the top eyelets empty offers a more casual, relaxed look.

Is it okay to tie Jordan 1?

Yep! Tie them for a secure fit, or leave them looser for a laid-back vibe — the choice is yours!

Related Categories

Shop the Story

You Might Also Like to Read