Alternative Lacing Techniques for Common Foot Problems

Many fitting problems in athletic shoes can be solved by adjusting the lacing techniques designed to accommodate various fitting needs.

Conditions

Flat Foot
  • Experience discomfort from the shoe not being wide enough through the forefoot.
  • Narrow heels
  • Added support on the medial side.

          Use technique #2, #3, or #4
High instep
  • Experience discomfort in the toebox area of the shoe.
  • Experience a pins and needles feeling through the instep area if the shoe is laced too tightly.
  • Heel slips due to a narrow heel in relationship to the forefoot.

          Use technique #1, or #3.
Normal Foot
  • Heel slippage problems, or not enough support through the instep.

            Use technique #3, or #4.
Narrow Foot

  • Heel slippage problems, or not enough support through the instep.

    Use technique #3, or #4

 

Lacing Techniques

Technique 1
Volume lacing, high instep		 Technique 2
Volume lacing, wide forefoot
Technique 3
Loop lacing, narrow heel		 Technique 4
S.C. Lacing, narrow foot