Here at Crepslocker we consider ourselves experts when it comes to Air Jordans, however we find many of our customers asking the same question time and time again – how to lace Jordans? While this may seem like a bizarre question, many Jordans do not come factory laced, meaning the consumer has to lace them from scratch. There are many different methods when it comes to lacing Jordans, especially with different silhouettes and styles, however the truth is that we prefer to lace our Jordans with the traditional “over and under” method. Things will of course differ slightly depending on the exact sneaker you’re lacing, but as a general rule, this option works incredibly well for all Jordans and creates a clean, stylish look.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of lacing Jordans and focus on some specific silhouettes, providing a more in-depth look into the lace options that are possible. So without further ado, let’s jump straight into it!
How to Lace Jordan 1s?
Launched in 1985, the Air Jordan 1 is the very first sneaker to come to fruition from Michael Jordan’s partnership with Nike and it still remains a classic today. It takes on a classic look that’s not too dissimilar from a Nike Dunk or an Air Force 1, and comes in three different variations: high, mid and low-top. Now all three of these come unlaced from the factory, meaning that the wearer has to put in a little work to get them looking great. We recommend taking the two ends of a lace and pushing them through the bottom lace holes from above. Now continue to work your way up the sneaker with an “over and under” method, as this will create a clean and uniform look.
When you reach near the top of the sneaker, decide if you want to use all the lace holes, or leave the top one or two empty. This will determine how much lace is left to tie the sneakers, and is down to personal preference. When lacing and tying sneakers, we like to leave a good amount of slack so the sneakers do not look overtightened or “choked”.
How to Lace Jordan 3s?
As the first Air Jordan silhouette to be designed by Tinker Hatfield, the AJ3 is most definitely an important part of sneaker history. Tinker has been responsible for some of the most iconic Nike sneakers of all time and is widely-regarded as one of the sneaker industry’s most important figures. The Jordan 3 is a high-top silhouette and doesn’t come in any other cuts, however it also features what looks like a rather complex lacing system. As sneaker technology began to evolve in the late ‘80s, silhouettes featured lacing systems that allowed for different lengths and options, such as the multiple holes on the lower part of the Jordan 3.
Now in the present day, it’s safe to assume that most AJ3 wearers aren’t heading onto the court in them, so we like to lace them in the best-looking way rather than a performance geared style. Utilise the “over-under” method and use the top two laces holes (from the lower section with five holes in total). Lace all the way up to the top on this silhouette and then opt for the higher out of the two final holes. This will create an aesthetically pleasing look that will easily elevate your outfits!
Best Way to Lace Jordan 4s
The mighty Jordan 4 first hit the market back in 1989 and is another awesome sneaker designed by none other than Tinker Hatfield. As the first Jordan sneaker to be sold globally, the AJ4 holds a special place in the heart of many sneaker fans and has also experienced a resurgence in recent years. Offering a bulky silhouette and plenty of solid colourways, when laced correctly the Jordan 4 looks incredible with almost any outfit. The Air Jordan 4 showcases lacing “wings” for the first time, which offer a unique aesthetic and function similarly to the multi-length holes on the Jordan 3.
Here at Crepslocker we like to lace our Jordan 4s for the best possible look, so we opt for the regular “over-under” method all the way up to the top wing. When you reach the top wing, run the laces through the middle hole only, which will leave a short length exposed to then tie the sneakers. Some people like to leave their AJ4s untied, as they can provide a snug fit, but this is totally optional.
Jordan 5 Lacing
If ever there was a confusing sneaker to lace up, the Jordan 5 would be a top nominee. Offering multiple different lace holes which give the option to create a number of different combinations, the AJ5 can be daunting. On top of this, it comes with lace locks, just to make the process a little scarier! However fear not, lacing the Jordan 5 is actually a relatively simple task. Much like we mentioned with the AJ3, it’s best to lace the Jordan 5 using the top set of holes, as this will create the best aesthetic, as we’re assuming you aren’t lacing these sneakers for performance basketball.
Opt for the same method as we have mentioned for the other Jordans in this guide, however when you reach the top lace hole, remember it’s time to attach the lace lock. Slide this over both of the laces until it touches the tongue (make sure it’s not too tight) and then tie the laces into a neat bow.
Are There Specific Ways to Lace the Jordan 11?
The Air Jordan 11 is yes another classic Tinker Hatfield design, surprise surprise. Debuting in 1995, the sneaker was made famous through MJs incredible success with the Chicago Bulls that season and its appearance in the movie Space Jam. Unlike some of its predecessors, the AJ11 actually offers a very simplistic approach to lacing. Instead of lace holes, the pair offers up canvas lace loops, making it easy to thread the rope-style laces through them.
There’s no specific method to use on this pair, as these types of laces tend to look good no matter what. However, we would advise to keep this pair relatively loose when lacing them up. Choking the Jordan 11 out with a very tight lacing method will ruin the contemporary look of the sneakers.
Tight or Loose Lacing?
An age old debate within the sneaker world is how tight should you lace your sneakers? The answer is of course, however you like it. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, however it is worth noting that each method will give a different look. If you’re buying Jordans to play basketball and want optimal performance, of course a tighter lacing method is going to keep the sneakers secured on your feet better.
With that being said however, most of us being Jordans in the present day are buying them for style reasons. They’re some of the most popular sneakers on the market and tend to look good with pretty much anything. If this is the case, we’d recommend lacing them looser, as this provides a more laid-back and contemporary look. It can also help reduce creasing and improve the lifespan of the sneakers, as the materials will be under less pressure and you’ll have more room for your feet to breathe.
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