How to Lace Dress Shoes | Straight Bar Lacing Method

Learn how to lace dress shoes with our straight bar lacing method. Laces are to a shoe what buttons are to a jacket. Manufactured by the same company that supplies to London's bespoke shoemakers, our Sovereign Grade Dress shoe laces are the perfect replacement for any pair of Dress Shoe. Replace your worn out shoe laces with our Sovereign Grade Laces.
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[@emiliohondoy236]

I've never seen before a better explication than that. Thanks.

[@glennet9613]

My father was a pilot the RAF during the war and taught me to go from the top hole to the opposite bottom and then lace back to the top using just the one end. The reason they did it that way was if they were injured it was easier to cut the lace to get the boot off.

[@jedisith3864]

This is what I prefer as well. My small toe is where I feel pinch if at all so I use the outside for that long skip and it feels like I can set the tension easily this way. And the tongue has less lace markings so over all it has more utility while adding cosmetic value. No cross peeking through if the fit isn't perfect on the vamp either. Just feels right to me.

[@johnthompson286]

I tripped on your videos the other day. I look at my laces in a whole new way.

[@deadpresidents2222]

Thank you so much as always Kirby. This video helped me lace my laces perfectly!

[@robertdarrell2116]

Great video, thanks for sharing. The cross method certainly helps with the tightening whilst still retaining the classic parallel lace look. Thanks again!

[@mschriscs4962]

Well said friend, I no longer have any difficulty with the final step. The bow is much easier to make if I just listen to you step bye step. Bravo !

[@nikhilsrl]

Excellent method. I used to lace my shoes like this when I was in school, but then started using slipons later on and forgot how to do it. When I wanted to straight lace my shoes most of the videos on the net showed the straight up method, which I felt was more complex compared what I used to do and as you mentioned less effective. Thank you.

[@ThePenbandit]

Thanks for your channel. For me, the straight up works good for 4 eyelets, it's plenty snug and a clean look. With 5 eyelets the crossed method holds more firmly, and the crossed lace is hidden well with all the action.

[@KMaybach1]

Great video, thanks for showing me how to do it properly. Happy Easter!

[@mark.hamdan]

Super helpful video! I only tie my dress shoes using the straight lace crossed method after watching this and can definitely tell a difference

[@chanasahmad9540]

Mr. Allison please make a video on hair care ,style and products used by you. Because your formal,simple, shinier and elegant hair looks is just perfect

[@carlosc3768]

Very helpful video, Thank you Kirby!

[@DavidConstanza]

Black and brown laces. Always classic.

[@flexipino]

I don't know why this took me so long to learn haha. Much thanks!

[@AJ_NZL]

I know use this method on my steel cap work boots, works a treat, thanks Kirby love the channel 😊

[@danbaxter2599]

I am just getting into the nice shoe game right now, researching care and such before I take the plunge into a pair of Allen Edmonds. Your videos are incredible and very informative and helpful.

[@VolkswagenNut1969]

Great videos on this channel. I discovered this method (straight bar with crossing underneath) on the AE website and it quickly became my favorite as well. :)

[@varazdatgrigoryan3]

Very simple and useful method. Awesome 😎

[@Occult_Detective]

This is great looking. Suits the Berluti knot well.

[@Rogelio_007]

Excellent explanation! Thanks

[@alcarazza2442]

Bravo Berluti!! Thank you Barry.

[@johnbugnoii]

Great and very helpful video! Thanks and God bless!

[@johnnydotz]

That's a very nice pair of shoes!

[@tringalef]

Just re laced my Allen Edmonds 5th Ave using this method. Looks fantastic. Thanks.

[@kirbyallison]

Doesn't it!! I just relaced an old pair of shoes. I'm so happy I made myself finally stop in the morning and do it. It's so easy to just rush out of the house.

[@real_fjcalabrese]

I use the straight-up method. However, I place the diagonal, when needed for odd number of eyelet pairs, at the bottom; this conceals the diagonal better.

[@dailycharmaddict]

I LOVE THIS! Excellent video, thank you so much! Just laced my husband’s shoes this way, with the Berluti knot! Classy!

[@kirbyallison]

Awesome!

[@vicspeed1068]

Fantastic video with a great, straightforward explanation of all processes involved. I am now cross laced and the leverage is amazing. That tie method is incredible too. Thanks for great content!

[@alfredsanchez4171]

Thank you for your video there are so many people wearing tennis shoes these days you hardly ever see anybody with dress shoes so believe me it's hard to find a video like yours for men again thank you for your time have some great holidays and please be safe thank you again

[@seankillian4236]

@@alfredsanchez4171ass as z sees sad ok k I’ll oo

[@Lovetowinmoney]

Great video… very helpful!!!

[@Tatdude1957]

Thanks for the tips! I really like the straight bar method but have always used the straight-up method which has been problematic, I will definitely give the crossed method a go now! I've also used the Parisian knot tying method my entire life without knowing it had a name! My grandmother taught me to tie my shoes when I was 5 and always thought I was doing it wrong! Nice to know at almost 60 years old I was way ahead of my time! Thanks for the instructive videos!

[@kirbyallison]

Great! Yes - the biggest problem with straight bar lacing is that if you use the "straight-up" lacing method, it's impossible to synch the vamp tight. The crossed lacing method solves this. I love the Parisian Knot. I even use it with all of my children's shoes. It's a great double knot!

[@WildBill7771]

Thanks for your Help!

[@b.f.m7613]

Great video!

[@mmalave71]

Thank you for this video!

[@samruda23]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@kirbsyde8965]

NO FUCKING WAY! My name is Kirby too! I randomly searched straight lace shoes. I have ALWAYS straight laced my shoes. KIRBY FTW! (🤬nintendo)😉

[@HazelJuanitaMillanHoffman]

I can teach my Grandsons the proper way. Thank you.

[@10gallons]

Very instructive video. You come across as a refined guy.

[@cyrilhudak4568]

LOL, lot of refineries in Dallas

[@charliekroll5427]

Just bought my first real pair of dress shoes a pair of Florsheim Salerno cap toe oxfords and did this, it changed the look of the shoe

[@Anonymous-pm7jf]

Very very cool. Thank you.

[@killaken2000]

I tie my converse sneakers this way. I learned how to do it from Professor Shoelace. It gives a really unique look even on non-dress shoes

[@SightNSoundBand]

Excellent video...very clear instruction......

[@kirbyallison]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!!!

[@parthshirke5124]

Thank you!

[@thomasglancy1734]

Great video :)

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks!

[@jackierodgers1242]

Love your videos !!! How do you know how long to have your laces ???

[@CrepitusRex]

For the price of some of these shoes, one would think the eyelets could take a beating.

[@djpcbaby]

2nd that emotion!

[@jacquidoherty8496]

P

[@omars.3021]

He k, at those prices, I'd expect them to lace themselves....

[@ZagorTeNayebo]

I mean they can but it's hella annoying to take them out every single time, I'm sure tightening them and walking is much more stress than taking them out all the time or whatnot

[@OLDx666]

I am also thinking this very thing now.kek

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed our complete guide to lacing your dress shoes let us know. How do you lace your shoes?

[@kyletraczyk723]

How do you Bar lace a 4 eyelet shoe?

[@balachandrar8186]

Thank you So much Sir 😊

[@danmorris5422]

Hi, Good afternoon. I have been using this lacing my shoes this way for years. A bit of trivia for you, this style of lacing created the term "Straight Laced" as shorthand to describe someone. Regards

[@kirbyallison]

Dan Morris thanks! That's super fascinating. It's always interesting to me to learn about the origin of traditions and colloquialisms.

[@925audio8]

Nice option

[@manny22111]

I just bought a pair of Allen Edmonds, my foot size is a 9 D, But the shoes at the throat of the shoes seems to be spread out quite a bit, does it make a difference or should the throat be more closer to being together from left side to right side. It seems kind of odd looking at them with my foot inside.?

[@michaelmorrissey1052]

Whenever I change laces, I measure each eyelet with a pair of calipers to make sure they are still in spec.

[@wt460]

Michael Morrissey, you are hilarious!

[@omars.3021]

@Michael Morrissey: How do you avoid scratching your shoes with the caliper blades? I mean when lacing a shoe like Kirby was doing, you've got 8 measurements to make... I'd hyperventilate...!

[@giloro85]

@@omars.3021 plastic calipers like the one TGV uses on watches

[@rajeshgupta-sv3kd]

Omar S. c8

[@adenoidhinkel34]

Спасибо большое! Очень полезно и наглядно!

[@ronwhite6719]

Thanks for the lacing class. I never knew that it was so easy. Can you attach a link for the diagram from your video?

[@petrjohan6104]

Two things I've found plus one. I'm careful to keep the lace I'm not using on the insole so it's not fouling with the lace your threading. Two...I keep mine slightly loose so that when my foot slips in, even using a horn (and for a pair that cost me in excess of 600$ I'm going to use a horn to not bend down, repeatedly, the leather behind your heel) then tighten after you're shod. Bonus: Lacing suede shoes is a bit trickier as the lace will not flow as easily. Also, a suede shoe too tightly bound will inevitably accumulate a flattened spot where the laces are over the leather. I take my laces out when I'm not wearing them, use trees on all my shoes and, for suede, acquire a suede brush but learn to use it carefully; Many of them are really intended for rough out or coarser suede and will damage shoe grade suede easily. This may be more trouble than you wish to go to but....I had the bootmaker (I live on a ranch in Kansas so boots are a lot more common than Ferragamo's….) cut the laces so that when properly done, they make a good looking, even bow that doesn't droop, sag or leave one lace hanging down. He also sealed the end of each lace putting a slight point on it, makes it easier to draw through the holes. Advice from oh high. When Bill Allen first brought the proto-type for the 707 to Wichita in the 1950's, he made several pertinent comments that remain important for traveler. Let's remember he was President of Boeing, knew the engineering so....whatever he said is good to remember. One of the things was that was these 'new' jets had a far better pressurization system so me who routinely wore tie shoes should remember to loosen them or wear a dress 'moccasin'-loafer. Also, he said that his guys routinely wore Wellington Boots which allowed their ankles to easily move on the pedals but kept their feet warm-apparently Boeing hadn't worked out all the kinks in cabin heating and air conditioning. Proof of what he said? About three weeks ago I flew QANTAS non-stop (19 hours) From Dallas to Sydney. With a custom tailored suit....I wore Cole Haan Penny loafers....also carried several pair of socks to swap off as the flight progressed, something more men should do as well as carry a self-sealing bag for the socks/hose you're swapping out.

[@vangp9214]

Tried 2 ways 4 double knot but your way to make double knot looks perfect & smooth. Can u make or any reference about atleast what kind of shoes to have br in collection for men. Thanks.

[@mattlocascio4949]

my laces kept coming undone i saw the bertuli method and it solved the problem

[@sabrinatjoen-a-choy2425]

Hi there really like the video. Is there a video how to lace your dress shoe with 2 laces on 1 shoe?

[@OneManParade]

You explained the Parisian knot better in this video than you did in the instructional video.

[@TrojanMars1]

Another great option. However, I find that the zigzags often show through, especially on Derbys, which is why I opt for the straight up method. Thanks for the video.

[@kirbyallison]

I can understand the straight-up method in those instances. Just a little more difficult to sinch tight.

[@luiskp7173]

Yes, same thing happens with new oxfords that still form a "V"

[@tomb4165]

Thank you. Kirby, just tried this method. A little less neat with a gap showing some criss-cross but probably still better (as you say, from afar) than what I've always been doing. Will also tinker around with it based on some other suggestions made here and see what happens. Thanks to all!

[@erasorearnest4566]

Cool

[@fredcalabrese6066]

On Bluchers and Derbies with an odd number of eyelet pairs. I tend to use an over-under method. On all Oxfords and Open laced shoes with an even number of eyelet pairs, I use straight bar lacing. On Oxfords with an odd number of eyelet pairs, I cross at the bottom; it's less noticeable.

[@kirbyallison]

With Oxfords with an odd number of eyelets, it's easy to do a barbell lacing by just crossing underneath and skipping up. Same is true for even eyelets.

[@sergeyfito5326]

Hi, could you please give link to your lace knots video?

[@ethanklivans403]

hi Kirby, at 6:20 you pull the one lace towards the toe of the shoe, then lay it flat across the tongue. did you do this purposefully, or just something that you did incidentally? if it was intentional, what purpose did it serve? also, could you make a video about the correct way to "wrap" a Wellington shoe cloth for polishing?

[@sumitgenzyme]

My all shoes are having three series of islets...what to do then?

[@ihmesekoilua]

Alright, it's 2 AM and I'm learning how to lace my shoes. Well, mainly I learned that apparently not everyone does exactly what he recommends in the video, which is what I do. So I guess I learned that there are people who don't know how to lace their shoes.

[@marymedellin6209]

But great tip

[@Brian-kl1zu]

Will the x-lace method only work w/ an even number of eyelets?

[@paulowens6838]

I prefer the straight up method for my Allen Edmond Park Aves, Strands, and Mcallisters. Since I couldn't swing having my shoes custom made for me, the top doesn't close all the way like yours do in the demo, so the straight up gives a much cleaner look without being able to see the crossed laces underneath. With the 6 eyes of my shoes you don't even get that 1 cross at the top. I think it looks sharp.

[@paulowens6838]

I've also found that as the shoes break in, they get easier to sinch. It was neigh impossible when I first laced them, but now, they just pull tight like a pair of sneakers.

[@kirbyallison]

Hi Paul - you actually want a little bit of a gap between across the facing. This ensures that the laces can always be tightened a little more given the fluctuation in size of one's foot as it swells. These shoes probably closed perfectly because they weren't on my feet. That aside, I understand what you are saying, but I do not feel that being able to see the laces cross behind the facing is a visual distraction. At a distance, it is hardly noticeable, and the ability to better tighten you shoes is significant. It isn't just a matter of that final sinch, but being able to quickly and easily loosen all the laces.

[@tyvinson2510]

Is I generally acceptable that the laces can be seen crossing over the tongue when I put my foot into the shoe and there is that slight spread/opening of the shoe right over the tongue?

[@ThePolyesterPimp]

Sorry, I have another off topic question in regards to my soaked calfskin suede boots I made in the previous video. The boots have a separate calfskin leather liner and I was wondering if I just need a conditioner for it; or if there's something more specific since it's the liner. Thanks

[@kirbyallison]

The Polyester Pimp you really shouldn't have to do anything for the leather liner. I've never heard of someone conditioning it. If you wanted to add a minimum, you could use something like the Nappa leather Balm. It is the only product I would recommend because it does not contain any waxes.

[@stevereade4858]

Straight across is just more assertive, more ... je ne sais qua ... in control. I use cross-lacing only on my ankle boots. Looks more appropriate there.

[@DWilliam1]

I always use the cross method. Closes the shoe much better. I also prefer flat laces, but if I use round(more formal) I do not use waxed. NEVER holds up.

[@gomer2813]

One of these methods is called "ladder lace" in the UK, I think. IDK which.

[@dorian2k1]

How do u do it without all the crossings? Looks like it only looks good if there is no gap between sides, otherwise looks bad

[@CarlosSanchez-qy4tk]

This video is great, but I need help with a method for an even number of eyelets, four to be exact.

[@gofft1355]

Stright-up works with even number of eyelets.

[@artlayton1425]

My challenge? Finding lround aces with a very small aglet that will fit thru the eyelet and are long enough. I have bought three pair and none of them work. I have gone back to the maker of the shoes (Johnson and Murphy) and they say they will send me a pair - soon I hope.

[@ianflem6489]

Have question. Should I wash wax shoe laces? How to clean them?

[@robertkocur5355]

How do you do this for a seven eyelet shoe?

[@barrywuthrich8530]

I think that your Parisian knot tried to rotate to a 45 degree angle to the laces. If you begin the knot with a left over right 1/2 knot instead of right over left, the knot stays perpendicular to the laces. (since you are wrapping around the finger on your left hand twice) This is the opposite of the Berluti knot which starts with a right over left 1/2 knot to begin.

[@dogmaticlord]

can this method lacing your shoes, work on athletic shoes? example my Nike Inflict 3's (wrestling shoe)

[@qweasd60]

Of course: and with this method you not only win - you win like a gentleman :-)

[@rayvortines]

I just bought a closed tie dress shoes. But it doesn't completely close both ends and you can see the collar. Is that ok?

[@belalugosisnotdead8225]

How do you even out the length of the laces after you finish?

[@kevinhall4528]

Nicotine is highly addictive Thanks for the lacing instruction...

[@toobalkain]

This is a good method if shoes close all the way and laces aren’t showing but otherwise it’s a better idea not to cross laces over but rather stay on the same side or at worst cross over once if there’s an odd number of eyelets. Some might say that adds strain on eyelets but it doesn’t seem to be the case.

[@kirbyallison]

I don't totally agree with this. Especially if the lacing does not pull together, you need the crossing behind the laces in order to create any effective leverage to pull it together. If you do not cross the laces behind, it is very difficult to pull extra slack through the eyelets to tighten the shoe. I find that the perception that the crossing will be obvious when standing to be highly over-stated.

[@par3caddy]

I'm just here for the music. 🎶

[@MrNightpwner]

Women fuss about eyelashes no one cares about, we fuss over shoe laces no one cares about. Love it 😂

[@dholshouser]

It seems like this method uses more lace. Using the stock laces, I only have a few inches available to tie the knot. I'll buy longer laces but at first this limits the free space I can use to loosen my 7 eyelet dress boots to get my foot in and out. Fyi: Allen Edmonds Stirling boot.

[@kirbyallison]

David Holshouser Interesting observation. We just added 80 cm lengths to all our standard laces (in addition to 75 cm), plus 60 and 120 cm for 2-eyelets and boots.

[@righteousred723]

My rockports have never looked better

[@EspenIrgens]

Most product links are dead

[@SS11660]

For demo , better to use a light color lace on black shoes. Little hard to see. Thanks

[@alltimegr8s990]

Why don't you have nickel, gold, or brass eyelets vs naked eyelets? It seems that would help with stress on naked eyelets with tying, untying.

[@theniceneighbor]

Most of my shoes have the open lace upper where this is not an attractive option. Example I cannot use this on shoes where you the tongue is visible. I can pull this off on one pair of my shoes. Then I have a wide foot so shoes that "might" look good are spread out just enough to look bad with the bar lace. Wide foot problems.

[@davidhbcollins4627]

A derby cut shoe can be laced both ways

[@Justsomething91]

I like ribbon laces which is annoying because I much prefer boots and no one makes ribbon laces for boots

[@dr.muller1644]

That oil was so slick that Draco Malfoy died

[@larrykester8593]

Kirby, I sent you an email to customer service on the website. Will you get it?

[@kirbyallison]

Sure - if you ask for it to be forwarded to me, they'll pass it along.

[@larrykester8593]

The Hanger Project I addressed it to you! Thank you for getting back to me! I hope to hear from you regarding the email.

[@TheJMKI]

Note for self 6:55

[@krollic]

I've used the straight/up method forever but since seeing this crossed method, I've switched. The latter seems to offer a better force distribution over all the eyelets which means a more secure and comfortable fit and it uses up more of the lace length. I prefer the look of shorter laces i.e a smaller bow and lace ends, so this is perfect for me. Thanks Kirby. e: oo. I wanted to suggest that you check out the so-called Ian Knot. It is the fastest way to tie a pair of laces in the world in a secure, elegant and horizontal fashion. I recommend you check it out. I use it when tying all my shoes

[@markwilliams7091]

This method looks great if the sides of the shoe come together completely concealing the tongue, otherwise it looks like a horrible jumble. I tried this method on a pair of AE Macneils and the result was dreadful.

[@jaim2379]

Black is more elegant