The way a shoe is laced dramatically affects how well it supports the foot and ankle during movement. Specialized lacing techniques primarily stabilize the ankle joint and prevent the heel from lifting inside the shoe. Controlling heel slippage minimizes friction, helps prevent blisters, and contributes to overall foot-to-shoe coupling. This stronger connection allows the shoe’s built-in support features, like the heel counter, to function more effectively. This article provides a straightforward guide to the most effective lacing method for maximum ankle support.
Preparing Your Shoe for Maximum Support
Before beginning specialized lacing, ensure your shoe is correctly fitted, as no lacing method can fix an ill-fitting shoe. This technique relies on the top-most set of eyelets, which are often left unused. These additional holes, situated near the ankle collar, are included in many athletic and hiking shoes to create a locking mechanism.
First, lace your shoe using the standard criss-cross pattern until you reach the eyelet directly before the final hole on each side. Do not cross the laces over the tongue. Instead, thread the lace straight up through the final eyelet on the same side, feeding the lace from the outside of the shoe inward. This action creates a small, vertical loop of lace between the two top eyelets on both sides of the shoe’s collar. These loops are the foundation for securing the foot and ankle.
The Heel Lock Lacing Technique
The technique designed to secure the heel is commonly known as the Heel Lock or Runner’s Loop. Once the small loops are formed on both sides, the laces are ready to be crossed over one another. Take the lace from the right side and thread it through the loop created on the left side of the shoe.
Repeat this action by taking the lace from the left side and threading it through the loop on the right side. This creates a criss-cross pattern through the loops, rather than through the eyelets themselves. The laces should cross over the tongue in the center of the opening.
This configuration leverages the loops to generate significant downward and backward tension around the ankle. The mechanical advantage created by threading the laces through the opposing loop allows for focused compression of the shoe’s collar. This effectively cinches the heel into the shoe’s heel cup, reducing unwanted movement and increasing ankle support and stability.
Achieving Proper Tension and Knot Security
The final step involves pulling the laces to achieve the correct tension, which maximizes support benefits without causing discomfort. By pulling the laces outwards and downwards, you tighten the loops, drawing the shoe material inward and locking the heel in place. You should feel a firm, secure hold around the ankle, and your heel should not lift when you attempt to flex your foot.
It is important to find a balance where the shoe feels snug and secure but does not restrict circulation or create pain. A lacing condition that is too tight can cause discomfort, but the Heel Lock technique often minimizes pressure on the top of the foot while still providing stability. Once the desired tension is achieved, immediately tie a standard knot to secure the laces in this locked position. To ensure the support remains consistent throughout activity, a double knot is highly recommended.