How to Lace Air Force 1s: Standard, Loose and Slip-On Styles
To lace Nike Air Force 1s, thread the flat lace through the metal AF1 tag, center it, feed both ends down into the bottom eyelets, then crisscross up each remaining pair of holes. Pass the ends through the tongue loop, then tie or tuck them. Keep the tension loose for the classic look.
What you need before you start
You need one flat lace, ideally 54 inches for a standard low-top, and the shoe. Longer laces suit high-tops, so check the length your pair needs. Remove the old laces completely so the eyelets are clear and you can see which holes are empty.
How to lace Air Force 1s the standard way
- Thread the tag. Slide one end of the lace through the metal AF1 tag, then center it so both sides are even.
- Start at the bottom. Push each end down through the bottom eyelet on its own side, from the top, so the lace runs under the shoe’s front panel.
- Crisscross up. Take the left end across and down into the next empty hole on the right. Do the same with the right end going left. Repeat to the top.
- Use the tongue loop. Pass both ends through the loop on the tongue so the tongue stays centered when you walk.
- Finish. Tie a bow, or tuck the ends behind the tongue for a cleaner look.
Keep both lace halves flat. A twisted lace sits high and looks messy, so smooth it as you pull.
How to lace Air Force 1s loosely
Loose lacing means following the same crisscross path but leaving slack at every crossing. Stop pulling once the lace lies flat on the leather instead of cinching it down. The shoe then opens wide, and the upper keeps a softer, relaxed shape.
This works well because the AF1 has a thick leather upper and a stiff collar. Tight lacing can pinch the top of the foot, especially in the first weeks while the leather is still firm. Loose lacing also suits wider feet.
How to lace Air Force 1s so you don’t have to tie them
For a no-tie look, lace the shoe loosely, tuck the ends behind the tongue, and leave enough room to slip your foot in. Bar lacing, where the laces run straight across in horizontal bars, gives a tidy look without crossing. The key is leaving extra slack so you can step in without untying.
Two tips make it work:
- Make the knot small and flat so it hides behind the tongue.
- Test with socks on. If your heel drags, tighten the top two rows only.
Which style fits which look?
| Style | Tension | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard crisscross | Medium | Everyday wear, factory look |
| Loose crisscross | Low | Comfort, wider feet, relaxed style |
| Bar lacing | Low to medium | Clean, flat look |
| Tucked, no-tie | Low | Slip-on convenience |
Common mistakes
- Leaving the AF1 tag off center, which makes the pattern lopsided.
- Feeding the lace up from underneath instead of down from the top at the bottom row.
- Pulling too tight at the toe, which presses on the toes.
- Using a lace that is too short, so the bow ends up tiny.
FAQ
– Are you supposed to tie Air Force 1s?
No, it is a matter of taste. Many people tie them for support, while others leave them loose or tucked. Tie them if you walk a lot, since a secure heel is more comfortable.
– How do you lace Air Force 1 high-tops?
Use the same crisscross method, but start with a longer lace to cover the extra eyelets. If your pair has a strap, lace the shoe first and fasten the strap last.
