how to tie new balance shoes

You know that feeling when you get a brand new pair of New Balance sneakers, slip them on, and immediately feel like you’re walking on clouds? Then, halfway through the day, your heel starts to slip, your toes go numb, or the laces dig into the top of your foot like a tiny, angry belt. The culprit isn’t the shoe—it’s almost always the lacing. Most of us were taught one knot as kids and never looked back, but your New Balance shoes, with their unique fit and often wider toe boxes, deserve a little more thought. Tying them isn’t just about preventing them from falling off; it’s about customizing the fit to your specific foot shape, activity, and comfort needs. Let’s break down how to do it right, from the basic principles to the advanced techniques that will make you feel like a sneaker pro.

The Core Principle: Lacing is a Fit Tool, Not Just a Fastener

Think of your shoelaces as a three-dimensional adjustment system. They don’t just hold the shoe on; they control tension across the entire foot—from the instep (the top of your arch) to the heel cup (the back of your ankle). A standard criss-cross lace pattern applies even pressure, which is fine for many, but if you have a high arch, a narrow heel, or wide forefoot, you need to redistribute that pressure. The goal is to lock your heel in place so it doesn’t slide, while leaving enough room in the toe box for your toes to splay naturally. That’s the secret: a secure heel and a relaxed forefoot. Every lacing method we’ll cover is a variation on this theme.

Getting Started: The Foundation Lace

Before we get fancy, let’s make sure your baseline is solid. Start by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets (the ones closest to your toes) from the outside in, so the ends are inside the shoe. This creates a clean look and prevents the lace from rubbing against your socks. Now, cross the laces over and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the inside out. Continue this criss-cross pattern all the way up, pulling gently after each cross to keep tension even. When you reach the top, you’ll have two ends. This is your starting point. If your shoes feel good already, great—but if you’re dealing with a specific issue, read on.

Problem 1: Heel Slippage (Your Foot Lifts When You Walk)

This is the most common complaint with New Balance, especially on models like the 990 or 993 that have a generous fit. The fix is the “heel lock” or “lace lock” method. Here’s how it works: after you’ve laced up normally to the second-to-last eyelet from the top, don’t cross the laces over to the top eyelet. Instead, take each lace and thread it *straight up* into the top eyelet on the same side, creating a small loop on each side. Now, cross the laces *behind* the shoe, and pull each end through the loop on the opposite side. Then tighten as usual. This creates a cinch around your ankle that locks the heel down without overtightening the rest of the shoe. It’s a game-changer for runners or anyone who walks a lot.

Problem 2: Numb Toes or a Tight Forefoot

If your toes feel cramped or go numb after a while, your laces are likely compressing the top of your foot too much near the toe box. New Balance shoes often have a wider fit, but the lacing can still cause pressure if you’re not careful. The solution is to skip an eyelet or two near the front of the shoe. Instead of lacing through every eyelet, leave the first one or two pairs empty, then start your criss-cross pattern higher up. This gives your toes more room to wiggle. Alternatively, you can use the “window lacing” technique: lace normally through the bottom eyelets, but when you get to the area where the pressure is worst, thread the lace through the *same side* eyelet instead of crossing over. This creates a vertical “window” that relieves tension. Both methods let your foot breathe without sacrificing security.

Problem 3: High Instep or Arch Pain

If you have a high arch, the middle of your foot might feel like it’s being squeezed. The standard criss-cross pattern can create a ridge of pressure right across your instep. The fix is to use a “parallel” or “straight bar” lacing pattern in that middle section. After lacing the bottom few eyelets normally, instead of crossing the laces, run each lace straight up the same side through the next eyelet. Do this for two or three sets of eyelets, then resume the criss-cross pattern at the top. This distributes the pressure evenly across a wider area, reducing the pinch. You can also try the “lace anchor” method: at the point of highest pressure, thread the lace *under* the existing cross on the opposite side before going into the next eyelet. This creates a small pulley that lets you fine-tune tension.

Advanced Tips for Different Activities

Not all New Balance shoes are created equal, and neither are your activities. For running or high-intensity training, always use the heel lock method—it prevents blisters and keeps your foot stable during lateral movements. For casual walking or everyday wear, a simple criss-cross with a relaxed top is usually fine, but consider skipping the top eyelet entirely if you have high ankles or prefer a looser feel. For hiking or trail shoes like the New Balance 574, use a “surgeon’s knot” at the top: after crossing the laces, tie an extra loop before the final pull. This prevents the knot from slipping during rugged terrain. And for kids or anyone who struggles with standard knots, try the “bunny ears” method (two loops, then tie them together)—it’s easier to undo and less likely to come loose.

Practical Advice for a Perfect Fit

Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind. First, always lace your shoes while standing up, with your weight on your feet. This simulates how they’ll feel during use and prevents you from overtightening. Second, use the right laces: if your New Balance came with flat laces, stick with them—they distribute pressure better than round ones. If you need more grip, replace them with waxed cotton laces. Third, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a different method every day for a week until you find what feels best. Your feet are unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Finally, if you’re buying new New Balance shoes, consider models with a “lace lock” eyelet already built in—many of the performance lines have a small, extra eyelet near the top specifically for heel locking. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

When to Re-Lace Your Shoes

You should re-evaluate your lacing technique whenever you switch activities, get new insoles, or notice discomfort that wasn’t there before. Also, as your shoes break in, the materials soften and stretch, so a lacing method that worked on day one might feel loose after a month. Don’t be afraid to tighten or loosen as needed. And if you’re ever in doubt, go back to basics: a snug heel, a relaxed toe box, and even tension throughout. That’s the New Balance philosophy in a nutshell—comfort without compromise.

So next time you tie your New Balance shoes, take an extra 30 seconds to think about what your feet are telling you. A small adjustment can turn a good shoe into a great one, and you’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable your walks, runs, or errands become. Happy lacing!