How to Lace Shoes for Wide Feet: Diagram Guide

For wide feet, lace tension should hold the shoe without squeezing the forefoot. The diagrams below show two adjustments: side runs near the toes for forefoot space, and window lacing around a pressure point on top of the foot. Neither pattern makes a narrow sole wider, so start with a shoe that has enough usable space.

Choose the pattern that matches where you feel pressure. A broad forefoot and a high instep can create different fitting problems, even in the same pair of shoes.

Choose the pattern before moving the laces

Where the shoe feels restrictive	Pattern to investigate	What to reassess afterward
Over the broad forefoot near the toes	A: Side runs through the lower rows	The foot still stays seated during turns
One spot beneath a crossing over the instep	B: Window around that spot	Pressure is reduced without excess movement
Along both sides of the sole	A wider or differently shaped shoe	Lacing alone cannot change the platform
Toes touching the front	Length and forward sliding	Do not assume lower lace tension adds toe clearance

ASICS describes side lacing near a wide toe area. REI explains window lacing for pressure on top of the foot. The drawings here are original simplified illustrations of those principles, using five eyelet pairs for clarity.

Read the diagrams from the toes upward

Row 1 is closest to the toes; row 5 is closest to the ankle. L and R label the left and right columns as you look down at the shoe. The solid blue route and dashed orange route represent the two halves of one lace, joined by the bottom bar. Follow the numbered rows as well as the colors.

A. Space over the forefoot

B. Window over a local pressure point

Shoes with more eyelets can continue normal crossing above the illustrated section. These drawings show the route between eyelets; they do not prescribe a special knot or a particular over-under threading convention.

Pattern A: Leave space over the forefoot

Loosen the whole shoe and open the tongue before adjusting it. Seat your heel comfortably, then work upward without pulling the lower section tight.

Place the middle of the lace across the bottom pair, L1 and R1, leaving two reasonably even ends.
Run the end at L1 up its own side through L2 and L3. Run the other end from R1 through R2 and R3.
Cross from L3 to R4 and from R3 to L4.
Cross again from R4 to L5 and from L4 to R5. Continue upward if your shoe has more rows.
Tie normally and adjust only enough to keep the shoe comfortably secure.

The lower side runs remove crossings from the illustrated forefoot area. The tongue should remain flat rather than folded under a lace. If the sidewalls still squeeze, compare a different width or shape.

Pattern B: Create a window over one pressure point

Start with ordinary crisscross lacing. Locate the two eyelet rows immediately below and above the troublesome crossing; rows 2 and 3 serve that purpose in the diagram.

Lace the bottom bar from L1 to R1, then cross the ends to the opposite row-2 eyelets.
From L2, route that end straight up to L3. From R2, route the other end straight up to R3.
Resume crossing from L3 to R4 and R3 to L4, then continue to row 5.
Tie normally and check that the empty window sits over the intended area.

Move the window to another pair of rows if the pressure is elsewhere. Do not keep enlarging it simply to accommodate an upper that lacks enough depth.

Check the result before a longer walk

Stand, walk and turn on a suitable indoor surface. Compare forefoot pressure, tongue position and heel movement. Stop if the adjustment causes pain, numbness or repeated sliding. A brief fitting helps identify obvious problems; it cannot guarantee comfort for a full outing.

Wider options from New Balance or Brooks may be worth comparing if the shoe remains restrictive. For everyday walking, the FitVille Women's Rebound Core V9 is another candidate with a wide toe box. Assess the actual fit before relying on a different lacing pattern.

FAQ

Should I skip every other eyelet?

That is another possible arrangement, but it is not the pattern shown here. Follow one method at a time so you can tell whether it improves your fit.

Can I use these diagrams with elastic speed laces?

Only if the closure permits the same routing and its manufacturer supports adjustment. Do not force a closed or specialized system through these steps.

What if my heel becomes loose?

Reassess the upper fastening and overall shoe shape. Do not solve heel movement by tightening the forefoot until it hurts.

Keep the useful adjustment small

Choose the route that addresses the location of pressure, then check the complete fit. If enough space and secure hold cannot coexist, a different shoe is the more useful next step.

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