How To Lace Vans Old Skool

Okay, let's talk Vans Old Skools. Specifically, how to lace them. This isn't rocket science. But some folks treat it like it is.

The Basic Straight Lace (aka The "Boring" Way)

First, you shove the lace ends through the bottom eyelets. Make sure the lengths are even. Or don't. Who cares, really?

Then, you take one end and feed it across to the next eyelet on the same side. Rinse and repeat.

Do this until you reach the top. Tie a bow. Boom. Done. Next shoe!

Unpopular Opinion Time: This is the least cool way to lace them.

Yes, it's clean. Yes, it's simple. But let's be honest, it screams "I play by the rules." And Vans were MADE to break rules.

They just look stiff and...sad. Like a puppy that didn't get a treat.

The Criss-Cross Chaos (aka The "I Don't Care" Vibe)

Start the same way as before. Laces through the bottom.

Now, instead of going straight across, you criss-cross them. One end goes over to the opposite side, up to the next hole.

Keep criss-crossing. Make sure it's reasonably tight. Otherwise, you'll be tripping all day.

Unpopular Opinion Time: Much better, but still kinda basic.

It's a step up from the straight lace. Adds a tiny bit of visual interest.

But it lacks personality. It's like ordering vanilla ice cream. Safe, but boring.

The Loosen-Up-And-Let-Them-Breathe Method

Lace them however you want, initially. Straight, criss-cross, doesn't matter.

The key is this: don't tighten them. Leave some slack. Let your feet breathe! Let your laces dangle!

This look is all about effortless cool. Like you just threw these shoes on and didn't even think about it.

Unpopular Opinion Time: This is the only way to properly lace Old Skools.

Okay, maybe not the only way. But it's definitely the coolest. Don't @ me.

This gives a relaxed, nonchalant vibe. It screams, "I'm too cool to care about perfectly laced shoes!"

It’s functional! Easy to slip on. Easy to kick off. Perfect for skateboarding, or just chilling.

The Lace Swap Extravaganza

Okay, this isn't technically about lacing. But it's about laces, so it counts.

Swap out the stock laces for something else. Thicker laces, thinner laces, colored laces, patterned laces. The possibilities are endless.

Match your laces to your outfit. Or don't. Again, who cares? It's your style.

Unpopular Opinion Time: The stock laces are a crime against fashion.

Okay, harsh maybe. But those thin, white laces are just...blah.

Upgrade your lace game! It’s a cheap and easy way to personalize your Vans.

The No-Lace Look (aka The "Rebel Without A Cause")

Just take the laces out. Yes, really. Just ditch them.

Stuff some cool socks in there. Let your ankles be free. Embrace the chaos.

You might slip out of your shoes a lot. But hey, at least you'll look cool doing it.

Unpopular Opinion Time: Actually, maybe don't do this.

Okay, I’m backing down. This is impractical. And probably unsafe. Unless you want to twist an ankle.

But, in my defence, I was attempting to fully embody the Vans spirit, the attitude.

The Final Verdict

There's no right or wrong way to lace your Old Skools. But there are definitely cooler ways.

Experiment! Have fun! Don't take it too seriously. They're just shoes, after all.

Now go forth and lace! (Or unlace. I'm not the boss of you.)