Ladder lacing is often used as the lacing method of choice when it comes to paramilitary boots. This lacing method helps to keep the boot fitting tight and snug from the toes, all the way up to the top of the shoe above the ankle.
Ladder lacing is more complex than straight bar lacing, however, it is a better method to use when it comes to lacing boots.
Continue reading below to learn how to properly ladder lace boots.
Table of Contents

How To Ladder Lace Shoes
Total Time: 5 min
Cost: $0
Follow the steps below in order to properly ladder lace shoes.
1. Thread the bottom eyelets
Begin by threading the lace through the bottom eyelets of the shoe.
Go underneath to eyelets so that the lace comes outward on top. Pull the lace through and make sure the laces on the left and right side of the shoe are even.

2. Move laces upwards
Feed the laces through the next set of eyelets, going in through the top of the eyelet and ending on the inside.
Thread the right shoe lace through the eyelet directly above the first eyelet, on the same side. Do not pull it tight, leave it somewhat loose for now.

3. Take the laces from right to left
Take the shoelaces across the shoe and place them through the gap underneath the opposite lace.
Use your right lace to go straight across to the left. The lace should go underneath the left lace which bridges between the first two eyelets.
Take the lace and run it along the outside of the shoe, up to the next eyelet, going from outside to inside.

4. Repeat until completion
Continue moving upwards to the next set of eyelets by repeating the previous two steps until you reach the top of the shoe.
Repeat the entire process for the left lace as well. Take the left lace straight across to the right, and then thru the next eyelet above, going from outside to inside.

5. Finish and tie shoes
Once you have finished your ladder lacing you may tie your laces using the traditional method, or you may use another more creative way to tie the laces at the top of your shoe.

And dive into these other shoelace articles to help you keep your shoe game on point.
FAQ
Start at the bottom of the boot and feed the laces through the eyelets on each side from under to over and pull the laces even. After that, a series of vertical and horizontal moves must be repeated to perfection in order to properly ladder lace combat boots.