Putting laces in your Adidas Stan Smith shoes often involves the popular bar lacing method, which creates a clean, horizontal look across the shoe. This method is favored for its neat appearance.
Essential Steps for Bar Lacing Stan Smiths
Achieving the signature clean look requires careful attention to detail, especially in the initial steps.
- Start Straight: Begin by threading the lace straight across the bottom-most eyelets (the ones closest to the toe box) from the outside in. This creates the first visible bar across the shoe.
- Equal Length: Pull the lace up until both ends are the same length on the inside of the shoe. This is crucial for having enough lace to complete the pattern symmetrically.
- Create the First Bar: As shown in the reference, you pull the lace ends together on the inside and then pull up to form that initial horizontal bar across the shoe's lowest set of eyelets.
- Thread Upwards: Take one lace end on the inside and feed it straight up through the next eyelet on the same side.
- Cross Over: Once the lace comes out of the upper eyelet, thread it straight across horizontally and down into the corresponding eyelet on the opposite side. This forms the next bar.
- Repeat on the Other Side: Take the other lace end (the one still on the inside) and repeat step 4 and 5, moving up to the next available eyelet on its side and then crossing over to create the next bar.
- Alternate Sides: Continue this process, alternating which side you move up the shoe, until you reach the top eyelets. Each time, the lace goes straight up on the inside and straight across on the outside.
- Finishing: Once both laces reach the top, they will be ready to tie.
Tips for a Neater Look
To enhance the clean aesthetic of bar lacing on your Stan Smiths:
- Pull Tight: Ensure each horizontal bar is pulled snugly across the shoe as you create it.
- Adjust the Front Lace: As suggested by the reference, it's a good idea to "pull in that lace. At the front there just a little bit it gives you a nice neater" appearance. Gently adjust the lace segment creating the first bar to sit flat and straight.
- Check Symmetry: Periodically check that your bars are straight and evenly spaced.
By following these steps, focusing on equal length at the start and pulling the first bar neatly, you can effectively lace your Stan Smiths using the classic bar lacing method for a clean and stylish look.
