How to lace Doc Martens

Dr. Martens, also referred to as Doc Martens, are a must-have for almost any shoe collection. However, if you are unaware of the proper techniques, lacing them can pose a challenge.

Fortunately, we’ve created a comprehensive step-by-step guide to walk you through Dr. Martens’ classic “Classic Cross Lace” approach, along with various alternative techniques to help you discover a style that matches your individual preferences.

Although these methods may seem similar to the approaches found in our guides to lacing Air Force 1s, Nike Dunks, and even Jordans, there are a few subtle differences to be aware of in order to achieve a secure fit and clean finish when it comes to a pair of boots.

So, whether you own a classic pair of 1460s, or rock a pair of the 1461 low-tops, our guide should have you tying them up in no time.

How to lace Doc Martens

As mentioned, the following method is described by Dr. Martens as the “Classic Cross Lace” technique, which, as the name suggests, is one of the most common ways of lacing a pair of the brands’ shoes or boots.

Although we’ll be focusing primarily on high-top Doc Marten boots, the technique will also work on a pair of the 1461 Lows, you’d simply finish the lacing process a little earlier. That being said, let’s dive in.

Step 1: Thread two equally long laces through the bottom two eyelets, starting from the outside and going inwards. This will create a horizontal bar across the first row.

Step 2: Overlap the two ends of your shoelace across the middle and insert the aglets through the following set of eyelets, starting from the inside.

Step 3: Repeat this step until you reach the top two eyelets.

Top Tip: Make sure you tighten and keep your laces flat as you go. We’d also recommend checking both lengths are even periodically as you work your way up.

Step 4: When you reach the top, you can either conclude the lacing procedure by tying a knot or continue lacing to complete the wraparound method.

Step 5: To wraparound, bring the two lengths around to the back of your Doc Martens, through the heel loop, and around to the front again before tying a firm knot to keep them secure.

Step 6: Repeat steps one to five and your second Doc Martens boot or shoe and you should be ready to go.

What type of laces do you need?

On average, Doc Martens have between eight and ten eyelets. As a result, they require 55″ shoelaces in order to finish the lacing process with enough room spare to tie a knot.

However, if you own a pair of low-tops with three rows of eyelets, then we’d recommend picking up shoelaces around 25 or 26″ in length.

With the length covered, you then get a choice as to whether you want to go with flat or round laces.

Doc Martens usually arrive with round laces as standard; however, flat laces, like these AirWair Bouncing black laces, can also be used depending on your preference.

The colour will also come down to your own style as you can either match, as seen with these yellow laced 1460s, or go with laces that provide a complete contrast. The choice is yours.

Alternative ways to lace Doc Martens

While our step-by-step guide details one of the most common ways of lacing a pair of Doc Martens, it isn’t the only method out there. Check out a few alternative techniques below.

The ladder lace

This ladder lacing technique starts by feeding your lace lengths from inside to out across the bottom two eyelets, then running them up vertically over your boot.

Once two loops have been created on either side, cross the two ends through the opposite loops then thread them through the eyelets above.

Repeat this step until you reach the two of your shoes.

The straight bar lace

The straight bar technique is one we’ve covered in our guide to lacing Converse shoes. Thankfully, a similar method applies to Doc Martens.

Simply thread the two ends through the bottom two eyelets, then take the left aglet and feed it through the third eyelet up on the right before threading it through the opposite eyelet over the top to create a horizontal bar.

The bow tie lace

Begin with two even lengths threaded through the bottom two eyelets then run a vertical lace up the inside of the boot on either side.

To create the bows, alternate between crossing the lace over as you go up the eyelets, then run a straight vertical lace up the inside to the next set of eyelets.

To check you’ve done it right, there should be a one-eyelet gap between each of your bows, plus your laces should go from inside to out at the top.

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