Top 5 Ways to Customize Your Nike Dunks with Unique Lacing Patterns

Nike Dunks are more than just shoes; they are cultural icons. Originally designed for basketball, the Nike Dunks gained widespread popularity in skate culture and street fashion. What sets them apart is their versatility, allowing wearers to express their individuality through the various ways they style and lace their sneakers.

Customized lacing patterns play a key role in how your Nike Dunks are perceived. By changing the way you lace your shoes, you can shift the tone of your entire outfit—from minimalist to bold, or from sporty to stylish. Let's dive into the basics of lacing Nike Dunks and discover five unique lacing techniques that will set your sneakers apart.

The Basics of Lacing Nike Dunks

Eyelet Count and Lace Lengths

Understanding your shoe’s design is crucial for successful sneaker lace customization. Most Nike Dunk Low and Nike Dunk High models feature 8 or 9 eyelets. For Nike Dunk Lows, you typically need 54-inch laces, while Nike Dunk Highs require 63-inch laces. The number of eyelets and the shoe height will affect the amount of lace you need to achieve the desired look.

Selecting the Right Lace Type

Not all laces are created equal. Your choice of lace can make or break your sneaker customization. Here are some popular options:

• Flat Laces: Great for a classic look and are often the default for Nike Dunks.
• Round Laces: These work well if you're going for a more athletic vibe.
• Reflective Laces: Ideal for standing out in low light, perfect for nighttime or flashy styles.
• Luxury Leather Laces: For a premium, high-end finish, leather laces can make a bold statement.

Top 5 Unique Lacing Patterns for Nike Dunks

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s explore the top five ways to customize your Nike Dunks with unique lace styles. Each pattern brings something different to the table, allowing you to express your personality and make your kicks truly one-of-a-kind.

1. Straight Bar Lacing: Minimalism at its Best

Best for: A clean, minimalist look.

Straight bar lacing, also known as “ladder lacing,” focuses on a sleek, horizontal pattern. It’s a great option for those who prefer simplicity, with the added benefit of creating an even, tidy appearance. This style works best on low-top Dunks due to the even distribution of eyelets.

Steps:

1. Thread the lace straight across the bottom eyelets from the inside.
2. Take each lace end and insert it into the next eyelet on the same side, going in from the outside.
3. Repeat this until you reach the top of the shoe, maintaining the straight bar look across the sneaker.

2. Crossed Lacing: A Classic with a Twist

Best for: Adding flair and a sporty touch.

Crossed lacing creates an "X" pattern across the shoe, offering a classic yet stylish vibe. It’s one of the most common lacing techniques but can be elevated by using colorful or contrasting laces for an added pop.

Steps:

1. Start by threading the laces through the bottom eyelets from the inside.
2. Cross one end of the lace over and insert it into the next eyelet on the opposite side.
3. Repeat the process for the other lace, forming an alternating criss-cross pattern.
4. Continue crossing the laces all the way up the shoe until you reach the top.

This is an excellent method for customizing high-top Nike Dunks, as the criss-cross design can emphasize the shoe's height and give it a dynamic look.

3. Double Lacing: Layered and Bold

Best for: A bold and colorful appearance.

Double lacing involves using two sets of laces instead of one, offering endless opportunities for creativity. You can combine different colors, textures, or even materials (such as flat laces and round laces) to create a layered look that stands out.

Steps:

1. Insert the first set of laces into the bottom eyelets, lacing them in a basic criss-cross pattern.
2. After you’ve laced up the first set, repeat the process with the second set of laces, starting from the same bottom eyelets.
3. Continue alternating between the two laces as you move up the sneaker, creating a stacked effect.

This method works best when you use contrasting colors or textures to highlight the dual-lace design. Double lacing is particularly effective for high-top Dunks, where the extra height gives you more room to play with the dual-layered pattern.

4. Spider Web Lacing: Complex and Eye-Catching

Best for: Making a bold statement with intricate designs.

Spider web lacing is an intricate technique that creates a web-like pattern across your sneaker. It’s ideal for those who want their Nike Dunks to truly stand out with an avant-garde design.

Steps:

1. Start by threading the laces straight across the bottom eyelets.
2. Cross the laces diagonally over two eyelets, skipping one in between.
3. On the other side, thread the lace through the next available eyelet, alternating between crossing over and under the opposite lace.
4. Repeat this pattern up the shoe, making sure the “web” effect is clearly visible.

Spider web lacing works well for both low-top and high-top Nike Dunks, adding a layer of complexity that’s sure to grab attention.

5. Hashtag Lacing: Social Media Meets Style

Best for: Social media enthusiasts and those looking for something truly unique.

Hashtag lacing is more about aesthetics than function, but it creates a striking pattern that resembles the # symbol. This style is perfect for sneakerheads who want to make a statement with their Dunks.

Steps:

1. Thread the laces straight across the bottom eyelets.
2. Cross each lace diagonally, skipping two eyelets to create the first part of the hashtag.
3. Continue alternating between vertical and horizontal lines, forming a grid-like pattern as you move up the shoe.
4. Secure the laces at the top with a knot.

This lacing technique pairs well with bold, contrasting lace colors to enhance the visual impact. It works best on low-top Dunks, where the limited eyelets allow for more precision in the pattern.

Step-by-Step Guide to Lacing

For each of the five styles mentioned, it’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure the laces sit evenly and securely. Here’s a step-by-step summary for easy reference:

• Straight Bar Lacing: Horizontal bars across each eyelet.
• Crossed Lacing: Alternating criss-cross pattern.
• Double Lacing: Two sets of laces layered together for a bold look.
• Spider Web Lacing: Intricate pattern resembling a web.
• Hashtag Lacing: A unique pattern forming a hashtag design.

Remember, the key to mastering these patterns is to take your time and ensure the laces are evenly distributed for both comfort and style.

Tips for Perfect Lacing

While unique lace styles can enhance the look of your Dunks, proper execution is key. Here are some tips to help you perfect your lacing:

• Maintain even tension: Ensure that each section of the lace has the same tightness for a clean and balanced appearance.
• Color coordination: Choose lace colors that either match or contrast with your Nike Dunks for added impact.
• Knot security: For active use, double-knot your laces to prevent them from coming undone. For a cleaner look, tuck the ends inside the shoe.

Customizing your Nike Dunks with unique lacing patterns is a simple yet effective way to personalize your sneakers. Whether you prefer the minimalism of straight bar lacing or the boldness of hashtag lacing, there’s no limit to how you can express yourself through lacing. 

Experiment with different patterns, lace types, and colors to find the style that best suits your personality. For sneakerheads looking for high-quality replacement laces, Lace Lab offers a wide range of options to suit any style, from flat to reflective and leather laces.

FAQs

1. What lengths of laces are best for Nike Dunks?

The ideal lace length depends on the model of your Dunks. For Nike Dunk Lows, 54-inch laces are recommended, while Nike Dunk Highs require 63-inch laces. Lace Lab offers a variety of lengths and styles that fit both high-top and low-top Dunks.

2. Can I use different patterns on each shoe?

Absolutely! Mixing and matching lacing styles can add a unique, asymmetrical look to your sneakers. Try crossed lacing on one shoe and double lacing on the other for a creative twist.

3. How do I prevent the laces from loosening?

To prevent your laces from coming undone, consider double-knotting or using lace locks. For a reliable solution, try Lace Lab's Lace Locks, designed to keep your laces secure and snug throughout any activity.