Lacing your hockey skates might seem like a simple step before hitting the ice—but the way you lace your skates can make a huge difference in how you perform and how comfortable you feel.
Proper lacing affects:
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Fit and support
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Foot stability
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Ankle mobility
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Injury prevention
Whether you’re a beginner, a goalie, or a seasoned player, learning the right way to lace your hockey skates ensures you stay confident, secure, and pain-free during every shift.
Let’s break it down!
1. Why Lacing Your Skates Correctly Matters
Think of your laces like the tuning knobs on a guitar. Too loose? You lose control. Too tight? You risk numbness, cramps, or even long-term foot issues.
Good lacing helps you:
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Lock your heel in place to prevent slipping
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Support your ankles without restricting motion
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Avoid lace bite (pain across the top of your foot)
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Skate more efficiently with better energy transfer
2. Basic Method: Traditional Criss-Cross Lacing
This is the most common and beginner-friendly method used by players at all levels.
✅ Step-by-Step:
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Start at the bottom eyelets: Thread the lace evenly through both bottom holes.
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Criss-cross the laces: Pull each lace across the boot and insert it from the outside in (over-under pattern).
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Continue up the boot: Keep the tension consistent—snug, but not cutting off circulation.
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Tie a double knot at the top or use a lace lock for added security.
Tip: Use waxed laces for extra grip and to keep laces tight throughout the game.
3. How Tight Should You Lace Hockey Skates?
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Bottom of the boot (toe to midfoot): Snug to keep the foot in place without pinching.
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Middle section (around the arch): Tight but flexible, avoid pressure on the top of your foot.
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Ankles and top eyelets: Depends on your preference:
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Tighter for maximum ankle support
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Looser for more ankle mobility (especially forwards or players who like to turn quickly)
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4. Advanced Lacing Techniques
Lock Lacing (Heel Lock / Runner’s Loop)
Great for players with heel slippage or loose ankles.
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At the top two eyelets, instead of crossing the laces, thread each side vertically into the next eyelet to create loops.
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Cross the laces and feed them through the loops.
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Pull tight and tie.
Benefits:
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Locks the heel in place
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Reduces internal movement
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Prevents blisters and instability
Skip Lacing
Perfect for relieving pressure on the top of your foot or easing lace bite.
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Skip one or more eyelets in the area where you feel pressure.
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Resume regular criss-cross lacing after the skipped section.
Use If:
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You have high arches
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You’re breaking in new skates
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You experience discomfort across the midfoot
Over-Under vs. Under-Over Lacing
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Over-under (standard): Lace goes over the eyelet, then under into the boot—adds durability and helps hold tension.
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Under-over: Lace goes under and then over—reduces lace wear and can relieve pressure.
Choose based on comfort and how often your laces loosen.
Click here to read our ultimate hockey skates guide.
5. Goalie-Specific Lacing Tips
Goalie skates are built differently—lower cut with more flexibility in the ankle.
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Lace snug at the bottom, but leave the top eyelets looser or even unlaced for better range of motion in the crease.
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Skip-lock combos are common to balance support with mobility.
6. Common Lacing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Over-tightening
Can cause:
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Numbness
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Cramping
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Lace bite
❌ Inconsistent Tension
Loose spots reduce responsiveness and support.
❌ Skipping the Top Eyelets (Unless Intentional)
You’ll lose valuable ankle support unless it’s a conscious mobility decision.
7. Choosing the Right Hockey Laces
| Lace Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waxed Laces | Players needing firm hold | Stay tight, reduce slipping | Harder to adjust mid-game |
| Unwaxed Laces | Beginners, ease of lacing | Easier to tie and adjust | May loosen during play |
| Molded Tip Laces | All skill levels | Easier threading into eyelets | Slightly more expensive |
| Elastic Laces | Recreational skaters, youth | More comfort, flexibility | Less support and performance |
Conclusion
Lacing hockey skates may seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in how you skate, feel, and perform on the ice. Whether you’re using traditional criss-cross lacing, adding a lock for heel support, or skipping eyelets to ease pressure, the right lacing method can give you a custom fit every time you hit the ice.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lacing patterns until you find the perfect balance between comfort and control.
Got your lacing down? Time to hit the ice and feel the difference!