How to Lace Air Jordan 4s

Side Kicks Streetwear • Style Guide

Updated: 14 January 2026

The Air Jordan 4 is one of the most iconic sneakers ever designed. Since Tinker Hatfield's groundbreaking creation debuted in 1989, the Jordan 4 has remained a staple in sneaker culture. While the shoe itself is legendary, how you lace your Jordan 4s can dramatically transform their appearance and make them uniquely yours.

Lacing your Jordan 4s isn't just about functionality – it's an opportunity to express your personal style. With 18 eyelets and various lacing techniques available, you can customize your look from classic and clean to bold and distinctive. Whether you're dressing them up for a night out or keeping them casual for everyday wear, the right lacing style makes all the difference.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple lacing techniques for your Air Jordan 4s, from traditional methods to creative alternatives. We'll cover everything from the basic crisscross to advanced patterns like diamond lacing and star lacing, ensuring you have the knowledge to perfect your Jordan 4 style.

Jordan 4 Lacing Quick Reference

Understanding the Jordan 4 lacing system

Before diving into specific lacing techniques, it's important to understand the unique construction of the Air Jordan 4. Unlike many sneakers, the Jordan 4 features a distinctive lacing system with 18 eyelets total – nine on each side of the shoe.

The Jordan 4 also includes a lace lock (sometimes called a lace toggle), which sits between the tongue and the laces. This functional piece not only secures your laces in place but has become an iconic design element of the silhouette. Understanding how to properly use the lace lock is key to achieving both comfort and the authentic Jordan 4 aesthetic.

The shoe's design allows for incredible versatility in lacing styles. The high number of eyelets means you can experiment with various patterns, and the supportive construction ensures comfort regardless of which lacing method you choose. Once you've found your perfect Jordan 4 fit, selecting the right lacing style completes your look.

Essential lacing techniques

The standard crisscross method

The standard crisscross lacing method is the traditional approach and the most commonly seen on Jordan 4s. This technique provides excellent support, is easy to adjust, and creates a classic, timeless look that works with any outfit.

How to do it:

1. Start by inserting the lace into the bottom eyelets from underneath, pulling both ends through so they're equal in length

2. Take the left lace and cross it over to the right side, inserting it into the next eyelet up on the opposite side

3. Take the right lace and cross it over to the left side, inserting it into the corresponding eyelet

4. Continue this crisscross pattern all the way up the shoe

5. Thread the laces through the lace lock and tie at the top, or tuck the laces inside for a cleaner look

This method is perfect for everyday wear and provides the most secure fit. It's also the easiest to adjust on the fly if you need to tighten or loosen your shoes throughout the day.

Loose lacing technique

Loose lacing has become increasingly popular in streetwear culture and is one of the most common ways to style Jordan 4s. This relaxed approach gives your shoes a more casual, laid-back vibe while maintaining enough support for comfortable wear.

How to do it:

1. Follow the standard crisscross pattern, but keep the laces significantly looser

2. Don't pull the laces tight through each eyelet – allow some slack

3. Many people skip the top 1-2 eyelets entirely for an even more relaxed look

4. Thread through the lace lock without tightening

5. Tuck the lace ends inside the shoe or tie them very loosely

Here's a good video explaining the loose lacing technique:

Loose lacing works particularly well with jeans, joggers, or shorts, creating an effortless streetwear aesthetic. Just ensure the laces aren't so loose that your shoes feel insecure or uncomfortable to walk in.

Bar lacing (straight lacing)

Bar lacing, also known as straight lacing, creates a clean, minimalist look with horizontal bars across the shoe. This technique is popular among those who prefer a sleek, modern appearance and is excellent for showing off premium materials on special edition Jordan 4s.

How to do it:

1. Insert the lace into the bottom eyelets from the top, with both ends going down into the shoe

2. Take the right lace and bring it straight up on the inside, emerging from the next eyelet on the same side

3. Thread it straight across to the left side, creating a horizontal bar

4. Take the left lace and skip one eyelet, bringing it up two eyelets on the inside

5. Thread straight across to create another bar

6. Continue alternating between sides, creating clean horizontal bars all the way up

Bar lacing provides excellent ankle support and creates a distinctive look that stands out from standard crisscross lacing. The clean lines are particularly striking on monochromatic or tonal Jordan 4 colourways.

Advanced lacing styles

Diamond lacing

Diamond lacing creates an eye-catching geometric pattern that adds visual interest to your Jordan 4s. This technique is perfect for those who want to make a statement and aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd.

How to do it:

1. Start with standard crisscross lacing for the first few eyelets

2. Instead of crossing to the immediate next eyelet, cross diagonally to an eyelet further up (typically skipping one)

3. On the return cross, go back down diagonally to fill in the pattern

4. Continue this diagonal pattern, creating diamond shapes as you work your way up

5. The pattern should create visible diamond or zigzag shapes along the length of the shoe

Diamond lacing requires a bit more lace length and patience to execute properly, but the unique result is worth the effort. This style works exceptionally well on bold, colourful Jordan 4 releases where the lacing pattern adds to the overall visual impact.

Star lacing

Star lacing creates a complex, interwoven pattern that resembles a star or web across your shoe. This is one of the most distinctive lacing styles and guarantees you'll get noticed in any sneaker circle.

How to do it:

1. Start by lacing straight across the bottom eyelets

2. Take the left lace and thread it diagonally up and across to the third or fourth eyelet on the right side

3. Bring the same lace back down diagonally to a lower eyelet on the left side

4. Repeat this process with the right lace, creating intersecting diagonal lines

5. Continue until you've created a star-like pattern across the entire shoe

Star lacing is definitely the most challenging technique to master and requires longer laces. However, the intricate result creates an unmistakable look that showcases your dedication to sneaker customization.

Loop-back lacing

Loop-back lacing, also called ladder lacing, creates loops along the sides of the shoe with laces running horizontally between them. This creates a distinctive pattern that's both functional and stylish.

How to do it:

1. Start by inserting laces straight across the bottom eyelets from underneath

2. Take both lace ends and thread them up through the eyelets on the same side (not crossing over)

3. Once both ends emerge, cross them over and thread them under and up through the opposite sides

4. Continue this pattern, creating loops on the sides with horizontal bars between them

This method provides excellent lockdown and is popular among skaters and those who need extra security. The distinctive pattern also adds a technical, performance-oriented aesthetic to your Jordan 4s.

Using the lace lock properly

The lace lock is one of the Air Jordan 4's most distinctive features, and using it correctly is essential for achieving the proper look and fit. The lace lock serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, securing your laces while adding to the shoe's iconic silhouette.

Standard lace lock positioning:

1. After lacing your shoes to your desired tightness, thread both lace ends through the lace lock

2. Pull the lace lock up towards your ankle to tighten the fit

3. Once you've achieved the perfect tightness, push the lace lock back down towards the toe to lock it in place

4. The lock should sit approximately one-third to halfway up the tongue

Some people prefer to wear the lace lock higher or lower for different aesthetic effects. Experiment with placement to find what looks best with your style. You can also choose to hide the lace lock entirely by tucking it behind the tongue for a cleaner appearance.

For loose lacing styles, many sneakerheads leave the lace lock loose or remove it entirely, allowing it to hang freely or storing it separately. There's no wrong way to wear it – it's all about personal preference.

Lacing styles for different occasions

Casual everyday wear

For daily wear, loose crisscross lacing or standard crisscross are your best options. These methods are comfortable, easy to adjust, and work with virtually any casual outfit from jeans to joggers to shorts.

Athletic activities

If you're actually wearing your Jordan 4s for basketball or other sports, standard crisscross or loop-back lacing provides the best support and security. Make sure to lace them snugly and use the lace lock to prevent any loosening during activity.

Fashion-forward looks

For fashion-focused outfits or special occasions, experiment with bar lacing, diamond lacing, or star lacing. These distinctive patterns complement high-end streetwear and designer pieces, showing attention to detail in your overall aesthetic.

Sneaker events and meetups

When attending sneaker conventions, trades, or meetups, unique lacing styles like diamond or star lacing help your Jordan 4s stand out in a crowd. These complex patterns demonstrate your dedication to sneaker culture and often spark conversations with fellow enthusiasts.

Lace maintenance and care

Keeping your laces fresh is just as important as maintaining your Jordan 4s themselves. Dirty or frayed laces can detract from even the cleanest pair of sneakers.

Cleaning your laces:

1. Remove laces completely from your shoes

2. Place them in a bowl of warm water with mild detergent or sneaker cleaner

3. Gently agitate and scrub to remove dirt and grime

4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water

5. Air dry completely before re-lacing (never use a dryer)

For stubborn stains on white laces, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a mixture of baking soda and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can weaken the lace material and cause yellowing over time.

Consider keeping spare laces on hand, especially for your favourite pairs. Replacement laces are affordable and allow you to quickly swap in fresh ones or experiment with different colours to change up your look.

Choosing replacement laces

Eventually, your original Jordan 4 laces will wear out or you may want to customize your shoes with different coloured laces. When selecting replacement laces, keep these factors in mind:

Length: Jordan 4s typically use 140-160cm (54-63 inch) laces. The exact length depends on your lacing style – complex patterns like star lacing require longer laces than simple crisscross.

Width: Standard Jordan 4 laces are approximately 7-8mm wide (flat laces). Stick to this width for an authentic look, though some people prefer slightly wider laces for added impact.

Material: Most Jordan 4s come with flat polyester laces. This material is durable, holds knots well, and maintains its appearance over time. Some aftermarket options include cotton or waxed cotton laces for a different aesthetic.

Colour matching: For a stock look, match your lace colour to the original. For customization, consider colours that complement or contrast with your shoe's colourway. White laces work with almost any Jordan 4, while bold colours can create striking effects.

Common lacing mistakes to avoid

Over-tightening: Lacing your Jordan 4s too tight can cause discomfort, restrict blood flow, and actually damage the shoe's structure over time. The laces should be snug but not constricting.

Inconsistent tension: Make sure each cross maintains similar tension throughout the shoe. Uneven tightness creates pressure points and looks sloppy.

Ignoring the lace lock: The lace lock isn't just decorative – use it to secure your preferred fit. Many people forget to engage it properly, leading to laces loosening throughout the day.

Wrong lace length: Using laces that are too short makes complex patterns impossible and looks awkward when tied. Too-long laces create excess that can drag on the ground or look messy when tucked.

Not experimenting: Don't feel locked into one lacing style. Part of the fun of owning Jordan 4s is experimenting with different looks to match your outfit or mood.

Protecting your investment

Once you've mastered lacing your Jordan 4s, maintaining their overall condition is crucial. Authentic Jordan 4s are a significant investment, and proper care ensures they look fresh for years to come.

Always verify you're buying genuine pairs by following our authentication guide for Jordan 4s. Fake pairs not only lack the quality construction of authentic shoes but may not lace properly or wear the same way.

Store your Jordan 4s properly when not wearing them – unlaced or loosely laced in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This prevents creasing, maintains the shape, and keeps laces from developing permanent kinks or marks.

Styling tips for laced Jordan 4s

How you lace your Jordan 4s should complement your overall outfit. Here are some styling guidelines based on lacing method:

Loose lacing: Pairs perfectly with relaxed, streetwear-focused outfits. Think oversized hoodies, relaxed-fit jeans, cargo pants, or joggers. This style works especially well with graphic tees and statement pieces.

Standard crisscross: The most versatile option that works with everything from casual to smart-casual outfits. Can be dressed up with chinos and a button-up or kept casual with jeans and a tee.

Bar lacing: Creates a cleaner, more refined look that pairs well with minimalist or elevated streetwear. Works great with slim-fit or tapered pants that show off the shoe's silhouette.

Diamond/Star lacing: Best suited for attention-grabbing outfits where the shoes are meant to be a focal point. Keep the rest of your outfit relatively simple to let your Jordan 4s shine.

Final lacing recommendations

Frequently asked questions

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