Kids' Basketball Shoes

Kids who wear basketball shoes for style may not need to lace them up all the way, but kids who want to play in them definitely should. Lacing up provides the most support and stability for quick stops, jump shots and fake-outs. If you don’t lace basketball shoes for kids all the way up, the foot and ankle are more prone to rock and roll, increasing the risk of injury.

When tying up kids’ basketball shoes, it’s best to make sure they’re snug but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable. Ideally, the laces should be tight enough that the feet don’t move around in the shoe or slip out during fast moves and lateral cuts. At the same time, good blood flow is important. The right style of lacing can help support either high arches or low arches.

Lace kids’ basketball shoes in a crisscross pattern all the way up for ankle support. You can also loop the laces around the back of high tops before tying them in front. A method that works for lower-cut shoes is to lace as usual up to the last two eyelets. Take one lace, thread it through the next eyelet from the inside and weave it back through the next eyelet without crossing over. Repeat for the other side. Pull one lace across and feed through the opposite lace between the two eyelets. Repeat for the other side. Then tie.