Let’s be real for a second. You just spent a couple hundred bucks on a fresh pair of J1s—maybe the Wolf Greys or those classic Breds—and they show up with that stiff, factory-laced look that screams "I just took these out of the box." It’s a vibe killer.
Lacing Jordan 1 lows isn’t just about making sure the shoes don’t fall off your feet; it’s basically an art form that dictates the entire silhouette of the sneaker. If you pull the laces too tight, the leather bunches up and the tongue looks suffocated. If you go too loose, you’re shuffling around like you’re wearing oversized slippers. There is a sweet spot. Most people get it wrong because they treat a low-top like a performance basketball shoe. This isn't 1985, and you probably aren't playing 48 minutes in the paint. This is about lifestyle comfort and that effortless "undone" aesthetic.
The Loose Lace Method (The "OG" Vibe)
If you look at how guys like Travis Scott or the crew at Union LA rock their pairs, they almost always go for the loose look. It’s arguably the most popular way of lacing Jordan 1 lows right now. Basically, you want the laces to hang slightly without the shoe feeling like it’s going to fly off your foot when you walk.
Start by unlacing the shoe entirely. Yes, all the way. Factory lacing is usually "under-over," but for a cleaner look, many enthusiasts prefer "over-under." This means the lace goes across the top of the eyelet and dives down into the hole.
As you work your way up, keep the tension minimal. You should be able to slide two fingers under the laces easily at any point. When you get to the top, don't tie a bow. Seriously. Just let the aglets (the plastic tips) hang out of the top eyelets. It gives the shoe a wider, more relaxed profile that looks killer with baggy denim or cargo pants.
The secret trick? Don't skip the tongue loop. That little slit in the middle of the tongue is there for a reason. Feeding the laces through it keeps the tongue centered. Nothing ruins a fit faster than a tongue that’s slid all the way to the side of your ankle.
To Tie or Not to Tie?
This is where the sneaker community gets divided. Some people think a dangling lace looks messy. Others think a traditional bow looks like something your mom did for you before kindergarten.
If you hate the dangling look but still want that relaxed feel, try the "hidden knot." You lace the shoe normally until you reach the second-to-last eyelet. Then, instead of going out, you feed the laces inward toward your foot. Tie a small knot behind the tongue. It keeps the shoe secure but gives the appearance of a laceless slip-on.
Then there’s the "factory knot" or the "deadstock knot." You’ve seen this on brand new pairs. It’s a tight, coiled loop. It’s hard to pull off once you’ve actually worn the shoes, but some people love it for that "straight from the warehouse" aesthetic.
Dealing With the "Extra" Lace
One of the biggest headaches when lacing Jordan 1 lows is the sheer length of the stock laces. Nike usually gives you way too much rope. If you have small feet, you’re going to have about eight inches of lace left over.
- The Double Back: When you reach the top eyelet, feed the lace back through the same hole or the one directly below it to create a loop. This eats up the slack.
- Upsize the Eyelets: Use every single hole. Most people skip the very top eyelet on the Lows, but using it will naturally shorten the ends.
- Swap them out: Honestly, just buy 45-inch or 48-inch replacement laces. Most stock Jordan 1 laces are 54 inches, which is way too long for a Low. Brands like Slickies or Fully Laced sell specific lengths that hit right at the ankle without the clutter.
Does the Lacing Style Affect Creasing?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: It’s complicated. If you lace your Jordans incredibly tight, you’re forcing the leather to flex at a sharper angle right at the toe box. This can lead to those deep, ugly "cliff" creases. By lacing them slightly looser, you allow the shoe to move more naturally with your foot.
The Jordan 1 Low, especially the OG versions with the better leather, develops a nice patina over time. You want the creases to look like they belong there, not like the shoe is breaking. A medium-tension lace job—where the sides of the shoe stay upright but aren't squeezing your arch—is the best way to preserve the shape of the toe box long-term.
The Over-Under vs. Under-Over Debate
Go look at your shoes right now. If the lace comes out of the hole and goes over the leather to the next one, that’s "under-over." It’s standard. But if you want a more "premium" look, try "over-under." This is where the lace crosses over the top and disappears into the eyelet. It creates a flatter, more streamlined appearance across the top of the foot. It’s a subtle detail, but in the sneaker world, the details are everything.
What about the "SB" Style?
Since the Nike SB Dunk and the Jordan 1 Low share a similar DNA, many people lace their J1s like Dunks. This involves "stuffing" the laces. You lace them loosely and then tuck the remaining ends into the sides of the shoe. It’s comfortable, but it can be annoying if the aglets poke your ankles. If you do this, make sure you're wearing decent socks—nobody wants plastic tips rubbing against bare skin all day.
Breaking Down the Materials
Lacing isn't just about the pattern; it's about the friction. Flat cotton laces are the standard for a reason. They stay in place. However, if you’re rocking a pair of "SE" (Special Edition) Lows with suede or nubuck, you might find that the laces "bite" into the material.
Avoid pulling too hard on suede eyelets. Over time, the friction of the lace can actually "saw" through the delicate material. If you have a premium pair, keep the lacing static. Set it once, get it perfect, and then use a shoehorn to get your feet in and out so you don't have to keep re-adjusting the tension.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Your laces are going to get dirty. It’s a fact of life. Because the Jordan 1 Low sits so close to the ground, the laces pick up dirt, dust, and grime way faster than a High.
Don't just throw them in the laundry. They’ll get tangled and the aglets might crack. Instead, take them out of the shoe every few months. Soak them in a bowl of warm water with a bit of dish soap or sneaker cleaner. Run them through your fingers to work out the dirt, rinse, and air dry. Putting fresh, clean laces back into a worn pair of Jordans is the fastest way to make them look new again.
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Final Practical Steps
If you’re sitting there with a new pair of 1s, here is how you should handle it right now.
- Unlace them completely: Don't try to fix the factory lacing. Start from scratch.
- Check your symmetry: Ensure the lengths are perfectly even at the first two eyelets. If you start uneven, you’ll end uneven.
- Decide on your "exit" eyelet: For a classic look, stop at the second-to-last hole. For a more "secure" feel, go to the very top.
- Choose your finish: If you’re wearing skinny or slim jeans, a small bow is fine. If you’re wearing wide-leg trousers or shorts, go for the "loose hang" or the "hidden knot."
- The "Walk Test": Put them on and walk around the house for five minutes. If your heel is slipping out, tighten the bottom three eyelets, not the top ones. Most of your foot security comes from the midfoot, not the ankle.
Lacing is the final touch. It’s what separates a "mall" look from a "curated" look. Take the ten minutes to do it right, and your Jordans will look exponentially better on foot.
Once you’ve mastered the tension, experiment with different colors. Swapping white laces for cream or sail can give a pair of Jordans an instant "vintage" feel without needing to buy a whole new shoe. Just keep the lacing consistent and clean.