The easiest way to hide shoelaces is to tie the knot behind the tongue instead of in front of it, or to tuck the loose ends down the sides of the shoe beside your foot. For a permanently lace-free look, use straight bar lacing with a hidden knot or switch to no-tie elastic laces.
In this guide
Which method should you choose?
| Method | Look | Security | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knot behind the tongue | No visible bow | Good | Most sneakers |
| Tuck ends down the sides | No bow, quick | Moderate | Casual wear, low-tops |
| Straight bar lacing, hidden knot | Very clean horizontal bars | Good | Minimal sneakers |
| Ends under the insole | Completely hidden | Moderate | Slip-on wear |
| No-tie elastic laces | Clean, no ends | Good | Everyday and kids’ shoes |
1. Tie the knot behind the tongue
- Lace the shoe as normal, but feed both ends through the top eyelets from the outside in, so they finish inside the shoe.
- Put the shoe on and adjust the tension.
- Tie a small bow or a simple double knot behind the tongue.
- Flatten the knot and position it to one side of the top of your foot so it does not press.
2. Tuck the ends down the sides
- Lace up with the ends finishing inside the top eyelets.
- Tighten to a comfortable fit, then push each end down between the shoe and the side of your foot.
- If the ends are long, tie a small knot in each one so they cannot pull back through.
This is the fastest method, but the laces can loosen during the day because there is no real knot.
Related: How to Fix Shoe Sole Separation at Home
3. Straight bar lacing with a hidden knot
Straight bar lacing shows only neat horizontal bars on the outside, with all the vertical runs hidden underneath.
- Thread the lace straight across the bottom pair of eyelets from the outside, with both ends inside.
- Run the left end up the inside and out through the next eyelet on the left, then straight across to the right.
- Run the right end up the inside, skipping one eyelet, out through the next free eyelet, then straight across.
- Continue alternating until both ends finish inside the top eyelets.
- Tie the ends behind the tongue.
It is neatest on shoes with an even number of eyelet pairs.
4. Tuck the ends under the insole
For shoes you slip on and off, feed the ends inside, run them down the sides and tuck them flat under the edges of the insole. Set the tension first, because you will not be adjusting it each time.
5. Switch to no-tie laces
Elastic no-tie laces, or silicone lace bands that clip into each pair of eyelets, replace the knot completely. They stretch as you put the shoe on and hold it closed without a bow. They are a good choice for children, for travel, and for anyone who finds tying laces difficult.
Tips for a cleaner result
- Shorten long laces. Hidden knots work best with shorter laces; swap to a shorter pair if you have a lot of excess to hide.
- Keep laces flat. Twists show, especially with flat cotton laces.
- Do not overtighten. A hidden knot under tight laces creates a pressure point on the top of the foot.
- Keep them clean. Tidy lacing draws attention to the laces, so wash them when they grey. See how to clean white shoelaces.
- For sport, tie a normal knot. Hidden lacing is for casual wear. For running, a secure bow and a proper fit matter more; see how running shoes should fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is it uncomfortable to tie laces behind the tongue?
Not if the knot is small, flat and placed to one side of the instep. If you feel pressure, loosen the top row slightly.
Will hidden laces come undone?
A proper knot behind the tongue holds as well as a normal bow. Simply tucking the ends without a knot is less secure.
Can I hide laces on high-tops?
Yes. Lace to the eyelet where you want to stop, finish with the ends inside, and tie behind the tongue or wrap the ends around the ankle inside the collar.
