How to Lace Deck Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sailors

Updated November 2026

Learning how to lace deck shoes properly keeps them snug on a wet, heeling deck and stops your heel from slipping out with every stride. The method is simple: thread the laces through the eyelets in a straight pattern, cross them once for a locked feel, and finish with a secure knot you can undo with cold, wet hands. This guide walks through the steps, the fit checks that matter on a boat, and the mistakes that cause trouble.

What You Need Before You Start

Most deck shoes use flat, waxed or braided laces, and you will get the best result if the laces are the right length and in good condition. Check that both laces are the same length and that the aglets (the tips) are intact. Frayed ends snag on eyelets and make threading slow and frustrating.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Lace Up Deck Shoes for Boating and Everyday Wear (2026).

• A pair of deck shoes with the laces in good condition
• A dry, flat surface to sit on while you work
• Your sailing socks, since lacing over bare feet can give a different fit

Step-by-Step Lacing Method

1. Remove the old laces and check the eyelets. Pull the lace out completely and look for grit or salt crust inside the eyelets. Rinse them with fresh water and let them dry before you thread new laces.
2. Start at the bottom. Thread one end up through the lowest eyelet on the inside, so the lace exits on the top side. Pull the lace even on both sides.
3. Work upward in a straight pattern. On each row, thread one lace in from the outside and the other from the inside, keeping both ends at equal length. Straight lacing (no crossing) is the most common method for deck shoes and keeps the upper flat.
4. Add one cross at the top if you want more lock. Once you reach the top two eyelets, cross the laces over the tongue and thread them through the opposite eyelets. This adds a small amount of hold around the ankle without pulling the upper tight.
5. Tie a secure knot. Use a double knot, then add a second loop or hitch so the bow will not loosen after you have been moving around on deck for an hour.

Checking the Fit on the Boat

Lacing is only half the job. The fit should feel firm across the instep without pinching, and your heel should stay in place when you stand up quickly or step onto a sloped deck. Walk a few steps and try a quick crouch to confirm the shoe does not rub the top of your foot or slide forward.

Check	What You Want to See
Instep	Snug, with no pressure points
Heel	Stays put when you walk or climb
Toe room	Enough space that your toes do not jam forward
Knot	Secure, but easy to loosen with wet fingers

If the shoe feels loose at the heel, try a locking tie at the top eyelets or consider a different size. For wider feet, a looser lace path often works better than tightening hard, and Laces for Deck Shoes: How to Choose, Fit, and Replace Them covers when a lace upgrade makes more sense than a new pair.

Lacing Methods for Different Deck Shoe Styles

Not every deck shoe laces the same way. Some models have fewer eyelets and a shorter lace, which means a simple straight lace is usually enough. Others have a longer lace system that benefits from a single cross at the top. If you are unsure which style you have, How to Tie Deck Shoes: Lace Up Your Boat Shoes Fast shows quick-tie options for shoes that you put on and take off often.

Boat Shoes With Leather Laces

Leather laces stretch slightly when wet and can loosen during a day of sailing. Tie them a little tighter than you think you need, then recheck after the first hour on the water.

Lace-Free Alternatives

If you find lacing too fiddly for quick dock-to-deck transitions, some sailors use elastic lace locks. These do not replace a proper knot for serious sailing, so keep a real knot in place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Tying the laces too loose, which lets the heel slip on wet decks
• Using worn or frayed laces that snag and stretch unevenly
• Forgetting to match the length of both laces before threading
• Pulling so hard across the instep that the shoe pinches and rubs
• Skipping the double knot, which can loosen after repeated movement

Recommended Gear

Replacement laces make a real difference if your current ones are stiff, frayed or too short for a secure cross. Choose a flat or waxed style sized to match your eyelet count.

• Replacement flat deck shoe laces – Flat profile laces lie smoothly in the eyelets and hold a knot well on wet days. View on Amazon
• Waxed cotton boat shoe laces – Waxed laces resist moisture and grip better than smooth synthetics. View on Amazon

FAQ

Should deck shoes be laced tight?

They should be snug across the instep and firm at the heel, but not tight enough to pinch. Recheck the fit after the first hour on the water, since wet laces can stretch.

How many eyelets should I use?

Use every eyelet the shoe has for the most even hold. Skipping eyelets at the top can allow the shoe to shift when you climb or step onto a deck.

What if my laces keep coming undone?

Use a double knot and check that both laces are equal in length. If the problem continues, replace the laces, since worn or slick laces are the most common cause.

Conclusion

Lacing deck shoes is quick once you have the straight-lace pattern down and a secure knot you trust. Check the fit on the boat, not just on the dock, and replace laces that have stretched or frayed. A well-laced pair keeps your footing steady when the deck gets wet and the boat starts to heel.

Related reading

• Women's Deck Shoes Sale: How to Find Real Deals on Sailing Footwear
• Where Are Deck Shoes Made? Origins, Materials and How to Check
• Tommy Hilfiger Deck Shoes: How to Choose, Fit and Care for a Sailing Pair

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