Proper Lacing Techniques

How you lace your figure skating boots has a direct impact on ankle support, comfort, and overall performance. Even the best-fitting boot will underperform if laced incorrectly. Learning the proper technique takes only a few minutes but makes a significant difference every time you step on the ice.

Why Lacing Matters

Figure skating boots are engineered to hold your foot and ankle in precise alignment, and the lacing system is what activates that support. The goal is an "hourglass" tension pattern — moderate at the bottom, firm through the middle, and slightly relaxed at the top — that lets the boot do its job without fighting your natural movement.

The EDEA Lacing Method: Outside-In

EDEA recommends lacing from the outside in (inserting the lace from the outside of each eyelet toward the inside). This method creates self-locking intersections between the eyelets that resist loosening under pressure. Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Start at the toe.
Insert the lace from the outside to the inside through the bottom pair of eyelets, pulling both sides even in length.

Step 2: Cross and thread upward.
Cross the laces over the tongue and thread each side through the next eyelet from the outside in. Pull outward and downward to snug each cross — this engages the self-locking effect.

Step 3: Continue through all eyelets.
Using the same outside-in pattern, work your way up through every eyelet. Adjust tension at each level according to the zone guide below.

Step 4: Transition to hooks.
When you reach the hooks, pull both laces up in front of the tongue and wrap each lace around the hook from above (a 360-degree wrap). Cross the laces and pull tight before moving to the next hook. Repeat for each hook.

Step 5: Tie off at the top.
After the final hook, tie a secure knot. The knot should sit at the front of the boot, not off to one side.

Tension at Different Zones

The key to comfortable, supportive lacing is varying the tension from bottom to top:

The V-Pattern Alternative

Some advanced skaters prefer the V-pattern at the hooks: wrap the top hook first, then wrap back down to the middle hook, creating a deeper "V" that lowers the knot position and extends the range of ankle movement.

EDEA Lace Straps

EDEA Lace Straps (also called lace tabs) thread onto your laces and wrap around the tongue to keep it centered. A shifted tongue creates uneven pressure and causes rubbing. Lace straps are inexpensive and highly recommended, especially for skaters who notice their tongue migrating during sessions.

Common Lacing Mistakes to Avoid

• Lacing inside-out. Threading from inside to outside creates top-of-foot pressure and causes laces to loosen easily. Always lace outside-in.
• Twisted laces. Twisted laces do not distribute tension evenly — they slip, stretch, and wear out faster. Keep each cross flat.
• Wrapping under the first hook. This reduces hold quality and limits movement. Always wrap from above.
• Uniform tension throughout. Using the same tightness everywhere ignores the different support needs at each point. Follow the hourglass pattern.
• Leaving boots laced when not in use. This causes permanent narrowing and tongue damage. Always unlace completely after every session.

Using a Lace Puller

An EDEA Lace Puller is a small hook tool that helps you grip and tighten laces with consistent force, especially useful at the mid-foot eyelets where firm tension is needed but hard to achieve with cold fingers. It also reduces hand strain and prevents lace breakage.

When to Replace Your Laces

Laces wear out over time from repeated tightening, moisture, and friction against the eyelets and hooks. Replace your laces when you notice:

• Fraying or thinning, especially near the hooks
• Loss of grip — the laces slip and will not hold tension
• Stiffness or brittleness from repeated wetting and drying
• Visible stretching that prevents you from achieving proper tightness