Quick answer

What is a runner’s loop?

A runner’s loop is a heel-lock lacing method that uses the final eyelet pair to make two small loops. Crossing each lace through the opposite loop draws the shoe collar around the heel and can reduce slipping without cinching the entire shoe. It is also called a lace lock or heel lock.

Runner’s loop lacing diagram for a running shoeCrisscross lacing travels from the toe to the final two rows, where a loop forms on each side and the ends cross through the opposite loops.TOE ENDTIE HERE
Make one small loop on each side, then cross the lace ends through the opposite loops.

Five-step method

How to tie a runner’s loop

  1. Lace the shoe normally until one eyelet remains unused on each side.
  2. Run each lace end straight up through the final eyelet on the same side instead of crossing over.
  3. Leave a small loop between the last two eyelets on each side. Keep both loops about the same size.
  4. Cross the lace ends and pass each end through the loop on the opposite side.
  5. Pull the ends back and slightly down until the loops close, then tie your usual knot.

What a runner’s loop changes

A runner’s loop—also called heel-lock or lace-lock lacing—uses the final eyelet pair to draw the shoe collar around the heel. It can reduce up-and-down heel movement without forcing you to tighten every crossing over the midfoot.

Set the lower laces first, then make the loops. The heel should feel held in the back of the shoe while the top of the foot and ankle remain comfortable.

How tight should the heel lock feel?

Pull only until the loose loops close and the heel settles. More tension is not automatically more secure. If the knot presses into the front of the ankle, loosen the final crossing or use a smaller loop.

Test the setup on a short, familiar run before using it for a race or long outing. Feet can swell as time and temperature increase.

Common runner’s-loop mistakes

  • Pulling the loops as tight as possible. Close them only until the heel feels held and the front of the ankle stays comfortable.
  • Making large loops that sit beside the ankle. Keep each loop small and close to the shoe so the crossed lace can close it cleanly.
  • Tightening every lower crossing to stop heel slip. Set a comfortable midfoot fit first, then use the final eyelet pair for the heel lock.
  • Using heel-lock lacing to compensate for the wrong shoe size or shape. The technique cannot shorten a shoe or change its heel volume.

When the shoe—not the laces—is the problem

  • Your heel still lifts after the loop is comfortably snug.
  • Your toes hit the front when the heel is secured.
  • The collar rubs or presses on the ankle when the knot is loose.
  • The shoe bends, buckles, or feels unstable when tightened.

Compare other running shoe lacing patterns

Window lacingOpen space over one pressure point on top of the foot.See the steps →Wide-foot lacingCreate more room through the forefoot before securing the heel.See the steps →Parallel lacingReplace diagonal crossings with straight bars over the tongue.See the steps →

Compare every lacing pattern →