Among all the shoe-lacing methods, ladder lacing is considered to be the most practical one.
And when it comes to lacing a pair of Dr. Marten boots, you can’t go wrong with this exclusive lacing trick.
That being said, ladder lacing is a hard-hitting way to tie your boots tightly where the laces weave both horizontally and vertically to form a secure ladder.
Didn’t get it yet? No worries, here we go with a detailed tutorial on this classic shoe-lacing technique for your better understanding.
So, let’s dive in!
How to Ladder Lace Doc Martens: Step-by-Step Guide
Before we start, it’s worth mentioning that the ladder lacing strait doesn’t only offer a secure shoe fitting but also adds a super cool outlook on the whole.
And there are basically two ways to get a pair of ladder-laced Docs that are slightly different from each other.
So, let’s go through both ways below.
Method 1
The first method includes the following steps:
Step 1
You should choose really long laces to follow this method. On that note, even if you lost the original laces that came with your Docd, try getting a pair that are as long as them.
Step 2
Next, feed your boots a pair of thick socks. Placing the socks under the shoe tongue will ultimately create a nice base so that the ladder pattern sits smoothly on the boots.
Step 3
Now pass the shoelace straight across the bottom eyelets of the Docs. Remember, the lace must run underneath the bottom eyelets, not go down into them from the top. And both ends of the lace should be of equal length.
Step 4
After that, take the right shoelace end and run it through the next eyelet up from the bottom. This time your lace will enter the eyelet from the outside of the shoes.
Also, make sure there are no twists and turns in the lace.
Step 5
Take the lace to the left side and pass it through the second eyelet of the same side.
Step 6
At this point, take the other shoelace end and feed it into the same eyelet of the left side, of course from the outside.
Step 7
Then bring the lace end over the Doc Martens tongue and feed it into the right-side second eyelet from the bottom.
Step 8
See! You have already started to form the beautiful ladder pattern as the first rung on the ladder is created.
At this point, feed the same shoelace end across the third eyelet from the bottom on the right-hand side. You need to pass it from the outside of the boots just as before.
Step 9
After bringing the lace across the Doc Martens tongue as you did in step 5, pass it into the third eyelet from the bottom of your boots on the left-hand side.
Step 10
Now thread the other shoelace end up into the same eyelet and take it into the opposite eyelet on the right side.
Thus, you will create the second ladder rung.
Step 11
Keep following the same pattern until you reach the top eyelets of your Docs.
Step 12
Now, it’s time to tie the bow. But before you do so, adjust the tightness of the laces as you want by pulling the outer loops on each side of the shoes.
Step 13
Finally, you have successfully laced all the way up. So, tie the laces in a bow and you are done with ladder lacing your Docs.
Step 14
Although this step is optional, you can tuck the bow behind your Doc tongue if you prefer a crisper finish.
Here is a video tutorial you can check to ladder lace your Docs perfectly.
Method 2
Moving onto the next strait on how to ladder lace Doc Martens boots, here we go with the steps:
Step 1
The process begins from inside to out. Run the lace underneath the bottom eyelets of your Docs.
Step 2
Now, insert both the lace ends vertically into the next eyelet up from the bottom.
Step 3
At this point, you will find the lace ends inside of your Doc. And you have created two loops on the outer sides of the shoes.
Now, cross the lace lengths over the tongue of your boots and feed them through the corresponding loops you have created on both sides.
Step 4
Repeat the straight-up method and insert the lace ends vertically through the next eyelets on both sides.
Step 5
Similar to step 3, feed the lace ends through the outside loops to bring them underneath again.
Keep repeating the technique until you reach the end.
Step 6
Once you reach the top eyelets, both the lace ends should be inside your boots. Now you can tie the lace into a bow or a knot and tuck it behind the shoe tongue.
Check this as a reference to the second way of ladder lacing your Docs.
FAQs
Is ladder-lacing good?
Yes, it is if you prefer keeping the laces in place. It’s indeed a very clean-looking technique that’s quite good for roomy boots.
What types of laces do you need to tie your Docs?
Usually, Doc Martens have either eight or ten eyelets. So, we recommend 55″ shoelaces to lace the shoes properly.
But if you have a pair of Docs with three rows of eyelets, you can go for laces around 25″-26″.
How do you lace up Doc Martens?
Generally, Docs look super cool with the classic cross-lacing and ladder-lacing methods. But you can also tie the boots following the straight bar lace or the bow tie lace techniques.
Can I use different colored laces on my Doc Martens?
Of course. If you like colorful shoelaces, go for them. They will leave a personal touch on your Docs along with kicking some life back to an old pair.
Final Words
That’s all about how to ladder lace Doc Martens. We hope you enjoyed the guide to the fullest.
Actually, this is considered a tough-as-nails military-style lacing technique. It is widely used by soldiers and paratroopers as you can cut the lacing quickly when needed.
Moreover, it offers a very secure feeling with a ladder-like appearance. Resultantly, you feel both comfortable and confident wearing your Docs.
However, following any of the above ways of ladder lacing the Docs, you will see it is actually easier than it seems. So, do try it at home to change your footwear game by leaving your own mark on the shoes.
Good luck!
