Create different looks by starting the laces under the flaps and wrapping over them, or starting the laces over the flaps and wrapping under them. [2] X Research source

Depending on the design of the shoe, you may be able to skip this step. If the laces radiate out from a central point on top of your foot, you don’t need to cross them in front before pulling them behind your ankle.

Keep pulling them tightly enough that you can’t fit a finger between the laces and your ankle.

Depending on how big you want the bow to be, you can adjust how much material you leave. For bigger bows, stop when you have about 6 inches (15 cm). For smaller bows, leave less than 3 inches (7. 5 cm).

If you prefer the look of a bow in the front, but only have enough material to tie one in the back, unwrap the laces until you have enough to tie it in the front.

If you want a symmetrical look, the distance between the two back crosses should be the same as the distance between the two front crosses.

This amount will vary depending on the width of your calf, but aim for between 8 and 10 inches (20 and 25 cm) at the end of each lace. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source You don’t have to keep going until you run out of material. If you prefer the way they look stopping at a lower point on your leg, that’s fine too.

Tying the ends around the top of your calf muscle, just below your knee, will help the laces stay up better. [9] X Research source If you decided to stop with lots of extra material to spare, you may need to repeat this process a few times, criss-crossing the laces on top of each other horizontally until only a few inches of material remain.

Tying a knot before you tie a bow will help the laces stay in place. [10] X Research source If you don’t have enough material to tie the bow where you want it, untie one of the crosses to give yourself additional material.

Try bending, squatting, and pointing and flexing your feet to feel for any unwanted movement in the laces.