How to Tie Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet: Prevent Heel Slippage

September 9, 2026 Learning How To Tie Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Does your child have narrow feet, and do all their shoes seem to gap around the ankles or slip off too easily? You’re not alone — and the good news is, there’s a simple fix. Below, I’ll show you a shoe-tying technique that works especially well for kids with narrow feet and narrow heels. In just three easy steps, you can create a more secure, supportive fit that helps prevent slipping, reduces discomfort, and keeps your child stable during active play.

This method keeps your child’s heels securely in place, reducing friction and providing the support they need to stay comfortable and protected throughout the day.

How to Tie Shoes for Kids with Narrow Feet

^{Begin by lacing the shoe as you normally would, but leave the top two eyelets (small holes) on each side of the shoe unlaced.}

^{Take each lace end and loop it through the top eyelet on the opposite side, as shown.}

^{Finally, pull the laces through the eyelets you left open, cross them, and tie as you normally would.}

Once tied, this technique locks the heel snugly against the back of the shoe — exactly where it needs to sit for a narrow foot. It closes the extra gap that a standard lacing pattern leaves around a narrow heel and ankle, which is usually the source of the slipping and rubbing in the first place.

How to Get the Correct Shoelace Length

To figure out the proper length of shoelaces, count how many eyelets (small holes) your child’s shoes have. More eyelets require longer laces, while fewer eyelets need shorter ones. Getting the length right matters — excess lace can become a tripping hazard, while laces that are too short won’t leave enough length to complete the heel lock technique properly.

^{To find the right shoelace length, count how many eyelets (lace holes) are on the shoe — a quick, easy way to get the perfect fit.}

Durable Shoelaces for Children

Made from durable polyester with a 1/4″ half-round oval profile, these laces are built to grip and stay tied — a real upgrade over the thin, flat laces that come standard with most kids’ sneakers and tend to come loose throughout the day.

Order on Amazon
1/4″ half-round oval profile, polyester construction
Sold in packs of 2 pairs (4 individual laces)
Available in 40+ colors and multiple lengths
Count your child’s eyelets to order the correct length
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links

Bonus Resource: Narrow Sneakers for Kids

If you’re struggling to find sneakers that properly fit your child’s narrow feet in the first place, I’ve got you covered. Check out my curated resource on the best narrow sneakers for kids, featuring styles that offer a snug, secure fit to keep your child comfortable and supported all day long.

Contact Me with Any Questions

If you have questions about lacing techniques, shoe fit, or finding the right shoes for your child’s narrow feet, don’t hesitate to reach out directly. I’m happy to help you find a solution that keeps your child comfortable and secure.