Lacing Running Shoes for Narrow Feet – How to Make the Shoes Fit and Feel Better!

June 2, 2025 Learning How To Tie Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Are your child’s shoes constantly slipping at the heel or gapping around the ankles? The way you tie your child’s shoes plays a key role in ensuring a secure fit, especially for kids with narrow feet. Proper lacing can minimize unwanted movement, improve comfort, and prevent foot issues such as blisters. As a children’s shoe fitter with over a decade of experience, I’ve learned and used a variety of lacing techniques tailored to different foot shapes—and I’m here to share the most effective ones with you.

Lacing Running Shoes for Narrow Feet

Choosing the right lacing style can significantly enhance the fit of your child’s shoes. Let me show you a simple yet highly effective lacing technique that I learned from a co-worker with over 20 years of shoe fitting experience. It’s easy to apply and can make a big difference in securing your child’s feet and improving overall comfort.

Start by lacing the shoes as usual, but when you reach the top, leave the last two eyelets open.
Next, thread the shoelaces through the top eyelets first.
Now loop the laces through the two open eyelets you left earlier—this helps lock and secure the heel in place.

This technique helps keep the heel in place and reduces movement within the shoe. By securing the heel, this method minimizes the risk of blisters and enhances stability during movement. It is particularly beneficial for active children who engage in running or sports, providing them with the confidence to move freely without worrying about their shoes slipping off. You can even try this method in your shoes to see how it feels and the difference it makes.

What Are Good Shoelaces for Kids?

Choosing the right shoelaces is just as important as the lacing technique. For kids, the best shoelace recommendations include oval bubble laces. These laces tend to stay tied better than traditional flat or round laces, providing a more secure fit that lasts throughout the day.

Pink oval laces for kids.
Navy blue oval laces for kids.
  • Order these shoelaces made by GREATLACES on Amazon
  • Packing contains two pairs of laces
  • Order the correct lace length by counting how many eyelets (shoe holes) your child’s shoes have
  • Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links

What Shoelace Size Should You Order?

One of the first steps in ensuring a proper fit is choosing the right shoelace size. When buying shoelaces, it’s important to count how many eyelets your child’s shoes have. This will determine the length of the shoelaces needed to achieve a snug and secure fit.

Take note of how many eyelets your child’s shoes have—this will help you choose the right lace length for a secure, customized fit.

Always remind your child to loosen their shoelaces before putting on their shoes—especially if they have narrow heels. Sliding feet into tightly laced shoes can stretch and weaken the heel counter, reducing support and causing the shoes to feel loose and less secure over time. Taking a few extra seconds to unlace can help preserve the fit and support of the shoes.

Bonus Resource: Access My Top Picks of Narrow Shoes for Kids

As a special bonus, I’ve compiled a list of my top picks for running shoes tailored for kids with narrow feet. These options have been chosen based on their fit, comfort, and durability. Whether your child is gearing up for a race or simply enjoys a daily jog, these shoes will provide the support they need.