Lacing Shoes with Narrow Heel and Wide Toe Box – Learn How to Do it in Less Than 30 Seconds!

August 4, 2025 Learning How To Tie Shoes Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Does your child struggle with shoes that either slip at the heel or feel too tight at the toes? This is a common challenge for children with wide forefeet and narrow heels. When the shoes fit comfortably at the heel, the front often feels cramped—and when the toes have enough room, the heel slips and rubs. As a professional shoe fitter, I’ve worked with many kids who have this unique foot shape. In this guide, I’ll teach you a simple lacing technique that helps lock the heel in place while giving the toes the space they need—leading to a more secure, comfortable fit and fewer blisters.

How to Lace Shoes for Kids with Narrow Heels and Wide Forefoot

Step 1: Skip a Hole at the Bottom. Begin by threading each end of the lace through the eyelets closest to the toes. Instead of lacing through the second eyelet, skip it. The green arrows highlight the widest part of the child’s feet. This lacing technique helps relieve pressure from the small toes.
Step 2: Crisscross Lacing. Continue to lace the shoes in a crisscross pattern, but leave the two top eyelets open. This method will ensure that the lacing provides a secure fit around the midfoot without overly constricting the toe area.
Step 3: Secure the Heel. To address the narrow heel, go through the top hole first. This step creates a loop that can be tightened to secure the heel without affecting the rest of the shoe.
Step 4. Go through the hole that you left open as a final step.

I always remind parents how important it is for children—especially those with narrow heels—to fully loosen their shoelaces before putting their shoes on. When kids force their feet into tied shoes, it stretches and weakens the heel counter, making the shoes less supportive and causing them to slip even more at the heel.

What Are Good Shoelaces for Kids?

There’s a special type of shoelace designed to stay securely tied throughout the day. With these, you won’t have to constantly stop to retie laces or worry about them coming undone during playtime. These shoelaces feature small bubbles along their length that grip and hold, keeping them securely tied.

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

How to Get the Correct Shoelace Length

To figure out the proper length of the shoelaces, you must count how many eyelets (small holes) the shoes have. More eyelets will require longer laces, while fewer eyelets will need shorter laces. It’s crucial to select the appropriate length to avoid excess lace that could become a tripping hazard.

To find the right shoelace length, simply count how many eyelets (those small lace holes) are on the shoes—it’s a quick and easy way to ensure the perfect fit.

Reach Out with Any Questions

As a shoe fitter, I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of choosing and fitting children’s shoes. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Proper foot care is crucial during the early years, and I’m committed to ensuring your child has the best possible start. Feel free to contact me for specific recommendations or if you need assistance in finding the perfect shoe for your child’s unique foot shape.