How-to

Relieve Instep Pressure in Six Steps with Window Lacing

A different technique from the heel-securing runner's loop. Learn how skipping one cross-over creates a pressure-relief window over a sore spot on the top of the foot, based on REI and ASICS original guidance.

5 min read2026-10-27

REI original video: running-shoe lacing tips, including pressure-relief window lacing

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OriginalOriginal REI step-by-step window-lacing guideREI Expert Advice — How to Lace Running Shoes · Original publisher

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01

What you need

Running shoes with conventional laces
The socks you actually run in
A place to sit and re-lace
A safe area to walk-test the fit

02

How to

1. Put on your usual running socks and identify the exact spot where the laces press into the top of your foot. If toes hit the front or the entire shoe feels cramped, check the size, width and shoe last first.
2. Loosen and unlace down to the pair of eyelets just below the pressure point. Check the left and right eyelets align and that the laces are long enough and not frayed.
3. Rather than crossing over the sore spot, take the left lace straight to the next eyelet on the left and the right lace to the next eyelet on the right. This skips one X and opens a small window above the tender area.
4. Resume normal crisscross lacing above the window and tie a secure ordinary bow at the top. REI calls this window or box lacing and recommends it for a localized pressure point.
5. Stand, move your toes and walk a short distance. Check that the sore spot feels less compressed without creating excessive sliding at the midfoot or heel. Adjust tension by section rather than over-tightening the whole shoe.
6. If problems remain, explore alternatives such as ASICS' parallel lacing, but have shoe length, width and instep volume assessed if pain or tingling persists. REI emphasizes that lacing tricks cannot replace proper shoe fit.

One more tip

Lacing cannot fix a shoe that is fundamentally too short, narrow or shallow. Stop wearing it and reassess fit if pressure, pain or numbness persists.

Sources and media

OriginalASICS official advice for alternate lacing when the instep is tightASICS — Running Shoe Lacing Techniques · Original publisher

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