On the underside, your laces should run alongside the tongue of the shoe without crossing it. [5] X Research source

Some people find having the bow under the tongue makes their shoes painful to wear. If this is uncomfortable for you, you can try pushing the bow under the sole of the shoe or to one side of your foot instead.

Criss-cross lacing is the most common type of shoe lacing. Most shoes will already be laced this way when they are purchased. Save yourself some time by checking to see whether they are already laced in a criss-cross pattern before you remove them. [7] X Research source

Remember to keep the laces loose as you do this. The knot should land just inside the point of your shoe. It should fit in the space in front of your toes.