There is no single correct answer to how to lace Nike SB Dunk High, but one setup handles most cases: stock crisscross lacing, both ends fed from the bottom eyelets upward, and the top eyelet left empty for ankle flex. It takes about two minutes and keeps the padded collar snug without pressing on the instep. What follows covers the four setups worth knowing, which foot shape each one suits, and the lacing routine shop staff can repeat across every pair on the wall.
Dunk Highs ship laced from the factory, and most buyers never touch the laces beyond tightening them. That is usually the right call for the first week. The padding needs to compress before anyone can judge fit, and a complicated pattern only hides the real problem when a pair feels tight across the forefoot.
Start With the Stock Setup Before You Change Anything
Factory lacing on a high-top runs straight up through the lower eyelets and crosses over the tongue. The pattern is boring, but it spreads pressure evenly across the collar, which matters on a shoe with this much padding around the ankle. Pull the slack out from the bottom pair of eyelets first, then work upward one crossing at a time.
Two mistakes show up on almost every pair that comes back to the counter. The first is a twisted lace under the tongue, which creates a pressure point that customers blame on the shoe itself. The second is yanking the top two eyelets tight while the lower section stays loose, so the heel lifts and the toe box feels cramped at the same time.
Leave the top eyelet empty on a fresh pair if the wearer skates. That single change frees the ankle without loosening the midfoot, and it is the fastest fix for anyone who says the collar bites when they flex forward.
Four Setups That Change How the Shoe Feels
Most questions about how to lace Nike SB Dunk High come down to one decision: lock the collar down or leave it free to flex. Each setup below answers that differently, and none of them require new laces.
Straight bar lacing for a clean toe box
Run each end horizontally across the underside of the tongue instead of crossing over the top. The result is a flat, even row of bars with no diagonal bulk. Skaters who flip their board constantly like it because the toe box stays smooth, though the fit gets slightly looser through the midfoot.
Skipping the top eyelet for ankle flex
Thread everything as normal and stop one eyelet short on each side. The collar still wraps the ankle, but it stops resisting forward flex. This is the setup most people actually want for skating, and the one least likely to cause lace bite over a long session.
Heel lock at the collar
After the second-to-last eyelet, run each end back down into the eyelet directly below it before tying. That loop pulls the heel into the pocket and stops the foot from sliding forward. It works well for narrow heels and for anyone who sized up half a step to gain width.
Display lacing for the shelf
Retail pairs look cleaner with the ends tucked inside the collar and the bow hidden. Lace loosely, keep the bars even, and leave the size tag visible. It photographs better and stops customers from dragging loose ends across the floor.
Match the Setup to the Foot
Setup choice follows foot shape and use more than personal taste. The table below is what we use to recommend a pattern at the counter, and it holds up across most Dunk High releases.
| Setup | Best for | What it changes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock crisscross | Everyday wear and the first week of break-in | Even pressure, snug collar | Twisted laces under the tongue |
| Straight bar | Skaters who want a flat toe box | Cleaner upper, slightly looser midfoot | Can gap over a high instep |
| Top eyelet skipped | Ankle flex on long sessions | Frees the collar | Less locked-in feel at the ankle |
| Heel lock | Narrow heels, half-size-up fits | Locks the heel, reduces forward slide | Feels tight if over-pulled |
| Display lacing | Shelf and photo setups | Clean look, hidden ends | Not meant for actual wear |
Wide feet and high insteps need the loose end of the range, not the tight one. A high-volume foot pushes up against the tongue, and every extra crossing adds pressure across that spot. Anyone still deciding how to lace Nike SB Dunk High for a wide forefoot should start with the top eyelet skipped and a straight bar through the lower four eyelets.
Lace Length and Fit Mistakes That Cause Returns
Dunk High laces vary by release, so measure a stock lace from tip to tip before ordering replacements. Material matters too. Flat laces hold a knot better on a high collar, while oval laces slide and loosen during a session. Keep the original set with the box if the pair might be resold.
Fit problems get blamed on laces more often than they should. A pair that pinches across the instep is usually the wrong width, not the wrong pattern. Sizing up half a size to fix a tight forefoot creates heel slip, which then gets patched with a heel lock that was never needed. Fix the size first, then the lacing.
Relace Checklist for Shop Staff
Staff who relace the same model every week learn how to lace Nike SB Dunk High faster than any written guide can explain. Use one sequence so every pair leaves the bench looking the same.
- Pull the stock laces out completely and lay them flat so they do not tangle.
- Start at the bottom eyelet and work upward, keeping both ends the same length.
- Check the underside of the tongue for twists before tightening anything.
- Leave the top eyelet empty on skate setups and note it on the ticket.
- Trim nothing. Tuck excess length inside the collar instead.
- Photograph the finished pair for the listing if it sells online.
Consistency matters more than the pattern itself. A shop that laces every pair the same way can describe fit accurately in listings and cut down on exchanges from online buyers who never tried the shoe on.
FAQ
How tight should the laces be on a Dunk High?
Snug enough that the heel stays down when you push off, loose enough that you can slide a finger under the top crossing. A high collar does most of the ankle work on its own, so over-tightening the upper eyelets adds pressure without adding support. Retie after ten minutes of wear once the padding settles.
Do I need longer laces if I skip the top eyelet?
No. Skipping an eyelet leaves extra length, not less. If anything you will have more tail than you need, which is why tucking the ends inside the collar beats cutting them. Measure a stock lace before buying replacements, since length varies by release and colorway.
Does lacing change how the shoe fits?
It changes pressure distribution, not volume. A heel lock can make a half size too big feel wearable, and a straight bar can relieve pressure on a high instep. It will not fix a shoe that is genuinely too narrow. Check the official size chart and, when in doubt, try both sizes.
Can a lacing pattern help with ankle support?
Only at the margin. Higher lacing gives a bit more wrap around the collar, which some skaters prefer after an ankle injury. Real support comes from the construction of the shoe and how well it fits, not from the pattern. If stability is the priority, pick a model built for it.
What is the cleanest lacing for product photos?
Straight bar through the whole eyelet row, ends tucked inside the collar, no visible bow. It reads as symmetrical from every angle and keeps attention on the upper material. Lace loosely so the collar is not distorted, and redo it if any bar sits uneven.
Sourcing Pairs and Lace Stock
Most buyers who look up how to lace Nike SB Dunk High are doing it for a pair already on the shelf or one headed to a customer. Lace stock is a small line item that prevents complaints about mismatched or missing laces. Keep a few spare sets in the two or three lengths that cover your best sellers, and note the length on the product sheet.
If you are pricing a bulk order of SB Dunk Highs, replacement laces, or both, send over the model, size run, and target quantity. We will come back with available stock, current wholesale ranges, and lead times, all subject to confirmation when the order is placed.