How to Tie Basketball Shoes to Backpack: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated November 2026

To tie basketball shoes to a backpack, you loop the laces through a strap or grommet on the outside of the bag and lock them with a secure knot. Done right, the shoes stay put during a walk to the gym, on a bus ride, or on a crowded court, and they don’t bang against your back. The method takes about a minute and needs nothing more than the laces already on your shoes.

What You Need Before You Start

Most of the work is done with what you already have. Gather these items first:

Shopping for one? See our guide: 7 Best Basketball Backpacks with Shoe Compartment for Players (2026).

• A pair of basketball shoes with laces long enough to wrap around a strap (at least 30 inches per shoe is a useful guide)
• A backpack with exterior straps, webbing loops, or a bottom compression strap
• An optional spare shoelace or a short length of cord if your laces are too short

Step-by-Step: Attaching the Shoes

1. Untie the shoes and loosen the laces, but keep them threaded through the eyelets. This leaves enough slack to wrap around the bag.
2. Stand the shoes toe-to-heel, with the soles facing each other, so they sit as one compact unit.
3. Pass the laces of one shoe through a bottom or side compression strap, then bring the ends back over the top of the shoe.
4. Loop the second shoe’s laces through the same strap from the opposite side, so the shoes hang balanced.
5. Tie a double knot, or a standard bow followed by a second knot, so nothing slips loose while you walk.
6. Give the pair a firm tug and a short swing test. If they shift more than a few inches, retie with a tighter knot.

Choosing the Right Anchor Point on Your Backpack

The anchor point decides how stable the shoes will be. Compression straps along the bottom or sides are usually the best option, because they sit close to the bag’s center of weight. Top handles and dangling loops work for lighter shoes but tend to let the pair swing. Avoid attaching only to a zipper pull, since that can wear out the zipper over time.

Tying Methods Compared

Method	Best For	Stability
Bottom compression strap, double knot	Heavy or high-top shoes	High
Side strap, single loop each shoe	Everyday trips	Medium
Top handle or loop	Light, quick carries	Low

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Tying too loosely. A slack knot lets the shoes bounce off your back, so pull the knot snug before you walk.
• Wrapping the laces around a thin or stitched seam, which can fray over time. Choose sturdy webbing.
• Overloading the backpack. Heavy shoes plus a full bag can pull the straps out of shape, so keep the shoes close to the bag’s bottom.
• Leaving sweaty shoes tied to the outside. Let them air out before reattaching, and check for odor.
• Forgetting to retie after a shoe is removed. Loosen the knot, slide the shoe out, and retie the remaining lace for the next trip.

Recommended Gear

If your backpack has no suitable straps, a dedicated shoe carrier keeps the shoes separate and clean. Owners often report that a separate compartment keeps sweaty shoes away from clothes and gear. View on Amazon

For a bag built with shoe storage already in place, a basketball backpack with a dedicated shoe compartment removes the need to tie anything. View on Amazon

If you are still choosing a bag, the guide to Backpack for Basketball and Shoes: How to Choose One That Fits Your Gear covers strap placement and size in more detail. You can also compare options in Basketball Bag with Shoe Compartment: How to Choose One That Fits Your Gear and Backpack with Basketball Holder: How to Choose One That Fits Your Game.

FAQ

Will tying shoes to a backpack damage the laces?

Repeated tying can stretch or fray laces, especially if they rub against rough hardware. Check laces regularly and replace them when they show wear.

Can I attach high-top shoes the same way?

Yes, but high-tops are heavier, so use a bottom compression strap and a double knot for better stability.

What if my backpack has no straps to tie to?

Use a sturdy carabiner or a short cord looped through a handle or D-ring, then tie the laces to that point.

Conclusion

Tying basketball shoes to a backpack comes down to choosing a solid anchor point and locking the laces with a double knot. Test the hold before you leave, and retie whenever the pair starts to shift. With a secure setup, your shoes stay out of the way and your bag stays comfortable to carry.

Related reading

• Backpack for Basketball and Shoes: How to Choose One That Fits Your Gear
• Point 3 Basketball Backpack: How to Pick One That Fits Your Game (2026)
• Pink Nike Basketball Backpack: How to Choose, Fit and Care for One

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