We report a simple method to prepare hierarchical structures of carbon-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles decorated on conductive multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) backbone as advanced anode materials for lithium ion batteries. The CNTs backbone serves as a shape template and conducting network to facilitate electron and lithium ion transport, while the carbon coating acts as a buffering layer to maintain the structural integrity of the electrode upon cycling. The prepared CNT@Fe3O4-C hybrid nanocables electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with long-term cycling stability and high specific capacity of ∼1080mAhg−1 after 700 cycles at a current density of 500mAg−1, and good rate capability, which could be attributed to their unique structural features as well as the improved mechanical stability enabled by the outer carbon coating layer.