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Army Lacing
This inside-out version of Bow Tie Lacing is used on combat boots by various armies. With the crossovers on the insides, the sides of the boots can flex more easily.
Army Lacing diagram
Army Lacing picture 1
Army Lacing picture 2
This picture of Army Lacing on some well-worn combat boots was sent to me by Tarvos T.
Lacing Technique:
1. The lace is run straight across the bottom (grey section) and the ends emerge through both bottom eyelets.

2. Both ends are run straight up on the outside and are fed in through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

3. The ends are crossed over on the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

4. Repeat steps (2) and (3), alternating between running straight up on the outside or crossing over on the inside, until both ends reach the top eyelets.


Features:
Allows more flex
Loose fit
Harder to tighten

Comparative Length = 70%
Laced area uses less (about −30%)
Shorter laces needed (about −14%)
Lengthens lace ends (about +27%)
More details


Army Lacing Theory:
Combat boots are notorious for being made of thick, sturdy leather that does not flex very easily, making them firm and uncomfortable for any manoeuvering.

This lacing eliminates any crossovers that would hold down the sides of the boot, allowing the leather to crease more freely. These corrugations can be clearly seen in the photo at bottom-left, particularly near the ankle area.

On the other hand, if you would prefer to have a more rigid lacing, such as for parachuting, marching, or for preventing ankle injuries in rough or slippery terrain, Ladder Lacing would be a better choice.

I've been told that this lacing is used by the British, Dutch, French and Brazilian armies.


Recent Photos (sent by site visitors)
Grey & plaid Converse Double Uppers with white trim and grey & white combination of Army Lacing and Lattice Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Vans sneakers with white trim and green Army Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Vans Sk8 Hi shoes with patterned red & white trim and white combination of Army Lacing and Lock Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Doc Martens boots with black combination of Ladder Lacing and Army Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Converse All-Stars with white trim and blue & white combination of Army Lacing and Over Under Lacing - Click to enlarge Cyan Converse All-Stars with black & white trim and patterned brown, yellow & pink combination of Half & Half Lacing and Army Lacing and Riding Boot Lacing - Click to enlarge
Hover over any photo for details, or click to enlarge in the Shoe Lacing Photos page.


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This page last updated: 15-May-2010. Copyright © 2007-2010 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
Related Links
Bow Tie Lacing
Bow Tie Lacing
(inside-out)
Ladder Lacing
Ladder Lacing
(for firmer support)
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