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Bow Tie Lacing
This method "lengthens" ends because it consumes the least amount of shoelace. The laces cross over on the outside and run vertically on the inside, forming a "bow-tie" outline. There's two variations shown: One for even numbers of eyelet pairs, the other for odd numbers of eyelet pairs.
Method 1 (for EVEN numbers of eyelet pairs)
Bow Tie Lacing diagram 1
Faint sections are underneath
Lacing Technique 1 (for EVEN numbers of eyelet pairs):
1. The lace is run straight across the bottom (grey section) and the ends are fed in through both bottom eyelets.

2. Both ends are run straight up the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe, thus introducing a "gap".

3. The ends are crossed over on the outside and are fed in through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

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


Comparative Length = 70%
Laced area uses less (about −30%)
Shorter laces needed (about −14%)
Lengthens lace ends (about +27%)
More details
Method 2 (for ODD numbers of eyelet pairs)
Bow Tie Lacing diagram 2
Faint sections are underneath
Lacing Technique 2 (for ODD numbers of eyelet pairs):
1. The lace is run straight across the bottom (grey section) and the ends emerge through both bottom eyelets.

2. The ends are crossed over on the outside and are fed in through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

3. Both ends are run straight up the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe, thus introducing a "gap".

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


Comparative Length = 75%
Laced area uses less (about −25%)
Shorter laces needed (about −13%)
Lengthens lace ends (about +27%)
More details
Bow Tie Lacing picture 1
Bow Tie Lacing picture 2
Computer game character Yuna from "Final Fantasy X-2" looks great wearing Bow Tie Lacing!
Features:
Minimal look
Comfort "zones"
Loose fit


Variations:
Instead of placing gaps every second set, their positions could also be strategically chosen to coincide with tight areas of your shoes, thus giving those parts of your feet more "breathing room".


Recent Photos (sent by site visitors)
Black Ripcurl Sessions with white trim and white Bow Tie Lacing - Click to enlarge White Converse Double Uppers with black trim and black combination of Zipper Lacing and Bow Tie Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Reebok sneakers with blue & red combination of Half & Half Lacing and Bow Tie Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Vans Sk8 Hi shoes with patterned red & white trim and white Bow Tie Lacing - Click to enlarge Grey & red Nike Court Forces with silver & white trim and patterned red & white combination of Lattice Lacing and Bow Tie Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Converse All-Stars with white trim and blue & fluoro green combination of Bow Tie Lacing and Sawtooth 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: 08-May-2010. Copyright © 2003-2010 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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