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Double Helix Lacing
This patented method has the laces angled one way on the outside and the other way on the inside. The resulting double helix reduces friction and allows faster, easier lacing.
Double Helix Lacing diagram
Double Helix Lacing picture 1
Double Helix Lacing picture 2
Double Helix Lacing gives the greatest benefit on tall boots with many eyelets. Photo sent to me by Andreas G.
Lacing Technique:
1. The lace is run straight across the bottom (grey section), with the left (blue) end emerging through the bottom left eyelet while the right (yellow) end is fed in through the bottom right eyelet.

2. The left (blue) end runs diagonally on the outside and is fed in through the next higher right eyelet, while the right (yellow) end runs diagonally on the inside and emerges through the next higher left eyelet.

3. Repeat step (2), using the opposite colors at each repetition, following a double spiral (or "Double Helix") path until both until both ends emerge through the top eyelets.


Features:
Decorative look
Fast & easy
Less wear & tear

Comparative Length = 100%
Identical length to basic Criss Cross Lacing
More details


NOTE:
The left and right shoes can be laced in reverse (mirror image) so as to end up with a symmetrical look.

Double Helix Lacing Theory:
This method was invented and patented by Monte Fisher for faster and easier lacing of shoes and boots. The idea is that there is less friction between the laces and the edges of the shoe flaps, plus negligible contact between overlapping laces, reducing friction even further. This makes tightening and loosening easier, plus the fact that groups of two adjacent laces can be grabbed and pulled simultaneously makes it faster as well, especially on tall boots with many eyelets (as shown at left).
Sports / Military Advice:
Like various straight lacing methods, Double Helix Lacing has an additional benefit for sporting or military use: The upper sections of shoelace can be quickly cut through with a knife or scissors in order to more easily remove a boot from a broken, sprained or otherwise injured ankle or foot.

Note that most military forces have regulations for just about everything, so I'd recommend that military personnel check before they adopt this, or any other, possible non-regulation lacing method!


Recent Photos (sent by site visitors)
Black shoes with white trim and black Double Helix Lacing - Click to enlarge Black boots with brown Double Helix Lacing - Click to enlarge Purple DC Smiths with black & white trim and white Double Helix Lacing - Click to enlarge White & navy blue Duffs 4130s with cyan & green trim and sparkling white Double Helix Lacing - Click to enlarge Multi-colored hand-painted sneakers with orange & purple combination of Half & Half Lacing and Double Helix Lacing - Click to enlarge Black boots with patterned black & white Double Helix Lacing - Click to enlarge
Hover over any photo for details, or click to enlarge in the Shoe Lacing Photos page.


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Related Links
Web site of Monte Fisher, inventor of Double Helix Lacing Monte Fisher's Site
Monte invented and patented the Double Helix Lacing method.
Criss Cross Lacing Criss Cross Lacing
Similar layout but without the double-helix crossovers.

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This page last updated: 13-Jul-2010. Copyright © 2003-2010 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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