Ian's Shoelace Site - Shoe Lacing Methods

Whilst mathematics tells us that there are more than 2 Trillion ways of feeding a lace through the six pairs of eyelets on an average shoe, this section presents a (somewhat more realistic) typical cross-section of traditional and alternative lacing methods that I've either found or created or that have been sent to me by web site visitors.

The selection is limited to those methods that are widely used, have a particular feature or benefit, or that I just like the look of. Stay tuned - the list is still growing!

36 Different Ways To Lace Shoes
These diagrams are all drawn as though looking from the front of the shoe, such that the lower part of the lacing is at the bottom of the diagram, and are colour-coded to make it easier to follow where the lace runs. Generally, the start of the lacing is grey, whilst the lace end that starts on the left side is blue and the end that starts on the right side is yellow. For colour-blind visitors, Blue=Dark=Left, Yellow=Light=Right.
	Criss Cross Lacing This is probably the most common method of lacing normal shoes and boots. The laces simply criss-cross as they work their way up the shoe.	FEATURES: Traditional look Simple to lace Comfortable Corrugates shoe
	Over Under Lacing A variation of Criss Cross Lacing that alternates between running over and then under. It's my own preferred method for most of my shoes & sneakers.	FEATURES: Ian's favourite! Decorative look Faster & easier Less wear & tear
	Straight (European) Lacing This traditional method of Straight Lacing appears to be more common in Europe. The laces run straight across pairs of eyelets and diagonally underneath.	FEATURES: Neat on top Messy underneath Shortens ends
	Straight (Bar) Lacing Often referred to as "Fashion Lacing" or "Lydiard Lacing", this variation of Straight Lacing eliminates the underlying diagonals, which looks neater plus relieves pressure on the top ridge of the foot.	FEATURES: Comfortable Even = Neat look Odd = Messy look Lengthens ends
	Straight (Easy) Lacing This is a simplified variation of Straight (Bar) Lacing where one end runs straight from bottom to top whilst the other end steps through the eyelets.	FEATURES: Even = Neat look Odd = Messy look End lengths shift Lengthens ends
	Hiking / Biking Lacing An inside-out version of Straight (Bar) Lacing, which distributes pressure evenly plus keeps the knots & ends to the side, away from either snagging undergrowth or from bicycle chains & cranks.	FEATURES: Evens out pressure Reduces snagging Messy look Lengthens ends
	Sawtooth Lacing This variation of Straight Lacing has all of the angled underlying sections pulling the same way, which shifts the sides of the shoe out of alignment. May also correct an otherwise ill-fitting shoe.	FEATURES: Easier to tighten Mis-aligns sides Modifies fit Lengthens ends
	Shoe Shop Lacing Commonly seen in shoe shops because many new shoes come pre-laced this way from the factory, this method is another easy way of Straight Lacing.	FEATURES: Easy to lace End lengths shift Shortens ends
	Display Shoe Lacing Shoe stores often use this reversed version of Criss Cross Lacing on their display shoes in order to end up with the lace ends neatly tucked away inside.	FEATURES: Tidy look Easier to loosen Harder to tighten
	Ladder Lacing This distinctive lacing, which looks just like a ladder, is also useful for "shortening" long lace ends. U.S. paratroopers and ceremonial guard units wear jump boots with white ladder lacing.	FEATURES: Distinctive look Stays very tight Harder to tighten Shortens ends
	Spider Web Lacing Another decorative lacing method used on military boots, which is like Ladder Lacing running at an angle, creating a woven web of shoelace.	FEATURES: Decorative look Firm & tight Harder to tighten Shortens ends
	Double Back Lacing Although terribly awkward to tighten, this method looks interesting, holds very firmly, and can also be used if you're desperate to shorten long lace ends.	FEATURES: Stays very tight Terribly awkward Shortens ends
	Bow Tie Lacing So named because the outline resembles the shape of a bow-tie, this method makes the most efficient use of lace and thus is useful for "lengthening" short lace ends.	FEATURES: Minimal look Comfort "zones" Loose fit Lengthens ends
	Army Lacing This inside-out version of Bow Tie Lacing is used by the British, Dutch, French and Brazilian armies (and possibly others). With the crossovers on the inside, the sides of the combat boots can flex more easily.	FEATURES: Allows more flex Harder to tighten Lengthens ends
	Train Track Lacing Like a condensed Army Lacing with the underlying segments running straight across, the result looks like train tracks, and holds very tight because of the doubled laces through eyelets.	FEATURES: Neat look Holds very tight Harder to tighten Shortens ends
	Double Helix Lacing This method was invented and patented by Monte Fisher for faster lacing of boots. The laces run in a double helix, angled one way on the outside and the other way on the inside.	FEATURES: Decorative look Fast & easy Less wear & tear
	Double Cross Lacing This blend of Over Under Lacing and Hash Lacing creates overlapping "crosses", which can also be woven into the most intricate "macrame".	FEATURES: Decorative look Harder to tighten Shortens ends Can lengthen ends
	Hash Lacing When used on modern boots and sneakers with a wide gap and many eyelets, the result resembles a diagonal series of hash "#" symbols.	FEATURES: Decorative look Harder to tighten Lengthens ends
	Lattice Lacing Great for boots and sneakers with a wide gap, this very popular method forms a neat woven lattice in the middle of the lacing.	FEATURES: Very popular! Decorative look Harder to tighten Shortens ends
	Zipper Lacing Though awkward to tighten, this lacing holds very firmly, making it great for lacing skates tightly. It also looks interesting, a bit like a giant zipper.	FEATURES: Decorative look Holds very firmly Harder to tighten Shortens ends
	Riding Boot Lacing Often referred to as "Bal-Lacing", this method is meant for riding boots (motorbike or equestrian) in which the part that is tightened and loosened is at the middle of the boot (near the ankle).	FEATURES: Neat look Unusual layout Special purpose Shortens ends
	One Handed Lacing As an alternative to the One Handed Shoelace Knot, this way of lacing eliminates the need to even tie a knot by leaving one end loose.	FEATURES: Disabled use Surprisingly easy Loose fit Lengthens end
	Segmented Lacing This variation divides the lacing into two or more "segments", each of which can be laced up as tightly or loosely as necessary to achieve a comfortable yet secure fit for "difficult" shoes or feet.	FEATURES: Customizable Many uses Messy look
	Knotted Segment Lacing A more attractive though less flexible variation of Segmented Lacing in which a knot makes the lower segment of shoelace permanently tighter or looser.	FEATURES: Customizable Many uses Harder to get off Shortens ends
	Hidden Knot Lacing By hiding the knot underneath, the result is an uninterrupted series of straight "bars" that looks particularly distinctive on dress shoes or sneakers alike.	FEATURES: Distinctive look Tricky to tie knot Slight discomfort Lengthens ends
	Bi-Colour Lacing Here's one way of lacing to end up with two different colours alternating up the shoe. Two shoelaces are cut and joined, then laced as per Straight (Bar) Lacing.	FEATURES: Decorative look Work required Slight discomfort Lengthens ends
	Double Lacing Another way of ending up with two colours is to interweave two laces up the shoe, ending up with four lace ends, which can then be tied creatively.	FEATURES: Decorative look Creative options Needs new laces
	Checkerboard Lacing This interwoven lacing forms an attractive two-colour checkerboard pattern that looks fantastic on today's wide fronted sneakers.	FEATURES: Most popular! Decorative look Slip-on or off Loose fit
	Loop Back Lacing Each side loops back on itself down the middle, rather like when two springs become intertwined. However, those loop-backs tend to shift off-centre.	FEATURES: Decorative look Laces wear more Centreline shifts Shortens ends
	Knotted Lacing Adding an overhand knot at each crossover increases friction and keeps the lacing much firmer. Ideal for tightening ice skates, rollerblades, etc.	FEATURES: Keeps lacing tight Assists tightening Harder to loosen Shortens ends
	Twistie Lacing Like a combination of Loop Back and Knotted Lacing, the laces are twisted together with a vertical overhand knot at each crossover before continuing to the other side.	FEATURES: Decorative look Keeps lacing tight Harder to loosen Shortens ends
	Roman Lacing Alternating X-I-X-I on top of the shoe, which looks a little like Roman numerals. It's most effective on dress shoes where the sides of the shoe meet in the middle.	FEATURES: Decorative look Suits dress shoes Harder to tighten Lengthens ends
	Hexagram Lacing - NEW! This purely decorative lacing forms a hexagram, or six pointed star. This geometric symbol has been used for centuries in various cultures and religions, most notably as the Jewish "Star of David".	FEATURES: Decorative look Loose fit Harder to tighten Lengthens ends
	Pentagram Lacing - NEW! This purely decorative lacing forms a pentagram, or five pointed star. Besides the "magical" associations, solid five pointed stars are found on many flags, most notably the fifty stars on the U.S. flag.	FEATURES: Decorative look Loose fit Harder to tighten Shortens ends
	Footbag Lacing Footbag players use this lacing to open up the front of their shoes, making it easier to catch or otherwise control the footbag (or "Hacky Sack").	FEATURES: Suits Footbag Less binding Distorts shoes Lengthens ends
	Lock Lacing Also referred to as "Lace Locks" or "Runner's Tie", this is not a lacing method as much as a technique for creating a super-tight finish. It's often recommended to help reduce slippage in running or climbing shoes.	FEATURES: Tightens firmly Reduces slippage Harder to loosen Shortens ends

For shoes with lugs instead of eyelets, see the Lug Lacing Methods

Still To Come...

Want MORE lacing methods? I always have a backlog of styles that need to be added. Each one needs to have a diagram drawn, a photo taken, a page created, a description written, links created from other parts of the site, a length formula developed for the Lacing Lengths page, plus code programmed in the Lacing Ratings, Shoelace Polls and Statistics pages. It's a lot of work, so please be patient!

Of course, if you're keen to be the first on your block with the freshest styles, check out Ian's book, Laces. It contains a bunch of lacing methods that haven't yet been added to the site, some of which are amazingly intricate. There's Asterisk, Corset, Double Sided, Lightning, Lug Bar, Star, Starburst, Supernova, Woven and Zig Zag. Plus, you'll be supporting Ian!

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