Ian's Shoelace Site - Lug Lacing Methods

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Lug Lacing Methods

Many shoes and sneakers come with lugs instead of eyelets. These are usually flat loops made of cloth or leather, though they can also be rings or hooks made of metal or nylon. The shoelaces run through these lugs along the surface of the shoe rather than between the inside and outside of the shoe, resulting in somewhat different lacing.

This section presents a number of variations of regular Lacing Methods that are suitable for shoes with lugs instead of eyelets, as well as some lacing methods specifically for lugs.

17 Ways To Lace Shoes With Lugs
My 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.
	Lug Criss Cross Lacing A lug version of Criss Cross Lacing. This is the intended method of lacing shoes and boots that come with lugs instead of eyelets. The laces simply criss-cross as they work their way up the shoe.	FEATURES: Traditional Simple to lace Comfortable Uninteresting
	Lug Infinity ∞ Lacing Specifically for shoes with lugs, this lacing resembles a series of infinity "∞" symbols. It works best with thinner shoelaces because each lug needs to occupy two passes of lace.	FEATURES: Decorative Harder to tighten May need thinner laces
	Lug Hiking / Biking Lacing A lug version of Hiking / Biking Lacing, which keeps the knots & ends to the side, away from either snagging undergrowth or from bicycle chains & cranks.	FEATURES: Reduces snagging Less snug at top Looks messy
	Lug Shoe Shop Lacing A lug version of Shoe Shop Lacing. Whilst this does look interesting, it shifts the sides of the shoe out of alignment, though this may be useful to correct an otherwise ill-fitting shoe.	FEATURES: Unusual look Mis-aligns sides Modifies fit
	Lug Ladder Lacing A lug version of Ladder Lacing. It also looks very similar to Lug Infinity ∞ Lacing, and is useful when the lugs are too narrow to fit two passes of shoelace.	FEATURES: Decorative Stays very tight Harder to tighten
	Lug Spider Web Lacing *- NEW!* A lug version of Spider Web Lacing. Another decorative lacing method used on military boots, which is like Lug Ladder Lacing running at an angle, creating a woven web of shoelace.	FEATURES: Decorative Shortens more Firm & tight Harder to tighten
	Lug Double Back Lacing A lug version of 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: Shortens more Stays very tight Terribly awkward
	Lug Bow Tie Lacing A lug version of 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: Lengthens ends Comfort "zones" Loose fit
	Lug Hash Lacing A lug version of Hash Lacing. When used on modern boots and sneakers with a wide gap between the sides, the result resembles a diagonal series of hash "#" symbols.	FEATURES: Decorative Shortens ends Harder to tighten
	Lug Lattice Lacing A lug version of 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! Very decorative Shortens more Harder to tighten
	Lug Zipper Lacing A lug version of 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 Holds very firmly Harder to tighten
	Lug Segmented Lacing A lug version of 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: Customisable Many uses Looks messy
	Lug Knotted Segment Lacing A lug version of 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: Customisable Many uses Harder to get foot into shoe
	Lug Double Lacing A lug version of Double Lacing. Another way of ending up with two colours is to use two laces. These are interwoven up the shoe, ending up with four lace ends that can then be tied creatively.	FEATURES: Very decorative Creative options Needs new laces
	Lug Loop Back Lacing A lug version of 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 Laces wear more Centreline shifts
	Lug Knotted Lacing A lug version of 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
	Lug Twistie Lacing A lug version of 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 Keeps lacing tight Harder to loosen

For shoes with eyelets instead of lugs, see the regular Lacing Methods. This section contains fewer methods because some are either impractical with lugs or are no longer unique. For example, Criss Cross, Over Under, Display Shoe and Double Helix Lacing are all equivalent to Lug Criss Cross Lacing.

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