8

8

8

7

6

5

4

4

3

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

NOTE: The following instructions are only for eight pairs of eyelets, variation 1. Other variations need a different sequence of these instructions.

• Begin straight across on the outside (grey section) and in through the bottom eyelets.

• Run both ends straight up on the inside and out through the next higher set of eyelets.

• Cross the ends on the outside and feed in through the next higher set of eyelets.

• The left (yellow) end runs straight up on the inside and out through the next higher eyelet, then straight across on the outside and in through the opposite eyelet.

• Both ends run straight up on the inside, each skipping one eyelet and emerging two eyelets higher up.

• Cross the ends on the outside and feed in through the eyelets on the other side.

• Both ends run straight up on the inside, each skipping one eyelet and emerging two eyelets higher up.

• The lower (yellow) end runs straight across on the outside and in through the opposite eyelet, then straight up on the inside and out through the top eyelet.

1 Ends tied across the top on the outside.

2 Ends tied across the top on the inside.

3 Ends tied with a hidden knot between the top and second from top eyelets.

The lacing technique depends on the number of eyelets in the shoe. This is because an "X" and an "I" form an odd number of passes across the sides of the shoe, whereas an even number of passes is needed for the lace ends to meet and to be tied together.

Some of the variations can be flipped vertically to vary between a knot across the top or a hidden knot at the side, which looks distinctive but is quite tricky to tie and can feel uncomfortable.

These techniques can be extended to suit any number of eyelet pairs by adding another "XIXI" or "IXIX" to the start of the lacing. For example, adding "XIXI" to the technique for 3 eyelet pairs will give the technique for 9 eyelet pairs.