Ian's Shoelace Site - Segmented Lacing

Ian's Shoelace Site - Bringing you the fun, fashion & science of shoelaces

Also referred to as "Zoned Lacing", this method 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.

Diagram for 8 pairs of eyelets

Pairs

Step

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Lacing Technique:

• Begin with two shoelaces, each about half the length of the original shoelaces.

• Begin straight across on the inside (grey section) and out through the bottom eyelets.

• At each eyelet pair, cross the ends, feeding under the sides and out through the next higher set of eyelets. Repeat until about the middle of the shoe.

• Starting from the next higher set of eyelets, the second lace is similarly laced to the top of the shoe.

• Each "segment" is then tightened to suit your preference and knotted.

Features:

Customizable

Many uses

Messy look

52% longer ends (each shoelace)

Variations:
1. Instead of "Criss Cross Lacing" as shown on this page, other lacing methods can be used.

2. Instead of dividing the segments equally, the segments may be different sizes.

3. Instead of the two segments shown on this page, three or more segments can be used.

4. Instead of identical shoelaces, different colors can be used for each segment, creating a multi-color lacing (as seen below).

Puma Abbey Stripes with pale blue and aqua Segmented Lacing

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Comparative Length (each segment):

Shorter shoelaces needed for each segment than those supplied with the shoes.

Longer ends on each segment if existing shoelaces are re-used (+52% on average).

More details.

• These are approximate shoelace lengths for using this lacing on an average sized sneaker.
• For more accurate lengths, use the Shoelace Length Calculator.

Also for iPhone

Ian's Laces App