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Zipper Lacing
This method "locks" the laces at each eyelet pair. Great for lacing skates tightly because the lower sections hold while tightening. It also looks interesting, a bit like a giant zipper.
Zipper Lacing diagram
Zipper Lacing photo 1
Zipper Lacing photo 2
This picture of Zipper-Laced roller skates was sent to me by Phillip L.
Lacing Technique:
1. The lace is run straight across the bottom (grey section) and the ends emerge through both bottom eyelets.

2. The ends are looped under the laces where they feed under the sides of the shoe.

3. The ends are crossed over each other, then fed under the sides to emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

4. Repeat steps (2) and (3), alternating between looping under or crossing diagonally, until both ends reach the top eyelets.


Features:
Decorative look
Holds very firmly
Harder to tighten

Comparative Length = 106%
Laced area uses more (about +6%)
Longer laces needed (about +3%)
Shortens lace ends (about −5%)
More details


Zipper Lacing Theory:
One of the biggest difficulties in tightening shoes is that of keeping the lower sections tight while working on the upper sections. Zipper Lacing is a bit like tying a half-knot at each eyelet, which holds quite firmly. This makes it a great lacing for skates, boots, climbing shoes, or any footwear where very firm support is needed.

Recent Photos (sent by site visitors)
Black & multi-colored Vox sneakers with white trim and white Zipper Lacing - Click to enlarge White sneakers with black trim and white Zipper Lacing - Click to enlarge Red Converse hi-tops with white & black trim and white Zipper Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Converse hi-tops with white trim and white Zipper Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Skechers sneakers with magenta, silver & white trim and magenta & silver Zipper Lacing - Click to enlarge Plaid Converse low-tops with white trim and white Zipper Lacing - Click to enlarge
Hover over any photo for details, or click to enlarge in the Shoe Lacing Photos page.

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This page last updated: 01-Mar-2010. Copyright © 2005-2010 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
Related Links
Lug Zipper Lacing
Zipper Lacing
(for shoes with lugs)
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