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. Also referred to as “Permanent Zoned Lacing”.

Diagram for 8 pairs of eyelets
Pairs
8
7
6
5
4
Step
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

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Lacing Technique

• Begin with a shoelace that's slightly longer than the original lace.

• Use standard Criss Cross Lacing to about the middle of the shoe.

• Tighten this “lower” segment as tightly or loosely as you prefer. For example, tighten more if you have narrow feet, less if you have wide feet.

• To permanently set the tightness, tie a Reef Knot at this point, ie:

- Left end over Right end & through;
- Right end over Left end & through.

• Continue the “Criss Cross lacing” to the top of the shoe. This “upper” segment is then the only part that is tightened and loosened, with the tension set independently of the “lower” segment.

Features

Customizable

Many uses

Harder to get off

5% shorter ends (approx.)

Notes

• This page shows Criss Cross Lacing, knotted near the middle. You may instead use a different lacing method and/or a different knot position.

• The Reef Knots that separate the upper and lower segments can be replaced with different knots as preferred. See the 5th and 6th photos in the gallery below, both of which use different knots that are easier to adjust plus look more interesting.

Shoelace Lengths for Knotted Segment Lacing

Pairs of eyelets: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Length needed: 73 cm
29 inch		 84 cm
33 inch		 94 cm
37 inch		 105 cm
41 inch		 115 cm
45 inch		 126 cm
49 inch		 136 cm
54 inch
Lengths available: 27" 36" 36" 40" 45" 45" 54"

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

Comparative Length

Longer shoelaces needed than those for basic Criss Cross Lacing.

Shorter ends if existing shoelaces are re-used (−5% on average).

More details.

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