Ian's Shoelace Site – Bow Tie Lacing (lug version)

A lug version of either Bow Tie, Army or Gap Lacing, so named because the outline resembles the shape of a bow-tie. This method makes the most efficient use of shoelace and thus is useful for “lengthening” short lace ends.

Diagram for 4 pairs of lugs

Pairs

4

3

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2020 by Ian Fieggen

Step

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Lacing Technique

• Begin straight across the bottom (grey section) and up through both bottom lugs.

• Cross the ends and feed up through the next higher set of lugs.

• Continue straight up through the next higher set of lugs, introducing a “gap”.

• Alternate crossing the ends or running straight up until lacing is completed.

Features

Comfort “zones”

Loose fit

19% longer ends (approx.)

Notes

• Alternate crossovers and gaps for the most efficient use of shoelace length while still retaining security.

• The “gaps” do not have to be positioned exactly as in these diagrams but can instead be strategically placed to coincide with tight areas of your shoes, thus giving those parts of your feet more “breathing room”.

Lug Bow Tie Lacing Gallery

Tan & black sneakers with brown & white trim and white Lug Bow Tie Lacing (from Daniel Q)

White New Balance running shoes with black trim and white Lug Bow Tie Lacing (from Yvan R)

Brown Ariat Terrains with black trim and brown combination of Army Lacing and Lug Bow Tie Lacing (from Matthew S)

Brown & tan shoes with black trim and navy blue & cyan Lug Bow Tie Lacing (from Chris H)

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More shoe lacing photos

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Shoelace Lengths for Lug Bow Tie Lacing

Pairs of lugs:	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Length needed:	74 cm 29 inch	77 cm 30 inch	89 cm 35 inch	93 cm 36 inch	105 cm 41 inch	108 cm 42 inch	120 cm 47 inch
Lengths available:	27"	27"	36"	36"	40"	40"	45"

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

Shorter shoelaces needed than those for basic Lug Criss Cross Lacing.

Longer ends if existing shoelaces are re-used (+19% on average).

More details.

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