As I stated in my page Whatz Up I scour the web in search of the best information that will intrigue the not so impressionable person. Well today I found a site that will teach you how to lace your shoes, boots or sneakers in fancy eclectic ways. You’ll find fun, fashion & science in this quirky site about shoelaces. Whether you want to learn to lace shoes, tie shoelaces, stop shoelaces from coming undone, calculate shoelace lengths or even repair aglets, Ian’s Shoelace Site has the answer!
As Bikers and motorcyclists we wear different types of shoes like, sneakers, boots and other styles when we’re not on our motorcyclesmotor. This site was interesting to me because it gave me several creative ways to lace my motorcycle boots and shoes. So I wanted to share it with all of you.
Sneaker Freaker introduced me to Ian and my shoelaces will never be laced the same; ever again. I don’t know if you knew that there are 33 different ways to lace up your shoes. I will give you the list and dare you to attempt the styles and then enjoy the artistic creations you’ve made. Ok…so here we go!
33 Different Ways To Lace Shoes
These diagrams are all drawn as though looking from the front of the shoe, such that the lower part of the lacing (near the toes) is at the bottom of the diagram, and are colour-coded to make it easier to follow where the lace runs. Generally, the start of the lacing is Grey, while the lace end that starts on the left side is Blue and the end that starts on the right side is Yellow. For colour-blind visitors, Blue=Dark=Left, Yellow=Light=Right.
Criss Cross Lacing
This is probably the most common method of lacing normal shoes & boots. The laces simply criss-cross as they work their way up the shoe.
FEATURES:
Traditional look
Simple to lace
Comfortable
Corrugates shoe
Over Under Lacing
This method reduces friction, making the lacing easier to tighten and loosen plus reducing wear and tear. The laces alternate between crossing Over and Under.
FEATURES:
Ian’s favourite!
Decorative look
Faster & easier
Less wear & tear
Straight (European) Lacing
This traditional method of Straight Lacing appears to be more common in Europe. The laces run straight across on the outside and diagonally on the inside.
FEATURES:
Neat on top
Messy underneath
Shortens ends
Straight (Bar) Lacing
Often referred to as “Fashion Lacing” or “Lydiard Lacing”, this variation of Straight Lacing eliminates the underlying diagonals, which looks neater plus relieves pressure on the top ridge of the foot.
FEATURES:
Comfortable
Even = Neat look
Odd = Messy look
Lengthens ends
Straight (Easy) Lacing
This is a simplified variation of Straight (Bar) Lacing where one end runs straight from bottom to top whilst the other end steps through the eyelets.
FEATURES:
Even = Neat look
Odd = Messy look
End lengths shift
Lengthens ends
Hiking / Biking Lacing
Hiking / Biking LacingAn inside-out version of Straight (Bar) Lacing, which distributes pressure evenly plus keeps the knots & ends to the side, away from either snagging undergrowth or from bicycle chains & cranks.
FEATURES:
Evens out pressure
Reduces snagging
Messy look
Lengthens ends
Sawtooth Lacing
This method has all of the underlying sections pulling at a steep angle, which shifts the alignment of the sides and may correct an otherwise ill-fitting shoe.
FEATURES:
Easier to tighten
Mis-aligns sides
Modifies fit
Lengthens ends
Shoe Shop Lacing
Often seen in shoe shops because many shoes come pre-laced this way from the factory. One end runs from bottom to top while the other end zig-zags through the eyelets.
FEATURES:
Easy to lace
End lengths shift
Shortens ends
Display Shoe Lacing
Shoe stores and photographers often use this inside-out version of Criss Cross Lacing on their display shoes in order to finish with the ends neatly hidden inside the shoe.
FEATURES:
Tidy look
Easier to loosen
Harder to tighten
Ladder Lacing
This distinctive lacing is worn on military boots by paratroopers and ceremonial guard units. The laces weave horizontally and vertically, forming a secure “ladder”.
FEATURES:
Distinctive look
Stays very tight
Harder to tighten
Shortens ends
Spider Web Lacing
Like an angled version of Ladder Lacing, this decorative method is also worn on military boots. The laces weave vertically and diagonally, forming an intricate “web”.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Firm & tight
Harder to tighten
Shortens ends
Double Back Lacing
This method looks interesting plus holds very firmly, but is terribly awkward to tighten. The lacing first runs down the shoe, then doubles back up the shoe.
FEATURES:
Stays very tight
Terribly awkward
Shortens ends
Bow Tie Lacing diagram
This method “lengthens” ends because it consumes the least amount of shoelace. The laces cross over on the outside and run vertically on the inside, forming a “bow-tie” outline.
FEATURES:
Minimal look
Comfort “zones”
Loose fit
Lengthens ends
Army Lacing
This inside-out version of Bow Tie Lacing is used on combat boots by various armies. With the crossovers on the insides, the sides of the boots can flex more easily.
FEATURES:
Allows more flex
Loose fit
Harder to tighten
Lengthens ends
Train Track Lacing
Like Army Lacing with the inside segments running straight across, the result looks like train tracks, and holds very tight because of the doubled laces through eyelets.
FEATURES:
Neat look
Holds very tight
Harder to tighten
Shortens ends
Double Helix Lacing
This patented method has the laces angled one way on the outside and the other way on the inside. The resulting double helix reduces friction and allows faster, easier lacing.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Fast & easy
Less wear & tear
Double Cross Lacing
This lacing is created by running three steps forward (on the inside), one step back (on the outside). The result is short, wide crosses overlapping tall, narrow crosses.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Harder to tighten
Shortens ends
Can lengthen ends
Hash Lacing
Like Double Cross Lacing, this method is also created by running three steps forward, one step back. The result resembles a diagonal series of hash “#” symbols.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Harder to tighten
Lengthens ends
Lattice Lacing
This very popular method forms a decorative lattice in the middle of the lacing. The laces are crossed at a steep angle, allowing them to be woven through each other.
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FEATURES:
Very popular!
Decorative look
Harder to tighten
Shortens ends
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.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Holds very firmly
Harder to tighten
Shortens ends
Riding Boot Lacing
Often referred to as “Bal-Lacing”, this method is for riding boots (motorbike or equestrian) that are joined at the top and that loosen near the ankle. The laces zig-zag from both ends and are tied in the middle.
FEATURES:
Neat look
Unusual layout
Special purpose
Shortens ends
One Handed Lacing
As an alternative to the One Handed Shoelace Knot, this way of lacing eliminates the need to even tie a knot by leaving one end loose.
FEATURES:
Disabled use
Surprisingly easy
Loose fit
Lengthens end
Segmented Lacing
This variation 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.
FEATURES:
Customizable
Many uses
Messy look
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.
FEATURES:
Customizable
Many uses
Harder to get off
Shortens ends
Hidden Knot Lacing
By hiding the knot underneath, the result is an uninterrupted series of straight “bars” that looks particularly distinctive on dress shoes or sneakers alike.
FEATURES:
Distinctive look
Tricky to tie knot
Slight discomfort
Lengthens ends
Loop Back Lacing
Each side loops back on itself down the middle, rather like when two springs become intertwined. However, those loop-backs tend to shift off-centre.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Laces wear more
Centreline shifts
Shortens ends
Knotted Lacing
Adding an overhand knot at each crossover increases friction and keeps the lacing much firmer. Ideal for tightening ice skates, rollerblades, etc.
FEATURES:
Keeps lacing tight
Assists tightening
Harder to loosen
Shortens ends
Twistie Lacing
Like a combination of Loop Back and Knotted Lacing, the laces are twisted together with a vertical overhand knot at each crossover before continuing to the other side.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Keeps lacing tight
Harder to loosen
Shortens ends
Roman Lacing
Alternating X-I-X-I on top of the shoe, which looks a little like Roman numerals. It’s most effective on dress shoes where the sides of the shoe meet in the middle.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Suits dress shoes
Harder to tighten
Lengthens ends
Hexagram Lacing – NEW!
This purely decorative lacing forms a hexagram, or six pointed star. This geometric symbol has been used for centuries in various cultures and religions, most notably as the Jewish “Star of David”.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Loose fit
Harder to tighten
Lengthens ends
Pentagram Lacing – NEW!
This purely decorative lacing forms a pentagram, or five pointed star. Besides the “magical” associations, solid five pointed stars are found on many flags, most notably the fifty stars on the U.S. flag.
FEATURES:
Decorative look
Loose fit
Harder to tighten
Shortens ends
Footbag Lacing
Footbag players use this lacing to open up the front of their shoes, making it easier to catch or otherwise control the footbag (or “Hacky Sack”).
FEATURES:
Suits Footbag
Less binding
Distorts shoes
Lengthens ends
Lock Lacing
Also referred to as “Lace Locks” or “Runner’s Tie”, this is not a lacing method as much as a technique for creating a super-tight finish. It’s often recommended to help reduce slippage in running or climbing shoes.
FEATURES:
Tightens firmly
Reduces slippage
Harder to loosen
Shortens ends
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