31 Different Ways To Lace Shoes

Criss Cross LacingThis is probably the most common method of lacing normal shoes and boots. The laces simply criss-cross as they work their way up the shoe.
FEATURES:TraditionalSimple to laceComfortableCorrugates shoe

Over Under LacingA variation of Criss Cross Lacing that alternates between running over and then under. It's my own preferred method for most of my shoes & runners.
FEATURES:Ian's favourite!DecorativeFaster & easierLess wear & tear

Straight (European) LacingThis traditional method of Straight Lacing appears to be more common in Europe. The laces run straight across pairs of eyelets and diagonally underneath.
FEATURES:Shortens endsNeat on topMessy underneath

Straight (Fashion) LacingOften referred to as "Bar 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:Neatest lookingSlightly difficultOnly for even pairs of eyelets (eg. 6, 8)

Straight (Lazy) LacingThis is a "lazy" variation of Straight (Fashion) Lacing where one end runs straight from bottom to top whilst the other end steps through the eyelets.
FEATURES:Neatest lookingEnd lengths shiftOnly for even pairs of eyelets (eg. 6, 8)

Bushwalk / Cycling LacingAn inside-out version of Straight (Fashion) 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 pressureReduces snaggingLooks messy

Sawtooth LacingThis variation of Straight Lacing has all of the angled underlying sections pulling the same way, which shifts the sides of the shoe out of alignment. Of dubious merit, perhaps only to correct an otherwise ill-fitting shoe.
FEATURES:Easier to tightenMis-aligns sidesModifies fit

Shoe Shop LacingCommonly used by shoe shop assistants because it's so fast to lace new shoes, this method is another "lazy" variation of traditional Straight Lacing.
FEATURES:Lazy way of lacingShortens endsEnd lengths shift

Display Shoe LacingShoe stores often use this reversed version of Criss Cross Lacing on their display shoes in order to end up with the lace ends neatly tucked away inside.
FEATURES:Neat display shoeEasier to loosenHarder to tighten

Ladder LacingThis distinctive lacing, which looks just like a ladder, is also useful for "shortening" long lace ends. U.S. paratroopers and ceremonial guard units wear jump boots with white ladder lacing.
FEATURES:Neat & distinctiveShortens moreHarder to tighten

Double Back LacingAlthough terribly awkward to tighten, this method looks interesting, holds very firmly, and can also be used if you're desperate to shorten long lace ends.
FEATURES:Shortens moreStays very tightTerribly awkward

Bow Tie LacingSo named because the outline resembles the shape of a bow-tie, this method makes the most efficient use of lace and thus is useful for "lengthening" short lace ends.
FEATURES:Lengthens endsComfort "zones"Loose fit

Double Helix LacingThis method was invented and patented by Monte Fisher for faster lacing of boots. See Monte's own beautifully animated web site: http://www.lukefisher.com/lacing
FEATURES:DecorativeFast & easyLess wear & tear

Double Cross LacingThis blend of Over Under Lacing and Hash Lacing creates overlapping "crosses", which can also be woven into the most intricate "macrame".
FEATURES:DecorativeHarder to tightenIf woven, very tricky to tighten

Hash LacingWhen used on modern boots and runners with a wide gap and many eyelets, the result resembles a diagonal series of hash "#" symbols.
FEATURES:DecorativeShortens endsHarder to tighten

Lattice LacingGreat for boots and runners with a wide gap, this very popular method forms a neat woven lattice in the middle of the lacing.
FEATURES:Very popular!Very decorativeShortens moreHarder to tighten

Zipper LacingThough awkward to tighten, this lacing holds very firmly, making it great for lacing skates tightly. It also looks interesting, a bit like a giant zipper.
FEATURES:DecorativeHolds very firmlyHarder to tighten

Riding Boot LacingOften referred to as "Bal-Lacing", this method is specifically for riding boots (motorbike or equestrian) in which the part that is tightened and loosened is at the middle of the boot (near the ankle). The laces zig-zag from both ends and fasten in the middle.
FEATURES:Unusual layoutNeat appearanceSpecific use only

One Handed LacingAs 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:Handicapped useSurprisingly easyLoose fit

Segmented LacingThis 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:CustomisableMany usesLooks messy

Knotted Segment LacingA more attractive though less flexible variation of Segmented Lacing in which a knot makes the lower segment of shoelace permanently tighter or looser.
FEATURES:CustomisableMany usesHarder to get foot into shoe

Hidden Knot LacingBy hiding the knot underneath, the result is an uninterrupted series of straight "bars" that looks particularly distinctive on dress shoes or basketball shoes alike.
FEATURES:Very distinctiveTricky to tie knotSlight discomfort

Bi-Colour LacingBy popular request, here's a way of lacing to end up with two different colour laces alternating up the shoe, exactly like my bi-colour illustrations.
FEATURES:Very decorativeWork requiredSlight discomfort

Double LacingAnother way of ending up with two colours is to use two laces. These are interwoven up the shoe, ending up with four lace ends that can then be tied creatively.
FEATURES:Very decorativeCreative optionsNeeds new laces

Checkerboard LacingThis interwoven lacing forms an attractive 2-colour checkerboard pattern that looks fantastic on today's wide fronted runners.
FEATURES:Most popular!Very decorativeSlip-on or off(no knot required)Loose fit

Loop Back LacingEach 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:DecorativeLaces wear moreCentreline shifts

Knotted LacingAdding an overhand knot at each crossover increases friction and keeps the lacing much firmer. Ideal for tightening ice skates, rollerblades, etc.
FEATURES:Keeps lacing tightAssists tighteningHarder to loosen

Twistie LacingLike 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:DecorativeKeeps lacing tightHarder to loosen

Roman LacingAlternating 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:DecorativeGreat on dress shoesHarder to tighten

Footbag LacingFootbag 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:Great for Footbag FreestyleLess bindingDistorts shoes

Lock LacingOften referred to as "Lace Locks", this is not a lacing method as much as a technique for creating a super-tight finish. It's often recommended for lacing running shoes to help prevent heel slippage.
FEATURES:Tightens firmlyReduces slippageHarder to loosen