Ian Fieggen Ian's Shoelace Site Ian's Shoelace Knot
Ian's Shoelace Site - Bringing you the fun, fashion & science of shoelaces
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.
Army Lacing diagram
Army Lacing picture 1
Army Lacing picture 2
This picture of Army Lacing on some well-worn combat boots was sent to me by Tarvos T.
More Lacing Photos
Lacing Technique:
1. The lace is run straight across the bottom (grey section) and the ends emerge through both bottom eyelets.

2. Both ends are run straight up on the outside and are fed in through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

3. The ends are crossed over on the inside and emerge through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

4. Repeat steps (2) and (3), alternating between running straight up on the outside or crossing over on the inside, until both ends reach the top eyelets.


Features:
Allows more flex
Loose fit
Harder to tighten

Comparative Length = 70%
Laced area uses less (about −30%)
Shorter laces needed (about −14%)
Lengthens lace ends (about +27%)
More details


Army Lacing Theory:
Combat boots are notorious for being made of thick, sturdy leather that does not flex very easily, making them firm and uncomfortable for any manoeuvering.

This lacing eliminates any crossovers that would hold down the sides of the boot, allowing the leather to crease more freely. These corrugations can be clearly seen in the photo at bottom-left, particularly near the ankle area.

On the other hand, if you would prefer to have a more rigid lacing, such as for parachuting, marching, or for preventing ankle injuries in rough or slippery terrain, Ladder Lacing would be a better choice.

I've been told that this lacing is used by the British, Dutch, French and Brazilian armies.

Rate This Lacing Method
5 stars (excellent) StarStarStarStarStar
Click button to submit rating & view results.
Or, Click Here to view results without rating this lacing method.
4 stars (good) StarStarStarStar
3 stars (average) StarStarStar
2 stars (bad) StarStar
1 star (awful) Star

Please only vote once - multiple votes are removed daily

Sponsor's ADs


This page last updated: 09-Jun-2009. Copyright © 2007-2009 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
Related Links
Bow Tie Lacing
Bow Tie Lacing
(inside-out)
Ladder Lacing
Ladder Lacing
(for firmer support)
Ian's Book
Click for more details of Ian's Book, 'Laces'
Ian's Book, "Laces"
Limited numbers of remaining signed copies available directly from Ian.
More details
Sponsored Links
Click to buy Mr. Lacy shoelaces
Shoelaces
Quality shoelaces in various styles and a huge range of fashion colors.
mr-lacy.com