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Footbag Lacing
Often referred to as "Hacky Sack Lacing"
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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"). This page shows four popular
variations of Footbag Lacing, the common element being long, straight segments along the outside that pull the
toe section outwards. |
Method 1
Faint sections are underneath |
Lacing Technique - Method 1:
1. The lace runs straight across and emerges from the third set of eyelets from the bottom (grey section).
2. Both ends run straight down and are fed into the second set of eyelets from the bottom.
3. Both ends again run straight down and emerge through the bottom set of eyelets.
4. Both ends now run straight up along the outside and are fed into the fourth set of eyelets (the first vacant
pair).
5. The ends are crossed over each other, then they go under and out through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.
6. Repeat step (5) until both ends reach the top.
Comparative Length = 88%
Laced area uses less (about −12%)
Shorter laces needed (about −6%)
Lengthens lace ends (about +14%)
More details |
Method 2
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Lacing Technique - Method 2:
This method is almost identical to Method 1 (above) except for -
At steps (2) and (3), the lace ends are run loosely around the edge of the shoe and are fed back under and out
through the next lower set of eyelets.
At step (4), the ends are then fed through the loops that were thus formed before continuing upwards and into the
fourth set of eyelets.
This results in a neater finished lacing because the long, straight segments don't stick out from the sides of the
shoe quite as much, being held alongside by the loops of lace. However, it's less effective at opening up the front
of the shoe.
Comparative Length = 94%
Laced area uses less (about −6%)
Shorter laces needed (about −4%)
Lengthens lace ends (about +8%)
More details |
Method 3
Faint sections are underneath |
Lacing Technique - Method 3:
The first three steps of this method are identical to Method 1 (above), after which -
4. Both ends now run straight up along the outside and are fed into the fifth set of eyelets (skip one vacant
pair).
5. The ends are crossed over each other, then they go under and out through the fourth set of eyelets (the next
lower pair).
6. The ends are run straight up and are fed into the sixth set of eyelets.
7. Complete the lacing as per Method 1 (above), continuing from step (5).
This method allows the front of the shoe to open wider than either Method 1 or 2 (above).
Comparative Length = 91%
Laced area uses less (about −9%)
Shorter laces needed (about −5%)
Lengthens lace ends (about +10%)
More details |
Method 4
Faint sections are underneath |
Lacing Technique - Method 4:
1. The lace runs straight across and emerges from the third set of eyelets from the bottom (grey section).
2. The ends run straight up and are fed into the next set of eyelets up the shoe.
3. The ends are crossed over each other, then they go under and out through the next set of eyelets up the shoe.
4. Both ends run straight down and are fed into the second set of eyelets from the bottom.
5. Both ends again run straight down and emerge from the bottom set of eyelets.
6. Both ends now run straight up along the outside and are fed into the sixth set of eyelets up the shoe.
7. Complete the lacing as per Method 1 (above), continuing from step (5).
This method is similar to Method 3 (above), just starting in a slightly different sequence, so it should allow the
front of the shoe to open up a similar amount.
Comparative Length = 102%
Laced area uses more (about +2%)
Longer laces needed (about +1%)
Shortens lace ends (about −2%)
More details |
The front of the shoe is now a large, rimmed area for catching ("stalling") the footbag ("Hacky Sack")
Footbag lacing on an Adidas Rod Laver, the preferred shoe for footbag freestyle. Picture courtesy of the
World Footbag Association.
This extended variation was done to loosen up a tight fit plus expose the tongue detail (from Mary Kate M.)
More Lacing Photos |
Features:
Suits Footbag
Less binding
Distorts shoes
Variations:
1. Instead of
Criss Cross Lacing on the upper sets of eyelets, use
Army Lacing, or any other method that doesn't have passes of lace across the top of the
shoe. With less restriction on the sides of the shoe, they are free to open up wider.
2. To open up the front of the shoe even further, start the lacing from the fourth set of eyelets from the
bottom and skip the third set of eyelets. You can even start from higher up, although this makes for a loose fit.
Note that this can also be helpful if you have shoes that are a little too tight, even for those who don't play
footbag (see photo at bottom left).
In short, there is no fixed technique. People use all sorts of methods to open up the front section, even going to
the extent of
modifying their shoes. You're welcome to use your own variations to create a method that balances function,
style and comfort to your individual taste. |
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This page last updated: 10-Jun-2009. Copyright © 2006-2009 by
Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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