Ian Fieggen Ian's Shoelace Site Ian's Shoelace Knot
Ian's Shoelace Site - Bringing you the fun, fashion & science of shoelaces
Footbag Lacing
Often referred to as "Hacky Sack 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"). 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
Footbag Lacing diagram 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 from 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.
Method 2
Footbag Lacing diagram 2
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.
Method 3
Footbag Lacing diagram 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.

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).
Method 4
Footbag Lacing diagram 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.

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.
Footbag Lacing picture 1
The front of the shoe is now a large, rimmed area for catching ("stalling") the footbag ("Hacky Sack")

Footbag Lacing picture 2
Footbag lacing on an Adidas Rod Laver, the preferred shoe for footbag freestyle. Picture courtesy of the World Footbag Association.

Footbag Lacing picture 3
This extended variation was done to loosen up a tight fit plus expose the tongue detail (from Mary Kate M.)
More Lacing Photos
FEATURES:
Great for Footbag Freestyle
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.

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

Previous Page Top of Page Next Page

This page last updated: 08-May-2008. Copyright © 2005-2008 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
Related Site Links
Footbag Worldwide logo Footbag Worldwide www.footbag.org
Sponsored Links
Click to visit Leather Store USA, proud sponsors of Ian's Shoelace Site
Luggage
We carry the biggest inventory of luggage sets. Find exclusive luggage at discounted prices and free shipping.
www.leatherstoreusa.com
Now Available
Laces (Ian's Book)
Laces (Ian's Book)

Now available on-line