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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".
Ladder Lacing diagram
Ladder Lacing picture 1
Ladder Lacing picture 2
This pic of black canvas sneakers with Ladder Lacing was sent to me by kociaczeqq.
Lacing Technique:
1. The lace is run straight across the bottom (grey section) and the ends emerge through both bottom eyelets.

2. The ends then run straight up on the outside and are fed into the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

3. The ends are crossed over and are fed under the vertical lace sections on the opposite sides of the shoe before continuing straight up and feeding into the next set of eyelets up the shoe.

4. At the top set of eyelets, the laces can once again cross over and pass under the straight section as shown. This not only looks consistent with the rest of the lacing but also forms a High Lace Lock, which tightens the lacing even more firmly.


Features:
Distinctive look
Stays very tight
Harder to tighten

Comparative Length = 127%
Laced area uses more (about +27%)
Longer laces needed (about +13%)
Shortens lace ends (about −25%)
More details


NOTE:
This lacing looks particularly effective on high boots with many eyelets, especially when contrasting laces are used.

Although this lacing is slightly harder to tighten, this can actually assist in getting the lacing really tight because the lower sections hold more firmly while progressing up the shoe. This makes it a great lacing to use on hiking boots, ice skates, etc.


Recent Photos (sent by site visitors)
Tan Danner combat boots with tan combination of Ladder Lacing and Lug Criss Cross Lacing - Click to enlarge Grey Converse low-tops with black & white trim and green Ladder Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Converse 20-eye boots with white trim and white combination of Spider Web Lacing and Ladder Lacing - Click to enlarge White Converse All-Stars with red & black trim and black & white combination of Half & Half Lacing and Over Under Lacing and Ladder Lacing - Click to enlarge Black 5.11 Tactical boots with black Ladder Lacing - Click to enlarge Silver Converse All-Stars with black & white trim and white Ladder Lacing - Click to enlarge
Hover over any photo for details, or click to enlarge in the Shoe Lacing Photos page.


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Related Links
Lug Ladder Lacing Lug Ladder Lacing
Same lacing method for shoes with lugs instead of eyelets.
Spider Web Lacing Spider Web Lacing
Similar technique with laces looping under vertical sections.

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This page last updated: 29-Jul-2010. Copyright © 2004-2010 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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