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Train Track Lacing
Like Army Lacing with the inside segments running straight across, the result looks like train tracks, and holds very tight because of the doubled laces through eyelets.
Train Track Lacing diagram
Train Track Lacing picture 1
Train Track Lacing picture 2
Note how this lacing allows the sides of these Converse sneakers to sit up straight. Picture sent to me by Ali.
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 run alongside each other on the inside and emerge through the same set of eyelets on the other side. This will be a tight squeeze because it will be the second pass of shoelace through those eyelets.

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


Features:
Neat look
Holds very tight
Harder to tighten

Comparative Length = 112%
Laced area uses more (about +12%)
Longer laces needed (about +6%)
Shortens lace ends (about −11%)
More details


NOTE:
This lacing works best with thinner or flat laces because most of the eyelets have to accommodate two passes of shoelace.
Variations:
Used inside-out, the result is quite a different lacing, both visually and functionally. The sides of the shoe are held in by the "sleepers" of the train tracks (ie. the horizontal crossovers), which secure those sides much more firmly and resist flexing. The "sleepers" are also raised off the upper ridge of the foot, which both increases comfort and makes it easier to get fingers underneath to pull the lacing tight.


Recent Photos (sent by site visitors)
White DVS Shoe Company sneakers with black trim and black & white combination of Train Track Lacing and Checkerboard Lacing - Click to enlarge White DVS Shoe Company sneakers with black trim and black & white combination of Train Track Lacing and Checkerboard Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Bates boots with black combination of Lug Criss Cross Lacing and Train Track Lacing - Click to enlarge Black Converse hi-tops with white trim and white combination of Train Track Lacing and Ladder Lacing - Click to enlarge Purple Converse John Varvaros with black & white trim and purple Train Track Lacing - Click to enlarge Purple Converse John Varvaros with black & white trim and purple Train Track 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
Army Lacing Army Lacing
Similar method with the underlying laces running at an angle instead of straight across.
Ladder Lacing Ladder Lacing
Similar looking method with the laces looped under the vertical sections.

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This page last updated: 26-Jan-2012. Copyright © 2008-2012 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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