Double Helix Lacing

The first lacing style [I tried] was the double helix lacing. Because I liked that it was very practical to use and easy to tighten. Lacing it was a bit difficult. I dropped it later. Because it wasn't good for the shoes.

– Lasse, Germany, Jul-2026

I like to use the Double Helix lacing with bi-colour laces for a barber pole spiral effect. I flip the pattern for the opposite shoe.

– John R., New Brunswick, Canada, Jun-2024

It should have lower friction since each crossing has one lace outside and one lace inside so no direct rubbing.

– Joe D., Washington, USA, Nov-2023

I want to thank you for your site, it is very entertaining and has helped me choose a lacing method for every pair of shoes for years now. Through your site I have discovered Double Helix lacing, which I now use for my everyday shoes.

– Dylan H., Texas USA, Mar-2021

As a medical student, it makes very much sense: it is like suturing a wound by using one thread from both ends (with two needles). On the right the needle goes into the skin, and on the left side it always peaks out.

Then just change hands and do the mirror image for the wound on the right side (right shoe) of the patient.

– Arto K., Jun-2020

One tip/observation that may be of interest: I tried the double helix method yesterday and found that it created more room over the instep. I was wearing a pair of balmorals the felt tight around the tongue and, bingo, must looser. You may want to add that as a benefit of the method for those with a high instep.

– Bob S., Dec-2014

I've been using double helix lacing on a pair of 8-eyelet-pair boots daily for a year or so now, and one thing I've noticed is that the laces keep getting twisted, to the point where they even get stuck tightening them. About once a week I find I have to untwist the laces by rotating them to keep them tightening smoothly. I've tried to pay attention, but there doesn't seem to be anything I'm doing to cause this. Have you heard of this problem before? It perhaps seems worth mentioning as a con for this lacing method.

– Dylan S., Jul-2011

In my lifetime, I've laced my shoes several different ways, but I'd always assumed one's preference was based on aesthetics and shoelace length. Now I know that the lacing method also affects the life span of my shoes, my laces, and probably my feet! From now on, I'm only going with Over Under and Double Helix.

– Lynette N., Massachusetts USA, Jan-2011

I was also very surprised to see that the “double helix” pattern is patented! It's a common pattern, and I was interested (fascinated?) to see the patent information; thanks for linking to his site, it was a good read.

– John B., California USA, Oct-2009

I chose the Double Helix Lacing method for lacing all my shoes (I used to use the “Shoe Shop” method because it was easy and looked good, I find Double Helix more stylish, easier to tighten & loosen and far more comfortable on the foot).

– Mark F., Israel, Aug-2007

If you'd like more info on how I came up with spiralacing, I'd of course be happy to provide (it involves caving...). I'm curious if there are other methods that focus on utility, overcoming problems with the usual methods – I figured out my method because I was annoyed with the difficulty of tightening and loosening laces on army boots that were wet and muddy (from ... caving).

– Monte Fisher, USA, Mar-2007

I've switched to double helix lacing, which lets me have a nice symmetry and I don't have to worry about criss-crossing, and using your “Ian's knot.” It's great not only because of how fast it is, but it lets me not worry about checking to ensure that the loops are equal.

– Denise J., Dec-2006

I also particularly like the double-helix lacing method. I'll use left and right helixes on my left and right feet. A purist would also use different-handed knots on the two shoes, but I'm not sure my motor memory would be able to handle that in the early morning.

– Richard J., Clifornia USA, Oct-2004