Ian's Shoelace Site – Footbag 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”). Often referred to as “Hacky Sack Lacing”.

Eight pairs of eyelets, variation 1

Pairs

8

7

6

5

Flip

⇄

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2023 by Ian Fieggen

Step

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Lacing Technique – Variation 1 – Basic

• Begin straight across on the inside (grey section) and out through the third set of eyelets from the bottom.

• Both ends run straight down on the outside and in through the next lower eyelets.

• Both ends run straight down on the inside and out through the bottom eyelets.

• Both ends run straight up on the outside and in through the fourth set of eyelets.

• Cross the ends, feeding under the sides and out through the next higher set of eyelets. Repeat until lacing is completed.

Variations

• Variation 1 has two long verticals at the bottom. When pulled very tight, these will open up the “toe box” (the front of the shoe).

• Variation 2 has one long vertical “corkscrewed” around the shorter vertical, which looks neater but is less effective at opening up the toe box.

• Variation 3 has longer verticals, which allows the toe bow to open wider than either Variation 1 or 2.

• Variation 4 has three overlapping verticals, so it should be the most effective at opening up the toe box.

Features

Suits Footbag

Less binding

Distorts shoes

“Lengthens” ends

Notes

• 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. The front of the shoe becomes a large, rimmed area for catching (“stalling”) the footbag (“Hacky Sack”).

• Instead of Criss Cross Lacing on the upper sets of eyelets, use Army Lacing, or any other method that doesn't have passes of shoelace across the top of the shoe. With less restriction on the sides of the shoe, they are free to open up wider.

• To open up the front of the shoe even further, start the lacing from the fourth set of eyelets from the bottom and skip one set of eyelets on the way down. 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.

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.

Footbag Lacing Gallery

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Shoelace Lengths for Footbag Lacing

Variation 1 – Basic
Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Lengthens” ends by
8 pairs	118 cm	47 in	+7.7 cm	+3.0 in
7 pairs	107 cm	42 in	+7.7 cm	+3.0 in
6 pairs	97 cm	38 in	+7.7 cm	+3.0 in
5 pairs	86 cm	34 in	+7.7 cm	+3.0 in
4 pairs	76 cm	30 in	+7.7 cm	+3.0 in
3, 2 pairs = (N/A)

Variation 2 – Corkscrew
Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Lengthens” ends by
8 pairs	121 cm	48 in	+6.1 cm	+2.4 in
7 pairs	111 cm	44 in	+6.1 cm	+2.4 in
6 pairs	100 cm	39 in	+6.1 cm	+2.4 in
5 pairs	90 cm	35 in	+6.1 cm	+2.4 in
4 pairs	79 cm	31 in	+6.1 cm	+2.4 in
3, 2 pairs = (N/A)

Variation 3 – Extended
Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Lengthens” ends by
8 pairs	117 cm	46 in	+8.2 cm	+3.2 in
7 pairs	107 cm	42 in	+8.2 cm	+3.2 in
6 pairs	96 cm	38 in	+8.2 cm	+3.2 in
5, 4, 3, 2 pairs = (N/A)

Variation 4 – Double Extended
Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Lengthens” ends by
8 pairs	123 cm	49 in	+5.0 cm	+2.0 in
7 pairs	113 cm	45 in	+5.0 cm	+2.0 in
6 pairs	102 cm	40 in	+5.0 cm	+2.0 in
5, 4, 3, 2 pairs = (N/A)

NOTE: These are approximate shoelace lengths for using this lacing on an average sized sneaker. For more accurate lengths, use the Shoelace Length Calculator.

Comparative Length

• Shorter shoelaces needed than those for basic Criss Cross Lacing.

• If the original shoelaces are re-used, this method effectively lengthens the ends.

More details about length comparisons.

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