Ian's Shoelace Site – Knotted Lacing

Adding a half knot at each crossover increases friction and holds the lacing much firmer, such as when firmly tightening skates.

Diagram for 8 pairs of eyelets

Pairs

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2020 by Ian Fieggen

Step

To activate controls, please enable JavaScript

Lacing Technique

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

• At each eyelet pair, the ends are tied with a simple half knot in the middle of the shoe.

• The ends are then fed under the sides and out through the next higher set of eyelets.

• Repeat until lacing is completed.

Features

Keeps lacing tight

Assists tightening

Harder to loosen

3% shorter ends (approx.)

Notes

With each stage of this lacing given a single half knot, the result is a very firm lacing. This is of most benefit during tightening, as the lower sections are less inclined to loosen in the process, making it ideal for tightening ice skates, rollerblades, etc.

Knotted Lacing Gallery

Hover over any image to view details

For enlargements, please enable JavaScript

More photos of Knotted Lacing

Contribute a photo (via e-mail)

Shoelace Lengths for Knotted Lacing

Pairs of eyelets:	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Length needed:	71 cm 28 inch	82 cm 32 inch	92 cm 36 inch	103 cm 41 inch	114 cm 45 inch	125 cm 49 inch	136 cm 53 inch
Lengths available:	27"	36"	36"	40"	45"	45"	54"

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

Longer shoelaces needed than those for basic Criss Cross Lacing.

Shorter ends if existing shoelaces are re-used (−3% on average).

More details.

Visitor Feedback

I've been experimenting with lacing my hockey skates the past two months. I've tried several different things, and this is the setup that is working best for me. Feel free to post the pictures on your site if you think anyone might benefit from them. Thanks so much for the help! This is working great! I used a combination of techniques:

Knotted Segment Lacing off the second eyelet. It keeps the lower section the same tension. Knotted Lacing on the sixth eyelet. Allows extra tightness at the bend in the ankle to keep my heel securely down in the boot. I tried more eyelets with knotted lacing but it took longer to tie, and much longer to untie when the laces were wet. I use Knotted Lacing again on the ninth eyelet (the eyelet I use for the top). It holds tight in place while I tie the finishing knot. This is a BIG deal. Also, I don't use the tenth (top) eyelet so I can have better forward ankle flexibility.

Your special Ian's Secure Shoelace knot to finish it off. Holds tight, and easily pulls to untie.

– Scott M., Ohio, USA, Aug-2012

Rate This Lacing Method

Please only vote once – multiple votes are removed daily

5 stars (excellent)		• Select rating, then click button to submit. • Or, view results without rating this method.
4 stars (good)
3 stars (average)
2 stars (bad)
1 star (awful)