Ian's Shoelace Site – Locked Double Helix Lacing

A variation of Double Helix Lacing with inside-out crossovers, transforming it from a low-friction, fast lacing into a high-friction lacing that “locks” each row. (From: Matt Jensen)

Eight pairs of eyelets

Pairs

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

Flip

⇄

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2023 by Ian Fieggen

Step

To activate controls, please enable JavaScript

Lacing Technique

• Begin straight across the bottom (grey section). Note the unusual path: Feed the left end OUT through the bottom-left eyelet. Feed the right end IN through the bottom-right eyelet.

• The right (yellow) end runs diagonally up on the inside and out through the next higher eyelet on the left side.

• The left (blue) end runs diagonally up on the outside, tucking under the diagonal segment in the middle to form a “lock”.

• After emerging from the tuck-under, the left (blue) end continues diagonally up on the outside and feeds in through the next higher eyelet on the right side.

• Continue up the shoe, at each row the right end running diagonally up on the inside and out through the next higher eyelet on the left side, the left end running diagonally up on the outside and in through the next higher eyelet on the right side after a tuck-under in the middle. Repeat until lacing is completed.

Features

Unusual look

Holds very firmly

Harder to tighten

Notes

• On shoes with a narrow spacing between the sides, the tuck-unders will occur over a shorter distance, resulting in more compression and hence more effective locking at each row.

• This method is asymmetrical. Lacing the left and right shoes in reverse (flipped horizontally) creates a symmetrical looking pair.

Locked Double Helix Lacing Theory

Unlike regular Double Helix Lacing, in which the crossed diagonals are kept apart to reduce friction, this lacing has the outer diagonals tucking under the inner diagonals at each row, which has the complete opposite effect of increasing friction.

The resulting “locking” force keeps the lower sections tight while working on the upper sections. This makes it a great lacing for skates, boots, climbing shoes, or any footwear where very firm support is needed.

Locked Double Helix Lacing Gallery

Hover over any image to view details

For enlargements, please enable JavaScript

More shoe lacing photos

Contribute a photo (via e-mail)

Shoelace Lengths for Locked Double Helix Lacing

Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed
8 pairs	133 cm	53 in
7 pairs	123 cm	48 in
6 pairs	112 cm	44 in
5 pairs	102 cm	40 in
4 pairs	91 cm	36 in
3 pairs	81 cm	32 in
2 pairs	70 cm	28 in

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

• Same length shoelaces as those for basic Criss Cross Lacing.

More details about length comparisons.

Visitor Feedback

I have a “new” way to lace and IMO its the best. Its basically the double helix lace, except the laces which normally run underneath now loop over the laces which normally run above. It looks really cool and tightens even better than the helix.

– Matt Jensen (inventor of this technique), Nov-2008

I think it'd be fun to place it right after mine, noting how a small change in pattern can have such a profound effect on functionaity (not only are these harder to tighten/loosen than my method, they're harder than the plain old criss-cross method) -- but I confess I kinda like the way they look!

– Monte Fisher (inventor of the original Double Helix Lacing), Nov-2008

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)