Ian's Shoelace Site – Bow Tie Lacing (lug version)

A lug version of either Bow Tie, Army or Gap Lacing, so named because the outline resembles the shape of a bow-tie. Needs minimum shoelace length and thus “lengthens” ends.

Four pairs of lugs

Pairs

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) and up through both bottom lugs.

• Continue straight up through the next higher set of lugs, introducing a “gap”.

• Cross the ends and feed up through the next higher set of lugs.

• Alternate running straight up or crossing the ends until lacing is completed.

Features

Comfort “zones”

Loose fit

“Lengthens” ends

Notes

• Alternate gaps and crossovers for the most efficient use of shoelace length while still retaining security.

• The “gaps” do not have to be positioned exactly as in these diagrams but can instead be strategically placed to coincide with tight areas of your shoes, thus giving those parts of your feet more “breathing room”.

Lug Bow Tie 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 Lug Bow Tie Lacing

Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Lengthens” ends by
8 pairs	111 cm	44 in	+16.4 cm	+6.5 in
7 pairs	108 cm	42 in	+12.3 cm	+4.8 in
6 pairs	96 cm	38 in	+12.3 cm	+4.8 in
5 pairs	92 cm	36 in	+8.2 cm	+3.2 in
4 pairs	81 cm	32 in	+8.2 cm	+3.2 in
3 pairs	77 cm	30 in	+4.1 cm	+1.6 in
2 pairs	65 cm	26 in	+4.1 cm	+1.6 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

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

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

More details about length comparisons.

Visitor Feedback

Lug Bow Tie Lacing. That just made a pair of shoes I never really liked, comfortable! No more “pressure” coming from the top of the shoe where laces are. Finally a uniform fit! They feel great now! I always tied my shoes the usual typical way we are taught or the way it's done in stores being the Criss Cross Lacing, that I always redid to make them symetrical because the stores never do. Removing the Criss Crossing where the lugs are totally changed the feel.
...

I just could not believe the instant difference!! and lace end lenghtened just as described too.

– Yvan R., QC, Canada, Aug-2011

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)