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. This method makes the most efficient use of shoelace and thus is useful for “lengthening” short lace ends.
To activate controls, please enable JavaScript
Lacing Technique
• Begin straight across the bottom (grey section) and up through both bottom lugs.
• Cross the ends and feed up through the next higher set of lugs.
• Continue straight up through the next higher set of lugs, introducing a “gap”.
• Alternate crossing the ends or running straight up until lacing is completed.
Features
Comfort “zones”
Loose fit
19% longer ends (approx.)
Notes
• Alternate crossovers and gaps 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
Contribute a photo (via e-mail)
Shoelace Lengths for Lug Bow Tie Lacing
Pairs of lugs: | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
Length needed: | 74 cm 29 inch |
77 cm 30 inch |
89 cm 35 inch |
93 cm 36 inch |
105 cm 41 inch |
108 cm 42 inch |
120 cm 47 inch |
Lengths available: | 27" | 27" | 36" | 36" | 40" | 40" | 45" |
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.
Longer ends if existing shoelaces are re-used (+19% on average).
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
If you'd also like to send feedback, please Contact Ian.
Rate This Lacing Method
Please only vote once – multiple votes are removed daily
This page last updated: 11-Mar-2023. Copyright © 2007-2023 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
Website created by Ian Fieggen (aka. “Professor Shoelace”), inventor of the Ian Knot.