Bow Tie Lacing (lug version)

Lug Bow Tie Lacing (icon)

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
5
4
3
2
Flip
Step
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

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”.

Shoe lacing photo

Close window

Shoelace Lengths for Lug Bow Tie Lacing

Pairs of
eyelets
Approximate
length needed
“Lengthens”
ends by
8 pairs111 cm44 in+16.4 cm+6.5 in
7 pairs108 cm42 in+12.3 cm+4.8 in
6 pairs96 cm38 in+12.3 cm+4.8 in
5 pairs92 cm36 in+8.2 cm+3.2 in
4 pairs81 cm32 in+8.2 cm+3.2 in
3 pairs77 cm30 in+4.1 cm+1.6 in
2 pairs65 cm26 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

If you'd also like to send feedback, please Contact Ian.

Rate This Lacing Method


• Select rating, then click button to submit.

• Or, view results without rating this method.

Please only vote once – multiple votes are removed daily

Support Ian

Sponsors

Click to buy U-Lace elastic shoelace segments (USA)
Click to buy shoelaces from Kicks Shoelaces (Australia)
Click to buy tough shoelaces from Ironlace (USA)
Click to buy shoelaces from Big Laces (UK)
Click to buy handmade shoelaces from Cute Laces (USA)

This page last updated: 02-Sep-2023. Copyright © 2007-2023 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.

Website created by Ian Fieggen (aka. “Professor Shoelace”), inventor of the Ian Knot.

Ian's Other Websites:
Ian's Software SiteSoftwareIan's Graphics SiteGraphicsIan Fieggen's SiteIanChris Fieggen's SiteChrisFieggen Family TreeTree