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.
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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




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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
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