Lug Lacing Methods

All of these lacing methods now have a “Flip” button, which allows the diagram and instructions to be flipped (mirrored) left-to-right.

Lug Criss Cross Lacing

A lug version of Criss Cross Lacing. This is the “standard” method of lacing shoes and boots that come with lugs instead of eyelets. The laces simply criss-cross as they work their way up the shoe.

Lug Straight Bar Lacing

A lug version of Straight Bar Lacing. The separate ends take turns running in a full “circuit” through alternate rows of lugs, resulting in horizontal “bars” at both the tops and bottoms of those lugs.

Lug Hiking / Biking Lacing

A lug version of Hiking / Biking Lacing, which keeps the knots & ends to the side, away from either snagging undergrowth or from bicycle chains & cranks.

Lug Shoe Shop Lacing

A lug version of either Shoe Shop Lacing or Lightning Lacing. While this does look interesting, it shifts the sides of the shoe out of alignment, though this may be useful to correct an otherwise ill-fitting shoe.

Lug Infinity ∞ Lacing

Specifically for shoes with lugs, this lacing resembles a series of infinity “∞” symbols. Works best with thinner shoelaces because each lug needs to accommodate two passes of shoelace.

Lug Ladder Lacing

A lug version of Ladder Lacing. It also looks very similar to Lug Infinity ∞ Lacing, and is useful when the lugs are too narrow to fit two passes of shoelace.

Lug Spider Web Lacing

A lug version of Spider Web Lacing. Another decorative lacing method used on military boots, which is like Lug Ladder Lacing running at an angle, creating a woven web of shoelace.

Lug Double Back Lacing

A lug version of Double Back Lacing. Although terribly awkward to tighten, this method looks interesting, holds very firmly, and can also be used if you're desperate to shorten long lace ends.

Lug Bow Tie Lacing

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.

Lug Hash Lacing

A lug version of Hash Lacing. When used on modern boots and sneakers with a wide gap between the sides, the result resembles a diagonal series of hash “#” symbols.

Lug Lattice Lacing

A lug version of Lattice Lacing. This very popular method forms a decorative lattice in the middle of the lacing. The laces are crossed at a steep angle, allowing them to be woven through each other.

Lug Zipper Lacing

A lug version of Zipper Lacing. This method “locks” the laces at each eyelet pair. Great for lacing skates tightly because the lower sections hold while tightening. It also looks interesting – a bit like a giant zipper.

Lug Segmented Lacing

A lug version of Segmented Lacing. Also referred to as “Zoned Lacing”, this method divides the lacing into two or more segments, each of which can be laced up as tightly or loosely as necessary to achieve a comfortable yet secure fit for difficult shoes or feet.

Lug Knotted Segment Lacing

A lug version of Knotted Segment Lacing. A more attractive though less flexible variation of Lug Segmented Lacing in which a knot makes the lower segment of shoelace permanently tighter or looser.

Lug Loop Back Lacing

A lug version of Loop Back Lacing. Each side loops back on itself down the middle, rather like when two springs become intertwined. However, those loop-backs tend to shift off-centre.

Lug Knotted Lacing

A lug version of Knotted Lacing. Adding a half knot at each crossover increases friction and keeps the lacing much firmer. Ideal for tightening ice skates, rollerblades, etc.

Lug Twistie Lacing

A lug version of Twistie Lacing. Similar to Lug Loop Back Lacing with full twists instead of half twists, forming vertical half knots similar to the horizontal ones in Lug Knotted Lacing.

Lug Hexagram Lacing

A lug version of Hexagram Lacing. This purely decorative lacing forms a hexagram, or six pointed star, which has been used for centuries in various cultures and religions, most notably as the Jewish “Star of David”.

Lug Starburst Lacing

A lug version of Starburst Lacing. All of the visible shoelace segments cross diagonally at the middle of the shoe, forming a massive “starburst”.

Lug Supernova Lacing

A lug version of Supernova Lacing. The laces cross diagonally over two focal points, forming a “black hole” in between. Needs maximum shoelace length and thus “shortens” ends.

Lug Lock Lacing

A lug version of Lock Lacing. Not a lacing method as much as a technique for creating a super-tight finish. It's often recommended to help reduce heel slippage in running or climbing shoes.

Lug Double Lacing

A lug version of Double Lacing. One color shoelace runs through the odd eyelet pairs, another color runs through the even eyelet pairs. Finishes with four lace ends, which can then be tied creatively.