Ian's Shoelace Site – Ladder Lacing (lug version)

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.

Four pairs of lugs, variation 1

Pairs

5

4

3

Flip

⇄

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2023 by Ian Fieggen

Step

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Lacing Technique – Variation 1 – Regular finish

• Begin straight across the bottom (grey section) and up through both bottom lugs.

• The ends continue straight up through the next higher set of lugs up the shoe.

• Cross the ends, running diagonally across and down the shoe, then feed under the vertical lace sections on the opposite sides of the shoe before running straight up over the top of the lugs.

• Repeat running up through the next higher lugs, then crossing and feeding under the vertical sections on the opposite side, until lacing is completed.

Variations

• Variation 1 has the ends tied across the top as usual.

• Variation 2 finishes with “Lace Locks”, which looks consistent plus offers additional tightening. See the Lug Lock Lacing page for details.

Features

Distinctive look

Stays very tight

Harder to tighten

“Shortens” ends

Notes

This lacing can be made to look even more similar to Lug Infinity ∞ Lacing as follows: Instead of feeding under the vertical sections before running straight up in front of the lugs, try running over the vertical sections before running upwards behind the lugs. This hides those vertical segments that would otherwise run over the top of the lugs.

Lug Ladder Lacing Gallery

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More shoe lacing photos

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Shoelace Lengths for Lug Ladder Lacing

Variation 1 – Normal knot at top
Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Shortens” ends by
8 pairs	157 cm	62 in	–6.5 cm	–2.6 in
7 pairs	142 cm	56 in	–4.7 cm	–1.9 in
6 pairs	127 cm	50 in	–3.0 cm	–1.2 in
5 pairs	111 cm	44 in	–1.2 cm	–0.5 in
			“Lengthens” ends by
4 pairs	96 cm	38 in	+0.6 cm	+0.2 in
3 pairs	81 cm	32 in	+2.3 cm	+0.9 in
2 pairs	65 cm	26 in	+4.1 cm	+1.6 in

Variation 2 –“Lace Lock” at top
Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Shortens” ends by
8 pairs	167 cm	66 in	–11.6 cm	–4.6 in
7 pairs	152 cm	60 in	–9.8 cm	–3.9 in
6 pairs	137 cm	54 in	–8.0 cm	–3.1 in
5 pairs	121 cm	48 in	–6.3 cm	–2.5 in
4 pairs	106 cm	42 in	–4.5 cm	–1.8 in
3 pairs	91 cm	36 in	–2.7 cm	–1.1 in
2 pairs	75 cm	30 in	–1.0 cm	–0.4 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

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

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

More details about length comparisons.

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Ladder Lacing (lug version)

Lacing Technique – Variation 1 – Regular finish