Lock Lacing (lug version)

Lacing Technique

• Lace the shoe normally until the lace ends emerge through the second set of lugs from the top.

• The ends run straight up through the top lugs.

• The ends are crossed, then each end is fed under the vertical section on the other side.

• The ends are returned to the middle for tying, which pulls the vertical sections inwards.

Features

Tightens firmly

Reduces slippage

Harder to loosen

“Shortens” ends

Notes

• Lock Lacing is also used by rock climbers to prevent any movement or twisting of the shoe under the stresses of climbing, as well as by speed skaters to give maximum ankle support.

• Although Lug Criss Cross Lacing is shown in these examples, and is probably the most common method used, the shoe can be laced with almost any lacing method. In fact, as pointed out by Kyle B., Lug Ladder Lacing naturally ends with a similar “Lace Lock.”

Lock Lacing Theory

Many shoe stores recommend Lock Lacing techniques to help prevent slippage, and many people swear by them. In fact, many sports shoes have twin eyelets at the top to suit Lock Lacing. So what's behind the “magic”?

The answer is simple leverage. While pulling the lacing tight, the upper straight sections get pulled into a triangular shape, acting like “pulleys” to provide even greater tightening.

When shopping for shoes, don't be too impressed by a savvy shoe salesperson using Lock Lacing to get a slightly better fit from an unsuitable pair of shoes! If you've found some shoes that meet all of your other needs with the exception of a bit of heel slippage, then Lock Lacing could be the ideal solution. However, if there is a fair bit of heel slippage, Lock Lacing will only help so much, and it could be wiser to seek some better fitting shoes.

Lock Lacing

Same lacing method for shoes with eyelets instead of lugs.