Sawtooth Lacing
All of the inner diagonals pull at a steep angle, which shifts the alignment of the sides and may fix an otherwise ill-fitting shoe.
-2023-by-Ian-Fieggen.gif "Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2023 by Ian Fieggen")
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Lacing Technique
• Begin straight across on the outside (grey section) and in through the bottom eyelets.
• The left (blue) end runs straight up on the inside, then straight across on the outside.
• The right (yellow) end runs diagonally up and left on the inside, then straight across on the outside. Repeat with alternate ends until one end reaches the top left eyelet.
• The remaining end runs straight up on the inside and out through the top right eyelet.
Features
Easier to tighten
Modifies fit
Mis-aligns sides
12% longer ends (approx.)
Notes
Lace the shoe so that the angled sections point towards whichever corner of the shoe feels loose. When the laces are tightened, the angled sections will pull that corner inwards, altering the fit. Naturally, the left and right shoes should be laced in reverse (mirror image) in order to balance both the look and the effect on both feet.
Sports / Military Advice
Like other straight lacing methods, Sawtooth Lacing has an additional benefit for sporting or military use: The upper horizontal sections of shoelace can be quickly cut through with a knife or scissors in order to more easily remove a boot from a broken, sprained or otherwise injured ankle or foot.
Note that most military forces have regulations for just about everything, so I'd recommend that military personnel check before they adopt this – or any other – possible non-regulation lacing method!
Sawtooth Lacing Gallery
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Sawtooth Lacing Video
Shoelace Lengths for Sawtooth Lacing
| Pairs of eyelets: | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Length needed: | 63 cm 25 inch |
74 cm 29 inch |
85 cm 34 inch |
96 cm 38 inch |
107 cm 42 inch |
118 cm 46 inch |
129 cm 51 inch |
| Lengths available: | 27" | 27" | 36" | 40" | 40" | 45" | 54" |
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 Criss Cross Lacing.
Longer ends if existing shoelaces are re-used (+12% on average).
Visitor Feedback
Made my shoes fit more comfortably, they kept sliding off the back of my heels before😉.
– Ashley M., Sep-2022
i tried it yesterday and found it looked a bit messy on the boots I used. also allowed some mis-alignment.
– Jonathan W., Aug-2015
I come in contact with you site as I was looking for a way to get my slight ill-fitting working shoes more comfortable. Turned out that a sawtooth lacing did the trick. And as a bonus I even learned how to tie my shoes! (not doing granny-knots) Thanks!
– Daniel D., Sweden, Jul-2012
I am a very competitve soccer player ... I tried the sawtooth pattern, and it seemed to pull the side of my boot tighter when angled towards the inside of my foot, which seems to improve my touch on that side.
– Tyler L., Sep-2007
You might like to put that the Sawtooth lacing works really well on Converse High-Tops. They're often naturally unaligned and this helps a lot.
– Bridget P., Jun-2006
i chose this method because it actually did help them become more comfortable.
– Aaron M., Mar-2006
If you'd also like to send feedback, please Contact Ian.
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Related Links
Straight European Lacing
Similar straight lacing with alternating angled inner sections.
Straight Bar Lacing
Similar straight lacing with hidden vertical inner sections.
Create-a-Lace
View and customize Sawtooth Lacing using Create-a-Lace.
Software
Graphics
Ian
Chris
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