Spider Web Lacing

A decorative method sometimes worn on military boots. The laces weave vertically and diagonally, forming an intricate “web”.

Spider Web Lacing Tutorial

Eight pairs of eyelets

Pairs

8

7

6

5

4

Flip

⇄

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2026 by Ian Fieggen

Step

To activate controls, please enable JavaScript

Lacing Technique

• Begin straight across on the inside (grey section) and out through the second-from-bottom set of eyelets.

• The ends run straight down the sides and in through the bottom set of eyelets.

• The ends cross over and run diagonally up and out through the next vacant set of eyelets.

• At each eyelet pair, the ends run straight down and feed under the vertical lace sections below before crossing over and continuing diagonally up and out through the next higher set of eyelets. Repeat until lacing is completed.

Features

Decorative look

Firm & tight

Harder to tighten

“Shortens” ends

Notes

• This lacing looks particularly effective on high boots with many eyelets, especially when contrasting laces are used.

• Tall boots with a very wide spacing between the sides display the maximum area of woven shoelace “spider web” (as seen in the last photo in the gallery below).

Spider Web Lacing Gallery

More photos of Spider Web Lacing

Contribute a photo (via e-mail)

Spider Web Lacing Video

Watch video: How to Spider Web Lace your shoes

Watch video here

Watch on YouTube

Shoelace Lengths for Spider Web Lacing

Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Shortens” ends by
8 pairs	150 cm	59 in	−8.5 cm	−3.3 in
7 pairs	135 cm	53 in	−6.2 cm	−2.4 in
6 pairs	120 cm	47 in	−3.9 cm	−1.5 in
5 pairs	105 cm	41 in	−1.6 cm	−0.6 in
			“Lengthens” ends by
4 pairs	90 cm	36 in	+0.7 cm	+0.3 in
3 pairs	75 cm	30 in	+3.0 cm	+1.2 in
2 pairs = (N/A)

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

• Generally, longer shoelaces are needed than those for basic Criss Cross Lacing – unless the shoes have few eyelets.

• If the original shoelaces are re-used, this method effectively shortens the ends – though it may lengthen the ends if the shoes have few eyelets.

More details about length comparisons.

Visitor Feedback

I love the spider web lacing technique. I also used the supernova as well but it didn't look as good with round laces. I love your site!

– Abby H., Oct-2017

I used the spiderweb on my skater shoes and they feel better. Tried spiderweb on my boots but it didn't look good once I tightened them.

– Josh C., Pennsylvania, USA, Feb-2014

I just used a combination of Spiderweb Lacing and the Secure Knot to take up about a foot of extra lace length on a new pair of sneakers. The bow itself used to drag on the ground before I redid the laces but now everything is well off the ground (plus my shoes look pretty cool).

– Helen M., Feb-2010

... personally i think that flat laces are only good for lattice and checkerboard and round laces are perfect for spiderweb ...

– Don M., New Jersey, USA, Sep-2008

I constantly get compliments on the lacing of the boots, and I dont know why, but my boots quit bending over when im not wearing them. Both of which are very, very good.

– Joey T., Texas, USA, Aug-2008

BTW, here is an example of spiderweb lacing as worn by the Strategic Air Command's Air Police (they also wore ladderlaced boots). The laces are actually white parachute cord. The trousers are bloused around the top of the boot.

– Keith W., Utah, USA, Mar-2008

I think the “spider” lace is super hot. I used it in the military. It's a bitch to do, but worth the time and effort.

– Big Booted Bob, USA, Feb-2008

Rate This Lacing Method

Please only vote once – multiple votes are removed daily

5 stars (excellent)		• Select rating, then click button to submit. • Or, view results without rating this method.
4 stars (good)
3 stars (average)
2 stars (bad)
1 star (awful)

Spider Web Lacing