Ian's Shoelace Site – Twistie Lacing

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

Eight pairs of eyelets

Pairs

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

Flip

⇄

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2023 by Ian Fieggen

Step

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Lacing Technique

• Begin straight across on the inside (grey section) and out through the bottom eyelets.

• At each eyelet pair, the ends are given one complete twist in the middle of the shoe before continuing to the opposite sides.

• The ends are fed under the sides and out through the next higher set of eyelets.

• Repeat until lacing is completed.

Features

Decorative look

Keeps lacing tight

Harder to loosen

“Shortens” ends

Notes

Twistie Lacing looks best on shoes with thick, round shoelaces – especially light colored laces on dark colored shoes. These accentuate the fact that the shoelaces are twisted together rather than simply crossing over each other.

Twistie Lacing Gallery

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Shoelace Lengths for Twistie Lacing

Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Shortens” ends by
8 pairs	139 cm	55 in	–2.6 cm	–1.0 in
7 pairs	127 cm	50 in	–2.2 cm	–0.9 in
6 pairs	116 cm	46 in	–1.8 cm	–0.7 in
5 pairs	105 cm	41 in	–1.5 cm	–0.6 in
4 pairs	94 cm	37 in	–1.1 cm	–0.4 in
3 pairs	82 cm	33 in	–0.7 cm	–0.3 in
2 pairs	71 cm	28 in	–0.4 cm	–0.2 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 Criss Cross Lacing.

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

More details about length comparisons.

Visitor Feedback

Here in the UK the shop assistant normally laces them up for us. They ALWAYS go for the criss cross. Next time I get some shoes I'm going to ask them to do a twistie, and when they look at me puzzled I'll give them a swift kick to the jugular. I think as part of their training they should learn many different methods, they need to appreciate that lacing shoes isnt a chore, it's more of an art form! You with me!?

– Dave C., UK, Jan-2007

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