Ian's Shoelace Site – Winter Solstice Lacing

Laces take the shortest path through all the eyelets and with hardly any segments visible – reminiscent of the sun's path in mid-winter.

Diagram for 8 pairs of eyelets

Pairs

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2020 by Ian Fieggen

Step

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Lacing Technique

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

• Both ends run straight up the sides, alternately feeding in or out through eyelets until the top of the shoe.

Features

Festive use

Quick on/off

Very loose fit

58% longer ends (approx.)

Notes

• This is not really intended as a useful lacing method – rather, it's a novelty lacing that's meant to be just a bit of fun during Winter Solstice festivities.

• This lacing uses minimal length of shoelace, which will result in much longer loops and loose ends. Besides changing to shorter shoelaces, another solution is to tuck the loops and ends under the bottom horizontal – as shown in the second photo below.

Winter Solstice Lacing Gallery

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More shoe lacing photos

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Winter Solstice Lacing Video

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Watch on YouTube

Shoelace Lengths for Winter Solstice Lacing

Pairs of eyelets:	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Length needed:	63 cm 25 inch	66 cm 26 inch	70 cm 27 inch	73 cm 29 inch	76 cm 30 inch	79 cm 31 inch	82 cm 32 inch
Lengths available:	27"	27"	27"	27"	27"	27"	36"

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 (+58% on average).

More details.

Visitor Feedback

Thanks so much for the nice reply w/ helpful suggestions.

I checked those lacing diagrams out and while they are indeed solid options, however realized more the need to have the top 2-3 eyelets fully clear so I can pull the gusseted tongue out enough to get my foot in/out (narrow opening).

What ended up working out interestingly, is a combo: criss-cross (bottom 4-7 eyelets) + winter solstice (top 1-3 eyelets) + heel lock (between eyelets 2-3) = no need to undue laces at top like I had to do before plus negates the need to get speed/lace hooks installed.

You were spot-on about just doing the winter solstice only, as it did bulge and didn’t feel very secure. Adding the heel lock technique is fast and feels good if not better than a normal knot at the very top (gives more support).

- Alan M., Oregon, USA, Feb-2020

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