Ian's Shoelace Site – Zig Zag Lacing

The laces alternate between inner verticals and outer diagonals that wrap around the opposite verticals, forming a twin-rail zig-zag path.

Eight pairs of eyelets

Pairs

8

7

6

5

4

3

Flip

⇄

Lacing diagram Copyright (c) 2023 by Ian Fieggen

Step

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Lacing Technique

• Begin straight across the bottom (grey section). Note the unusual path: Feed the left end in through the bottom-left eyelet. Feed the right end out through the bottom-right eyelet.

• The left (blue) end runs straight up the inside and out through the next higher eyelet.

• The right (yellow) end runs across the shoe, under the left side, wraps around the vertical section, then back across the shoe to feed in through the next higher eyelet on the right side. The end then continues straight up the inside and out through the next higher eyelet.

• The left (blue) end does the same in reverse, running across to the right, wraps around, back across to the left, then straight up the inside.

• Repeat the above steps, alternating with the right and left ends, until both ends reach the top of the shoe, where the last segment feeds under the side and out through the top eyelet.

Features

Decorative look

Laces wear more

Pattern can shift

“Shortens” ends

Notes

• This method is asymmetrical. Lacing the left and right shoes in reverse (flipped horizontally) creates a symmetrical looking pair.

Zig Zag Lacing Gallery

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Shoelace Lengths for Zig Zag Lacing

Pairs of eyelets	Approximate length needed		“Shortens” ends by
8 pairs	142 cm	56 in	–4.3 cm	–1.7 in
7 pairs	130 cm	51 in	–3.7 cm	–1.5 in
6 pairs	119 cm	47 in	–3.1 cm	–1.2 in
5 pairs	107 cm	42 in	–2.5 cm	–1.0 in
4 pairs	95 cm	38 in	–1.8 cm	–0.7 in
3 pairs	83 cm	33 in	–1.2 cm	–0.5 in
2 pairs	72 cm	28 in	–0.6 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

The Zig Zag looks amazingly dope on my new Adidas Shelltops!

Thanks for all the cool techniques on lacing...I’ve been using your site for years.

– Jen S., Yonkers, NY, USA, Feb-2021

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