Zig Zag Lacing

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
Step
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

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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

10% shorter ends (approx.)

Notes

The left and right shoes can be laced in reverse (mirror image) to end up with a symmetrical look.

Shoelace Lengths for Zig Zag Lacing

Pairs of eyelets: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Length needed: 72 cm
28 inch
84 cm
33 inch
95 cm
38 inch
107 cm
42 inch
119 cm
47 inch
130 cm
51 inch
142 cm
56 inch
Lengths available: 27" 36" 36" 40" 45" 54" 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

Longer shoelaces needed than those for basic Criss Cross Lacing.

Shorter ends if existing shoelaces are re-used (−10% on average).

More details.

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

If you'd also like to send feedback, please Contact Ian.

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This page last updated: 27-May-2023. Copyright © 2014-2023 by Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.

Website created by Ian Fieggen (aka. “Professor Shoelace”), inventor of the Ian Knot.

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