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.
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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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