A variation of Straight Bar Lacing with a convoluted path on the inside that invisibly consumes more shoelace, effectively “shortening” the ends.
Eight pairs of eyelets, variation 1
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Lacing Technique – Variation1 – Spiral path – for even numbers of eyelet pairs
• Begin straight across on the outside (grey section) and in through the bottom eyelets.
• The left (blue) end runs all the way up the inside and out through the top left eyelet. Adjust so that the end is a comfortable length for tying.
• The right (yellow) end runs straight up the inside and out through the second-from-top right eyelet, then continues straight across on the outside and in through the adjacent eyelet.
• The left (yellow) end runs straight down the inside and out through the second-from-bottom left eyelet, then continues straight across on the outside and in through the adjacent eyelet.
• Continue spiralling up, left, down and right, each time running straight across the next lower eyelets from the top and the next higher eyelets from the bottom, until the final straight section completes the centre of the spiral.
• The right (yellow) end runs straight up the inside and out through the top right eyelet.
Variations
• Variation 1 runs in a long spiral path.
• Variation 2 has several shorter overlapping loops, which distribute tension more evenly.
• Variation 3 includes a workaround for shoes with odd numbers of eyelet pairs.
Features
Comfortable
Even no. of eyelet pairs = neat
Odd no. of eyelet pairs = messy
Confusing to tighten
“Shortens” ends
(compared to “Straight Bar Lacing”)
“Lengthens” ends
(compared to “Criss Cross Lacing”)
Notes
• Although outwardly symmetrical, this method is functionally asymmetrical. This is most noticeable when tightening or loosening.Lacing the left and right shoes in reverse (flipped horizontally) creates a functionally symmetrical pair.
Shortening / Lengthening ends
This method only shortens the loose ends compared to other similar looking straight lacing methods like Straight Bar Lacing. Compared to basic Criss Cross Lacing, this method will actually lengthen the loose ends (though not as much as “Straight Bar Lacing” lengthens the ends).
In other words, if we compare the three lacing methods:
- Criss Cross Lacing = shortest ends;
- End Shortening Lacing = medium ends;
- Straight Bar Lacing = longest ends.
See the Lengths section below.
Odd Eyelet Pairs Limitation
Just like Straight Bar Lacing, End Shortening Lacing only works neatly on shoes with even numbers of eyelet pairs (eg. 8pairs = 16eyelets).This is because the shoelace must cross the shoe an even number of times so that the ends meet in the middle and can be tied together.
On shoes with an odd number of eyelet pairs (eg. 7pairs = 14eyelets), a workaround is needed so that the ends still meet.The “across and back” workaround (shown above) is probably the best compromise in terms of retaining the overall look plus allowing a regular knot.
See below for several other odd workarounds.
Sports / Military Advice
Like other straight lacing methods, End Shortening Lacing has an additional benefit for sporting or military use:The upper horizontal sections of shoelace can be quickly cut through with a knife or scissors in order to more easily remove a boot from a broken,sprained or otherwise injured ankle or foot.
Note that most military forces have regulations for just about everything, so I'd recommend that military personnel check before they adopt this – or any other– possible non-regulation lacing method!
End Shortening Lacing Gallery
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Shoelace Lengths for End Shortening Lacing
Table 1 – Comparing similar looks
This table shows the shoelace lengths for End Shortening Lacing,plus shows how much shorter the ends would be compared to the same shoe laced with the similar looking Straight Bar Lacing:
| Pairs of eyelets | Approximate length needed | “Shortens” ends by | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 pairs | 141cm | 56in | –14.4cm | –5.7in |
| 7 pairs | 122cm | 48in | –6.4cm | –2.5in |
| 6 pairs | 109cm | 43in | –6.4cm | –2.5in |
| 5 pairs | 96cm | 38in | –1.6cm | –0.6in |
| 4 pairs | 83cm | 33in | –1.6cm | –0.6in |
| 3 pairs | 76cm | 30in | – | – |
| 2 pairs | 63cm | 25in | – | – |
NOTE: These are approximate shoelace lengths for using this lacing on an average sized sneaker. For more accurate lengths, use the Shoelace Length Calculator.
Table 2 – Comparing against “Standard” length
This table again shows the shoelace lengths for End Shortening Lacing,except this time it shows how much longer (or sometimes shorter) the ends would be compared to the same shoe laced with basic Criss Cross Lacing:
| Pairs of eyelets | Approximate length needed | “Shortens” ends by | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 pairs | 141cm | 56in | –3.9cm | –1.5in |
| “Lengthens” ends by | ||||
| 7 pairs | 122cm | 48in | +0.5cm | +0.2in |
| 6 pairs | 109cm | 43in | +1.8cm | +0.7in |
| 5 pairs | 96cm | 38in | +3.0cm | +1.2in |
| 4 pairs | 83cm | 33in | +4.3cm | +1.7in |
| 3 pairs | 76cm | 30in | +2.3cm | +0.9in |
| 2 pairs | 63cm | 25in | +3.6cm | +1.4in |
NOTE: These are approximate shoelace lengths for using this lacing on an average sized sneaker. For more accurate lengths, use the Shoelace Length Calculator.
More details about length comparisons.
Odd Workarounds
As mentioned above, End Shortening Lacing only works neatly on shoes with even numbers of eyelet pairs.Here's several common workarounds for shoes with odd numbers of eyelet pairs, using sample diagrams with seven pairs of eyelets.
Ends Tucked In
This first diagram shows the simplest solution for being unable to tie naturally – don't tie the ends at all,instead tucking them into the shoe at the bottom-left and middle-right eyelets.
For a tighter fit, you could also permanently anchor the ends inside the eyelets, either with simple stopper knots or using “Lace Anchors”.
Across and Back
As shown in more detail in the main lacing diagram above, the second-from-top straight section runs straight across from right-to-left (on the outside), then left-to-right (on the inside),tucking under the vertical section on the right side. The inner straight section is fairly well hidden by the outer straight section, especially with flat shoelaces.Contributed by JeremyJ.
Twice Through One Eyelet
Lace the shoe normally, then at the top of the shoe, both ends emerge through the same top eyelet (in this case, the top-left).Feed one end across and out through the opposite eyelet (in this case, the top-right). When the ends are tied, there will be a double-pass across the top,but this will be fairly well hidden by the shoelace knot. Contributed by DanS.
One Diagonal
Use a single diagonal somewhere in the lacing. At the top, it's less noticeable due to the loops and loose ends.At the bottom, it can even be run around the inside of the tongue to hide the diagonal, though at the expense of some slight discomfort.Near the middle, a diagonal may be positioned to line up with and run through a tongue centering loop (if the shoe has one).
One Crossover
Instead of trying to hide a single diagonal, this alternative makes a feature out of a single crossover, similar to the look of Roman Lacing.This crossover can be placed at either the top or bottom of the lacing, but unlike the above “One Diagonal” variation, it cannot be placed in the middle of the lacing.
Double Overlap
Like a squashed version of the above “One Crossover” variation, both ends run straight across one pair of eyelets and feed a second time through the opposite eyelets.Near the top, it's less noticeable due to the loops and loose ends.Near the bottom, any difficulty with tightening or loosening this section is not so noticeable as the shoe doesn't need to open wide at that point.
Combine with Lock Lacing
Lace normally up to the second pair of eyelets from the top, then finish with a High Lace Lock through the top two pairs of eyelets. Although this doesn't look as neat, it does pull the lacing extra tight.
See the Lock Lacing page for more information.
Skip One Eyelet Pair
All of the above odd workarounds are laced normally through an even number of eyelet pairs, then something is added that may be either visually or functionally awkward.An alternative is to not add anything – instead leaving either the top or the bottom pair of eyelets empty, or even to skip one pair of eyelets somewhere in the middle of the lacing.
Other Methods
Don't want the “straight-laced” look? Try another method!
For example, the following are end-shortening variations of two other lacing methods – Bow Tie Lacing and Roman Lacing.
Each of these uses the same concept of a long spiral path instead of the usual short, direct path.The longer verticals are hidden on the inside, so the lacing appears outwardly identical – yet the methods now invisibly consume excess length.
Almost any lacing method that has vertical sections running up the inside can be converted in this way into an end-shortening variation.
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Related Links
Straight Bar Lacing
Identical looking method that formed the baseline of this “shortening” variation.
Straight Easy Lacing
Another identical looking method on which this “shortening” variation is based.
Create-a-Lace
View and customize End Shortening Lacing using Create-a-Lace.
The article discusses a specialized shoelace technique called "End Shortening Lacing" or "Variation 1." It's a variation of straight bar lacing that consumes more shoelace material, effectively shortening the ends while creating a convoluted path on the inside. This method is designed for shoes with an even number of eyelet pairs, offering a visually symmetrical yet functionally asymmetrical lacing style.
It involves a spiral path through the eyelets, where the left and right ends crisscross the shoe in a complex pattern, starting straight across on the outside and continuing in a spiral fashion up, left, down, and right until completing the center of the spiral. The article provides variations and notes on the method's features, limitations, and comparisons with other lacing techniques like Criss Cross Lacing and Straight Bar Lacing.
Additionally, it details how this technique alters shoelace lengths compared to other methods. For instance, it shortens the ends in contrast to Straight Bar Lacing but lengthens them compared to basic Criss Cross Lacing. The article includes tables displaying approximate shoelace lengths for various eyelet pairs and demonstrates odd workarounds for shoes with an odd number of eyelet pairs, providing alternative methods for tying or hiding excess lace.
Overall, the piece covers multiple aspects of the End Shortening Lacing technique, from its intricate lacing pattern to its advantages, limitations, and comparisons with other methods. It's a comprehensive guide for individuals interested in exploring unique ways to lace their shoes while managing shoelace length and appearance.
