page_title: Shoelaces
section_title: Other lacing methods
hierarchical_section_title: Shoelaces / Shoe lacing / Common lacing methods / Other lacing methods
caption_attribution_description: A pair of black Etines skateboard shoes with red and black checkerboard laces.
context_page_description: Shoelaces, also called shoestrings or bootlaces, are a system commonly used to secure shoes, boots, and other footwear. They typically consist of a pair of strings or cords, one for each shoe, finished off at both ends with stiff sections, known as aglets. Each shoelace typically passes through a series of holes, eyelets, loops or hooks on either side of the shoe. Loosening the lacing allows the shoe to open wide enough for the foot to be inserted or removed. Tightening the lacing and tying off the ends secures the foot firmly within the shoe.
context_section_description: Many shoe lacing methods have been developed with specific functional benefits, such as being faster or easier to tighten or loosen, binding more tightly, being more comfortable, using up more lace or less lace, adjusting fit, preventing slippage, and suiting specific types of shoes. One such method, patented in 2003 as "Double helix shoe lacing process", runs in a double helix pattern and results in less friction and faster and easier tightening and loosening. Another method, called "Rinlers Instant Lace Up", use additional accessories for instant tightening and loosening.
  Many other lacing methods have been developed purely for appearance, often at the expense of functionality. One of the most popular decorative methods, checkerboard lacing, is very difficult to tighten or loosen without destroying the pattern. Shoes with checkerboard lacing are generally treated as "slip-ons".
  Most of these lacing methods are not suitable for formalwear.
caption: A pair of Etnies shoes with checkerboard laces
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