Shoelace Origami!
You may often wonder about the best ways to revive your shoes and how to use shoelaces to make them playful and also provide them with maximum comfort. Well, you can give your shoes a new identity not only by changing the way you lace them up but by using differently-colored laces. Basically, shoelace origami!
Each person’s feet are unique and although we have an abundant pool to choose footwear from, we still often hear our clients saying that their shoes are too tight or too loose. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need a new pair of shoes. Instead, we recommend trying out a new lacing technique to solve your problem.
For one pair of shoes, there are dozens of lacing techniques!
But first, a little bit of history. The history of shoelaces dates all the way back to 3500 AD. These were leather shoes found in the mountains, laced up with thin strips of leather. It is unclear who invented the shoelace but it was undoubtedly a breakthrough in the whole history of footwear. Later, shoelaces became widespread in the Gothic, Renaissance, and other eras. Victorian ladies also chose fully laced ankle boots and as we know from fashion history – this era was especially bright and influential in the culture of fashion.
Monash University scientist Burkard Polster used combinatorics to find the optimal solution. This area of mathematics is used to solve a variety of problems, from resource allocation to the most efficient way to place microchips in a computer. Science, practicality, and fashion? Yes!
“Even if God was wearing shoes with 100 holes, it would still be possible to calculate the strongest and shortest lacing technique”- B.Polster.
Here’s another fact: an Australian programmer was able to use mathematics to create 43200 shoe lacing techniques!!! This is Ian Fieggen, also known as “Professor Shoelace”, who even has his own app. You can download it to your smartphone and discover thousands of lacing techniques! The app is called "Ian's Laces - How to tie and lace shoes".
Oh, by the way, even undercover agents have special lacing techniques used to send secret messages. Intriguing, huh?
Silver tone detail
Although there are dozens (or maybe even hundreds..?) of lacing techniques, we will give you a few different techniques for one model, and you’ll see for yourself how this is enough to give the shoe a completely new identity.
Neon tone laces
Speaking of laces, we should mention that there are several types: cotton, synthetic, mesh, waxed, etc. And the tips of shoelaces may be plastic, metal, or even soaked in epoxy resin!
Neon tone laces
A plastic-covered lace tip is called an “aglet”, patented by English inventor Harvey Kennedy in 1790. But the first hints of them are dated all the way back to the Roman Empire.
Laces for ankle high boots
Pink tone laces with lurex
Neon tone details
Style + comfort
Timeless design in new style
Optimal lacing technique – maximum comfort
Lacing techniques appeared not only for better aesthetics but for practicality. Sailors have special knots, while shoes have special lacing techniques: to loosen the instep, to provide stability, to reduce slipping, etc.
Lacing technique ONE. Loosening the shoe and creating more space. Suitable for those with wider feet or insteps.
Lacing technique TWO. Provides stability and helps prevent blisters. The foot doesn’t slip around, comfort is guaranteed.
Lacing technique THREE. Helps avoid blisters at the back of the foot. Additional loops guarantee stability, especially in the heel when walking, but it isn’t too tight.
Lacing technique FOUR. Loosens the instep. Suitable for a wide foot and for classical footwear models. Plus, if you choose bright shoelaces, you can totally transform the whole shoe.
Lacing and tying your shoes may seem easy at first. After all, it’s something we learn as children. But the more you learn, the clearer it becomes that these are merely the basics. Shoe lacing is an art, and you may even call it somewhat of a philosophy. Perhaps you even have your own lacing technique?