clipped from: www.newscientist.com   

Mathematics unravels optimum way of shoe lacing

The knotty problem of choosing the optimum way of lacing up shoes has been solved by a new mathematical proof.

The criss-cross and straight patterns (left and centre) are strongest, but the bow-tie pattern (right) is the most efficient
The criss-cross and straight patterns (left and centre) are strongest, but the bow-tie pattern (right) is the most efficient
are 400 million different ways of lacing a shoe with only seven pairs of eyelets. "Even if God wears shoes with 100 eyelets, these proofs will predict the shortest and the strongest lacings
most people
opt for criss-cross lacing not because it is stronger, but because it is easy and you do not end up with uneven ends - a big risk with straight lacing. Straight lacing is sometimes used in the army because, if the foot is injured, you can cut the lace with one swipe.