Lacing dancing pumps, particularly soft shoes like Irish dance pumps, is crucial for achieving a secure fit that allows for flexibility and control. While variations exist, a common method involves effectively crossing the laces over the foot to draw the shoe snugly around the arch and toes.
Standard Lacing Technique
The goal of lacing is to pull the shoe material tightly around your foot, eliminating slack and creating a smooth line from toe to ankle. A widely used technique involves utilizing side loops or eyelets near the ankle and connecting them to front loops or eyelets near the toes.
Here's a breakdown of the process, incorporating the action described in the reference:
- Start Point: Identify the loops or eyelets on the sides of your pumps, typically located near the ankle area. The laces often originate here or are threaded through these first.
- The Crossing Action: Take a lace from one side. As described in the reference, you "bring the lace. From around the opposite side across the foot and into the front eyelid in this case or it could be a loop." This means taking the lace that originates from one side (e.g., the right side loop), guiding it across the top of your foot towards the opposite side (the left side), and then threading it into a front eyelet or loop located on the same side where the lace originated (the right side). This creates a diagonal line crossing the top of your foot.
- Repeat: Take the lace from the other side (e.g., the left side loop) and repeat the crossing action, bringing it across the foot and into a front eyelet or loop on its originating side (the left side).
- Tighten and Secure: Systematically tighten the laces from the front loops back towards the ankle, ensuring even pressure across the foot. Once snug, bring the laces up to tie them securely, often around the ankle or using a specialized method depending on preference and discipline.
This method helps anchor the front of the shoe and pull the sides inwards, providing support without restricting movement.
Tips for Effective Lacing
- Even Tension: Ensure the laces are tightened evenly across the foot to avoid pressure points or loose spots.
- Secure Knot: Use a reliable knot that won't come undone during vigorous dancing. Some dancers use a double knot or incorporate wrapping the laces around the ankle for extra security.
- Check Fit: After lacing, stand up and flex your foot to check for tightness. The pump should feel like a second skin – snug but not painful.
- Practice: Lacing pumps effectively takes practice. Experiment with different lacing patterns if your shoes have multiple loops or eyelets to find what works best for your foot shape and the specific pump design.
Proper lacing is key to comfort, performance, and the longevity of your dancing pumps.
