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Mathematics Unravels Optimum Way To Lace Shoes

Posted by timothy on from the is-with-velcro dept.

Seft writes "The knotty problem of choosing the optimum way of lacing up shoes has been solved by a new mathematical proof. There are many millions of different possibilities but, reassuringly, the proof shows that centuries of human trial and error has already selected out the strongest lacing patterns. However, the pattern using the least amount of lace possible, the decorative "bowtie" lacing, is usually only seen in shoe shop displays"

2 of 49 comments (clear)

  1. Screw shortest.. by sporty · · Score: 4, Funny

    Screw shortest.. i want a way to use my laces that are too long for the shoes i have without buying new ones. Cutting them will only give me frayed eneds.

    -s

    --

    -
    ping -f 255.255.255.255 # if only

  2. A new mathematical proof... by duras · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not for the faint of heart... it uses string theory.