Doucal's: Calzature artigianali di lusso uomo e donna Made in ...

How to Lace Derby Shoes with Waxed Laces

How to Lace Derby Shoes with Waxed Laces

By Doucal's: Calzature artigianali di lusso uomo e donna Made in ... | Published: 2026-10-25

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the correct technique to lace your Derby shoes with waxed laces for a clean, secure fit. Step-by-step instructions for Doucal's Stringata models.

Quick Answer

To lace Derby shoes with waxed laces, use the standard straight bar lacing method, which keeps the laces flat and prevents loosening. This technique works especially well with Doucal's Stringata Derby shoes.

Why Waxed Laces for Derby Shoes?

Waxed laces have a slight coating that reduces friction, making them easier to tighten evenly and less likely to come undone during wear. They also maintain a crisp appearance, complementing the sleek lines of a Derby shoe like the Doucal's Stringata. The main trade-off is that waxed laces can be slightly stiffer initially, so they may require a gentle break-in to conform to your lacing pattern.

Choosing the Right Length

For a three- or four-eyelet Derby shoe, a 70 cm waxed lace is ideal. Doucal's offers a waxed lace in testa di moro (dark brown) that matches their Stringata models. Using a lace that is too long can result in excess loops, while too short a lace may not allow a secure bow.

Step-by-Step: Lacing Derby Shoes with Waxed Laces

  1. Step 1: Prepare the laces: Hold the waxed lace so both ends are even. Insert one end into the bottom left eyelet from the outside, and the other end into the bottom right eyelet from the outside. The lace should cross the tongue diagonally inside the shoe. Check that the lace is not twisted inside the shoe; a twisted lace can cause uneven tension.
  2. Step 2: Create the straight bar: Take the left lace end and insert it into the next eyelet up on the same side, from the inside out. Repeat with the right lace end. This creates a straight horizontal bar across the tongue. Pull each segment gently to keep the bar straight. Avoid overtightening, which can distort the leather.
  3. Step 3: Continue to the top: Repeat the diagonal cross inside the shoe and the straight bar on the outside for each pair of eyelets. For a four-eyelet Derby, you will have four straight bars visible on the outside. Ensure the lace lies flat against the tongue after each cross. A common mistake is letting the lace bunch up, which can cause pressure points.
  4. Step 4: Tie the bow: Once both ends reach the top eyelets, tie a standard bow. The waxed coating will help the knot stay secure longer than standard laces. Do not pull the knot too tight; waxed laces can slip if cinched abruptly. A gentle, even pull is best.

Product Facts

  • DU1856BERNUF159NB28 - Stringata in pelle blu: Stringata 4 fori modello Derby in pelle di vitello blu, con tomaia liscia dalle forme affusolate. Suola in cuoio. Lavorazione Blake. The smooth, tapered upper of this Derby shoe pairs well with waxed laces, which lie flat and maintain a clean silhouette.
    DU1856BERNUF159NB28 - Stringata in pelle blu
    DU1856BERNUF159NB28 - Stringata in pelle blu
  • Laccio cerato testa di moro per Stringata - 70 cm: Laccio cerato da 70 cm nel color testa di moro, ideale per Stringate a tre o quattro fori. This 70 cm waxed lace is the correct length for a four-eyelet Derby, ensuring a snug fit without excess lace.
    Laccio cerato testa di moro per Stringata - 70 cm
    Laccio cerato testa di moro per Stringata - 70 cm

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