The Shoelace Book A Mathematical Guide to the Best (and Worst) Ways to Lace Your Shoes

This book offers a fascinating and entertaining look at the mathematics behind the many patterns by which shoes are laced. Burkhard Polster, who lists mathematical juggling, magic and origami among his talents, uses formulas and detailed illustrations to answer questions such as the shortest and strongest lacings in several categories. An accessible mix of combinatorics and elementary calculus yields the author's conclusions.