The Functional Lace to Toe has its roots in rock climbing approach shoes and old school west coast logging boots. The open faced lacing of the derby style pattern is easy to get into and allows for extra lacing adjustability. I’ve made them with a gusseted tongue, which adds a bit of old fashioned weather-proofing, and the arcuate reinforcement stitch on the lace facings gives an antique look. The pattern is an update on the original and will prove just as versatile.