How I do 3D laces
Added 2022-03-01 19:42:46 +0000 UTC
Whenever I sculpt boots, I sculpt in a channel to be the tongue of the boot with the sides of it raised. You can probably tell better from photos than I can explain in words lol. I cut a decent length of string (i use friendship bracelet embroidery thread) and get my super glue ready.
I drip super glue into the corner of the tongue and boot
I place the center of the string horizontal, close to the toe, and press the string into the super glue with a metal tool. 
After getting the first "row" placed, I work my way upwards the same way you'd lace up a pair of shoes, adding glue as needed
Repeat criss crossing the string...
All the way up to where you want to stop
Then I simply tie the laces just like tying regular laces! I cut the excess string, and then push some more super glue into the knot to keep it tied and in place. Viola!
Here's a couple more laced shoes I've made:
