Introduction to Shoelaces and Tying Them

Shoes have been around for ages. According to Ted & Lemon, shoes that required to be tied have been around since 2000 BC [1]. It began with the Greeks and Romans wearing rawhide shoes and sandals, and it evolved into boots of different lengths, sneakers with varying use, etc., Often, we forget about our shoelaces and the importance they serve in everyday life; but they are an unsung hero.

Without shoelaces, the shoes on our feet would slide around more causing an increase of tripping hazards, shoe related injuries and cause plenty of issues in day to day lives. Shoelaces Express states: “For someone to travel by foot safely and quickly the shoes one is wearing need to fit securely and comfortably on one’s foot. Shoelaces provide this function. Therefore, as shoelaces evolved and improved footwear, mankind has been able to explore the world, advance commerce and expand civilizations.” [2].

Having established the importance of having shoelaces, we now must acknowledge the multiple methods one can use. Fashion store Journeys speaks on shoelaces and specifically the fact that there are, “are over one trillion ways to tie a shoe.” [3]. Some shoe tying techniques aim to minimize the number of times a pair of shoes need to be tied. Other techniques are specific to the shoe use, for example the shoe used on construction sites require the laces to be hidden for safety measures. And some are for aesthetic reasons. The technique utilized in the instruction manual created by our company is the base technique (many know it as the “bunny ears” method) for other shoe tying methods. 

WARNING:

THIS GUIDE REQUIRES SHOES WITH SHOELACES. SHOES WITHOUT SHOELACES ARE NOT CAP ABLE OF BEING TIED. ADDITIONALLY, PICTURES OF FEET WILL BE SEEN FOR DEMONSTRATION’S SAKE.

Parts of the Shoe:

• Heel Counter – The part of the shoe that cups your heel.  
• Laces / Lace Cage – The lace cage is the system that holds the laces or tying mechanism of shoe in place. 
• Midsole – Layer of foam that provides shoe cushion. 
• Outside – Exterior of shoe. 
• Overlays – Give shoe extra sturdiness and can be used for decorative needs. 
• Rideliner – Additional cushioning and comfort. 
• Tongue – Sits under lace cage and adds extra reinforcement to the shoe. 
• Upper – The fabric that forms the top of the shoe. 

Instructions:

1. To tie your shoe, you need to first place your foot into the corresponding shoe. You can tell which shoe goes on which foot based on the shape of the foot. For example, below we have the image of a right foot and see the way in which it curves. The shoe next to it curves in the same ways as the foot, thus making it the corresponding shoe.

   1. 

      image from Anya’s Review

2. Once your shoes are on the corresponding feet, you then need to adjust the laces to your preferred level of tightness.  
   1. When you pull on the laces starting from the bottom to top, this provides a tighter wearing of the shoe. 
   2. When you pull on laces from the top to the bottom, this provides a looser wearing of the shoe
3. From there you will grab the laces that spill out from the top eyelets. Place your fingers on the laces about an inch above the topmost eyelets.
4. Next, you will cross the lace in your right hand behind the lace in your left hand to make an X shape with the laces. Secure the X by pinching it with your right hand and releasing your left hand in preparation for the next step. 
5. Using your left hand, you will take the loose end of the right lace, tuck it under the X, and grab from other side with your left hand. 
6. Adjust the right hand’s pinch from the middle of the x to the loose end of the left lace. 
7. Once both hands have a lace in hand again, then pull your hands outward until a knot has formed on top of the tongue (which is at the base of your foot). 
8. Both hands well then let go of the laces. 
9. Then one at a time, you will make loops of the laces, without untying the knot. An example can be seen below: 
   1. 

      Image from shoezone.com

       

10. Once loops have been formed you will repeat steps 4-7, with the only change being you cross the loops intact and try not to disturb them.
11. After tugging on the strings to make a final knot, you are set! 

NOTE: If desired, additional knots of the loop variety can be made for extra shoe security.  

FAQ:

• Q: Is this technique only good for athletic shoes? 
• A: No. In fact, if the shoe has laces, this technique can work on multiple different types of shoes.
   
• Q: Does the distance between my fingers and the topmost eyelets impact my outcome? 
• A: It need not be the exact inch we estimated in the guide. That is more of a general measurement to go by. However, if your fingers are too close to the eyelet it will prove difficult to successfully tie the shoe. Try out some distances and see what works best with the shoe you are tying.
   
• Q: Can I tie my crocs? 
• A: If we are talking about tennis shoes produced by Crocs, yes. However, the basic croc design with the holes and heel grip do not allow for such tying.  

Suggested Resource:

 

References:

[1]“History of the shoe lace,” Ted and Lemon, https://www.tedandlemon.com.au/blogs/news/history-of-the-shoe-lace#:~:text=Shoe%20Laces%20were%20originally%20discovered,the%20late%2019thcentury.

[2] “Importance of shoelaces,” Shoelaces Express, https://shoelacesexpress.com/pages/importance-of-shoelaces#:~:text=Before%20each%20of%20us%20heads,instrumental%20in%20modernizing%20the%20world. (accessed Oct. 24, 2023).

[3] “20 ways to tie your shoes,” Journeys, https://www.journeys.com/articles/20-Creative-Ways-to-Tie-Shoes#:~:text=Shoelaces%20are%20so%20simple%2C%20yet,ways%20to%20lace%20your%20shoes!.