Welcome to Ian's Shoelace Site!

Lacing Shoes

Are all of your shoes, sneakers and boots still laced up the way they were when you bought them? This section presents some of the many fascinating ways of lacing, either for different applications or just for appearances.

Tying Shoelaces

Most people learn how to tie their shoelaces around the age of five. Why then would anyone older than that visit a website about tying shoelaces? Whether you're a parent, teacher, occupational therapist, academic, knot enthusiast, or just after some self-help, there's something for you.

The “Granny Knot”

Do your shoelace bows sit vertically instead of across the shoe? Do your shoelaces always come undone? If so, you're probably tying a “Granny Knot”. Learn how to keep your shoelaces tied by creating a “balanced” knot that sits straight and stays secure.

Shoelace Lengths

The rhetorical question: "How long is a piece of string?" is a serious question when it comes to shoelaces. Too long and the ends can drag or get stepped on. Too short and it can be difficult to tie a knot. This section should help you work out the ideal shoelace length.

Tips of Shoelaces = Aglets

Many people search for shoelace “tips” or “ends” because they want to know the name of the plastic or metal bits at the ends of shoelaces. They're called “Aglets”, and you can find out more about them here, including how to repair or replace them.

Shoelace Tips, Hints & Ideas

This section contains all sorts of tips, hints and ideas about shoelaces. There's tips for teaching children, tips for sportspeople, tips for the elderly and disabled, plus general tips for everyone.

Shoelace Marketplace

Buy some stuff – and support Ian! The marketplace contains shoelaces and accessories from selected merchants, my own Android and iOS app "Ian's Laces", my own book "Laces" (2007) plus other shoelace books.

Charity and Awareness Shoelaces

Ever noticed a group of people wearing the same color shoelaces? They're most likely part of a charity fundraiser or awareness campaign. Find out what the different colors represent, or better still, show your support by buying some shoelaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

You'll find the answers to Frequently Asked Questions here, mainly for the benefit of people typing those questions into search engines. It's also worth looking here before you send me a question for which I've already posted an answer.

Shoelaces As Seen In...

Shoelaces are common, useful items that are very much a part of our lives. Here's some “As Seen In...” moments where shoelaces make noteworthy appearances in movies, TV shows, the news, even the Bible.

Shoelace & Knotting Links

Here's some links to other shoelace and knot related websites. Providing links is good “Netiquette”, enabling the Internet to effectively become its own index.

Updated “Shoelaces As Seen In The News”

16-Dec-2019 – Added news story about a boy killed in a New York subway station following his mother's efforts to tie his shoelaces.

Updated “Shoelaces As Seen In The News”

11-Dec-2019 – Added two news stories about shoelaces. One story involved college football players punished for untying a shoelace, the other involved a disabled woman punished for not tying one.

Added “Ian's Prop Knot” video

01-Dec-2019 – Another video response: A fast but terribly un-secure “dragonfly wing” shoelace knot has been circulating lately. In response, my own “Ian's Prop Knot” is decorative, functional and secure.

Added “Split-second shoe tying” video

27-Nov-2019 – In response to other “two seconds” or “one second” shoe tying videos, my own times using my Ian Knot range from a split second (skipping the Starting Knot) to around two seconds (the complete knot).

Updated “Shoelaces As Seen In The News”

16-Nov-2019 – Added news story of two thieves caught in the act with their “fishing” tools of the trade – including shoelaces.