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 an un-balanced "Granny Knot", and one simple change to your technique will result in 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

Looking to buy shoelaces or related items? Ian's Shoelace Site doesn't yet have a web store, but in the marketplace you'll find selected merchants of shoelaces, accessories, gadgets, books (including my own book), as well as my iPhone app, "Ian's Laces".

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 Shoelace Length Calculator

25-Apr-2018 – Updated Shoelace Length Calculator and Shoelace Length Formulas pages with enhanced formulas for various Half & Half Lacing methods.

Updated Hiking / Biking Lacing

25-Apr-2018 – Updated Hiking Biking Lacing with detailed instructions and animated diagrams of the "Across and Back" variation for shoes with odd numbers of eyelet pairs.

Added U-Lace Roman Lacing

25-Apr-2018 – Added a version of Roman Lacing using U-Lace no-tie laces instead of regular shoelaces. Alternating 'X-I-X-I' on top of the shoe looks a little like Roman numerals.

Added Berluti Shoelace Knot

19-Apr-2018 – For years, I've seen conflicting instructions for the Berluti Shoelace Knot. With this knot circulating a bit more lately, I've finally added what I believe to be the correct instructions for this knot.

Added U-Lace Twistie Lacing

18-Apr-2018 – Added a version of Twistie Lacing using U-Lace no-tie laces instead of regular shoelaces. Forms 'X' symbols twisted into vertical knots in the middle of the shoe.