Ian's Shoelace Site – Shoelace Tips for the Elderly / Disabled

As if shoelaces aren't difficult enough, they can present extra challenges for the elderly and/or disabled. This section contains some useful tips for people with certain limitations.

Arthritis / Stroke Sufferers

Replace thin shoelaces with soft, wide laces that are easier to grip.
Use tweezers to grip the aglets when pulling them out through the eyelets (from Corvidae M.)
For easier tightening, use Over Under Lacing or any variation of Straight Lacing, as this makes it easier to get fingers under the shoelaces.
Reduce the time spent bending down & tying shoelaces by learning the Ian Knot, the World's Fastest Shoelace Knot.
To reduce unnecessary re-tying of shoelaces, check that you're not inadvertently tying an un-balanced Granny Knot, which comes undone.
To eliminate tying altogether, replace normal shoelaces with either elastic laces or curly laces, converting the shoe into a slip-on.

Lack of Tying Strength

To avoid having to tie as tightly, replace slippery synthetic laces with cotton laces, which hold a knot better.
If your knots still come undone, try learning the Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot, which can be tied less tightly yet will still hold secure.
To reduce unnecessary re-tying of shoelaces, check that you're not inadvertently tying an un-balanced Granny Knot, which comes undone.
To eliminate tying altogether, replace normal shoelaces with either elastic laces or curly laces, converting the shoe into a slip-on.

One Handed / One Armed People

The One Handed Shoelace Knot is a combination of lacing plus a simple knot that can be tightened and tied with one hand.
For the more adventurous, the “Ian Knot” technique can be used to tie a regular shoelace bow with one hand, as shown in this video.
Try the One Handed Lacing, which eliminates the need to learn a one-handed knot.