How to Tie Shoelaces and Lace Shoes: The Complete Guide
To tie shoelaces: cross and pull tight, make a loop, wrap the other lace around it, push through, pull. That is the everyday bow. This guide walks you through the classic bow, why laces come undone and how to fix it, the main lacing patterns, and which laces suit an elegant leather shoe.
Lacing or tying? Two different things
A quick note, because the two get mixed up: lacing is how the lace runs through the eyelets, the pattern. Tying is the knot and bow at the end. This guide covers both: first the bow that holds, then the lacing patterns for different shoes.
How to tie shoelaces: the classic bow
The classic bow takes four steps:
- Cross both laces, pass one under the other and pull tight. That is the starting knot.
- Form a loop with one lace and hold it between two fingers.
- Wrap the other lace around the front of the loop.
- Push a second loop through the gap and pull both loops even and tight.
For children, the "bunny ears" version is easier: make a loop with each lace, cross them, push one through the gap and pull tight. The result is the same bow.
The knot that holds: why laces come undone
If your laces keep coming undone, it is usually the knot, not the lace. The everyday bow turns into a lopsided "granny knot" when you tie the starting knot and the bow in the same direction. It sits crooked and slips.
- A balanced bow: tie the starting knot and the bow in opposite directions, so the bow sits horizontally and holds far better.
- A double knot: the simplest way to more hold, especially with smooth laces.
- Lace choice: round and heavily waxed laces are smoother and come undone more easily than flat ones. A double knot or flat laces solve it.
How to lace shoes: the main patterns
The lacing pattern noticeably changes the look of the shoe. Two patterns cover most cases:
| Pattern | Look | For |
|---|---|---|
| Criss-cross lacing | casual, straightforward | trainers, Derby shoes, casual wear |
| Straight bar (Oxford) lacing | calm, elegant, horizontal lines | dress and leather shoes, especially the Oxford |
There are many decorative variations too, but for a classic leather shoe the calm patterns are the right choice.
Lacing dress shoes (Oxford lacing)
On an elegant shoe, the lacing is part of the overall impression, not just function. For the closed lacing of an Oxford, straight bar lacing is the classic choice: the laces run horizontally on the outside and stay hidden underneath, for a calm, clean look. Mind the length: laces that are too long look untidy and are hard to tuck away. And narrow, flat laces suit a fine shoe, while thick round laces look sportier. The wrong lace can noticeably spoil the look of a good shoe.
Which shoelaces? Flat or round, waxed, length
The right lace makes a visible difference:
- Flat or round: flat laces look more elegant and hold the knot better, round laces look sportier and more rugged.
- Waxed: waxed cotton laces grip better, give a clean knot and repel moisture. Because they are a little smoother, a double knot helps.
- Quality: good laces do not twist and look smoother. Round laces often have a tear-resistant core that stops the lace snapping all at once.
- Length: it depends on the number of eyelet pairs. Rough guide: 3 pairs about 60 to 70 cm, 4 pairs 70 to 80 cm, 5 pairs 80 to 90 cm, 6 pairs 90 to 120 cm.
A selection of laces in several colours and lengths is in our shoelaces.
Common mistakes
- A lopsided knot: starting knot and bow tied in the same direction, so the bow sits crooked and slips.
- Laces too long: they look untidy, especially on elegant shoes.
- The wrong pattern for the occasion: sporty criss-cross lacing looks out of place on an Oxford.
- Smooth laces without a double knot: round and waxed laces come undone faster without a second knot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to tie shoelaces?
Cross both laces and pull the starting knot tight. Then make a loop with one lace, wrap the other around the front, push a second loop through and pull both even. For children, the "bunny ears" method with two loops is easiest.
Why do my shoelaces keep coming undone?
Usually the starting knot is tied in the same direction as the bow, so the bow sits crooked and slips. Tie them in opposite directions so the bow lies horizontally and holds. With round or heavily waxed laces, a double knot helps as well.
How do you tie shoelaces fast?
Once you know a balanced bow, it is only a few moves. There are also quick one-motion knots (such as the Ian knot) that tie a secure bow in seconds. For everyday hold, a balanced bow or a simple double knot is enough.
What is Oxford lacing?
Oxford or straight bar lacing runs the laces horizontally on the outside and hides them underneath, for a calm, elegant look. It is the classic choice for closed-lacing dress shoes such as the Oxford.
Which laces suit elegant leather shoes?
Narrow, flat, waxed cotton laces in a colour matched to the shoe. They look finer than thick round laces, give a clean knot and repel moisture.
Conclusion
Tying shoelaces is quickly learned: a balanced bow holds, a double knot secures smooth laces, and the right pattern (criss-cross for casual, straight bar for elegant) sets the look. On an elegant leather shoe, narrow, flat, well-kept laces make the difference.
Find matching shoelaces in flat, round and waxed in the shop, such as the flat waxed laces for elegant shoes. For keeping the shoe itself in shape, see How to Clean and Care for Leather Shoes.