BAR LACING: MY FAVORITE METHOD OF LACING MY SHOES + MY FAVORITE KNOT

[@johnsmith7709]

Let me start by saying how much I enjoy your channel. I have been an Allen Edmonds customer since the early 1980 and I really like the quality and craftsmanship that they put into their shoes. I do not own any other quality brand such as Alden or Meermin shoes. I simply could not afford them. I am 74 years old and on a fixed income. Even buying Allen Edmonds shoes used on eBay stretches my budget almost to the breaking point. I cannot afford new ones. Not even factory seconds. All that being said, I find it amazing that you sir, can purchase and wear a pair of shoes and as we see in this very video the shoes do not look like they have ever been on anyone's foot; except of course we can see that you have polished them. You obviously take care of things the same way I do and I salute you for that. Thanks for the great videos and also I greatly admire you for refurbishing and donating shoes to young would-be professionals just starting out in life. I wish you great success. John

[@theresas740]

People don't realize anymore, if you take care of your leat h er goods, they can last many years. Shoes and boots can be re-heeled and re-soled! My very first pair of motorcycle boots lasted 15 years after which I had them bronzed I loved them so much. Now I am in fixed income as well, you bet MY bottom dollar I take care of my things! And shine your shoes, it feels good to put your best foot forward and it's attention to detail.

[@hickorydickory]

@@theresas740 even at university, my shined dress shoes, were were a charmer for girls

[@puchitopuchito6531]

We want to see your whole shoe collection! 👇🏻

[@markp.9707]

Puchito puchito agree with you as I am certain many other subscribers would as well.

[@puchitopuchito6531]

Mark Lambert would make a great video

[@saultorres3474]

Yes

[@JohnnyAngel8]

Yeah! I would like to know if he owns any penny loafers.

[@axelSixtySix]

Try to pass the second end two times under the loop and you get the most elegant secure knot: the Double Slip.

[@joshooga]

The bunny ear knot and the knot you prefer are basically identical other than the direction in which you do your second wrap vs the base wrap. The goal is essentially a square knot. If you end up with a vertically laying bow in either knot, try changing the direction on your last wrap (Right over left vs left over right) and you will see that your bow will then lay horizontally and most likely stayed tied all day.

[@patch1103]

Embarrassingly, I learned this when I was a senior in high school. I had always done the "bunny ear" method and had lived with the slanted loops. One day, my girlfriend at the time asked, "why do you tie your shoes that way?" She showed me how to change direction on the last wrap and how much straighter that was. Life changing! She's long gone, but that essential piece of advice is something that has served me well every day since.

[@dragoscoco2173]

One is a Reef knot (#1204) and one is a Granny knot (#1206 in ABOK).

[@Noejjkkkj]

Don’t even bother. It’s not like he knows what any of this stuff is about

[@67spankadelik]

I prefer round laces because I like to tie a Berluti knot. In my opinion that is the ultimate dress shoe knot. And it looks pretty elegant too.

[@melijegasini2014]

Your knot is very cool. What some sites are calling "Bunny Ears are actually a Celtics knot. Mother taught their children how to tied their shoes with a tale. It worked and the child never had untied shoes until they got home from school.

[@toddalbert8342]

I've been using the Berluti Shoelace Knot and I really like it. It is an added touch that few will notice other than the shoes being tied really well. Also, makes for a great conversation piece if asked.

[@theresas740]

I love the Berluti and I use it on my boots too as it NEVER comes untied

[@kashyyyk]

As long as you tie your laces with a square knot, “bunny ears” will work perfectly fine to make them lay flat across your shoe.

[@ripjames]

the knot you recommend is literally how I learned to tie my shoes as a kid.

[@brostelio]

Yeah, I thought that was the standard way everyone does it.

[@Snugglez187]

Same here. I've never known any other way.

[@kevinkp7779]

That is the same way that I learned.

[@charleskenney5174]

same here, loop, swoop, pull

[@beezowdoodoozoppitybopbopb9488]

Same here. I feel teaching kids bunny ears is short changing them. Same goes for single windsor knotted neckties.

[@ouime60]

I’ve always done my knot like this. Thank you my mother for teaching me the classy way to tie a shoelace 😁

[@raymondruiz1843]

Hi there! Mr. E.O. , nice lacing. Kirby's products way to expensive. 😂

[@L_Holland5]

Really lovely! The patina is so well done, this is completely inspiring me to get my husbands shoes up to a higher level. Thank you!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@wornoutshoes81]

Today I received my first pair of Allen Edmonds. I chose the Jefferson 2.0. I am going to wear them to my wedding and they are laced per your tutorial. Thank you. These shoes are absolutely wonderful and feel just like the McCallister but softer and more luxurious. I love a good wingtip.

[@KuyaEnan]

Finally, I found a very clear tutorial on how to bar lace a shoe! Some videos are not slow and clear enough for me to follow the tutorial. Some videos are in "fast forward mode." And they include annoying loud background music. It sucks. Thanks for the tutorial! 👍😁

[@pamgill2133]

Tried several videos before finding yours and they were impossible to follow. You did such a great, easy to understand video. Thank you!

[@seaswirl5617]

Always wanted to know how to tie my shoes like this. I'm late with your vids but they're never too late to watch and learn. Thank you!

[@OzymandiasRex]

Dude... that knot! I've been double-knotting my shoes for years because I could never figure out how to get them to lay them flat. This is beyond helpful!

[@iwonalubanska5779]

Try the Parisian knot. Is double the knot presented but it doesn’t come undone. Bees knees.

[@thewen]

it's under than over, not over then under

[@Salih.EduBlock]

Great video dude. I just cleaned 🧼, shined, and laced my two pairs. Always something new to learn man. I’ve never laced this way. But will now. 💚

[@res00xua]

Watched this yesterday and retied my shoes this way and they are more comfortable as well as more attractive. Many Thanks.

[@Tmanaz480]

The dark toe version reminds me of a sunburst guitar. Nice.

[@MTBer09]

That's how I learned to tie my shoes as a kid. I didn't realize that wasn't the "normal" way. I now either use the Berluti or whatever it's called when you do the normal knot but go around twice at the end. Great vid as always btw.

[@Cemmos]

Yeah, that's how I've always tied my shoes. I guess that's why I've never had issues with my knots coming undone. Always wondered why people had issues having to retie their shoes or use double knots to keep them tied.

[@letiziacastiglione2492]

Same. Have always tied my shoes this way.

[@marcondespaulo]

I see an advantage to berlutti when dealing with round laces.

[@MTBer09]

@@marcondespaulo Exactly. Both my pairs of AEs have round laces and the Berluti knot gives a very nice aesthetic.

[@PreciousKwakye]

That is the Parisian knot

[@raizo3107]

I like the shoe with the darker toe. Your workmanship is amazing!

[@gabrielfelixmunoz739]

DUDE! you hit it out of the park!!!! best video I've seen!

[@theresas740]

I am left-handed and when i taught myself the Berluti knot last year at 54, I learned that I've been starting wrong (R>L) 🙃 all these years!

[@bradleythomas5445]

I absolutely love your channel! I just laced three pair of my Allen Edmonds’ dress shoes using your method. It’s such a clean look (you don’t have any laces crossing above the tongue). I took your advice and found a slightly used pair of walnut Allen Edmonds Strands online. I used your mirror shine technique and they look amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your love and passion for shoes with us!

[@Phoeff99]

Atta boy. I’ve always followed the practice of bar lacing my more formal “closed-laced” shoes (i.e. Balmorals, Oxfords etc) and cross laced my more casual “open-laced” shoes (i.e. Derbys, Bluchers etc) but I have to say I always like bar lacing...👌🏻👍🏻

[@paulhodge855]

Both are beautiful shoes. The ones you have worked on are gorgeous.

[@earlenepeterson8065]

I had never heard of the flat or waxed laces. I'm such a girl. :). I love elegant shoes for men or women. I find all your tips helpful. Thanks for taking the time to educate all of us.

[@johnflemister6309]

. . . . . . definitely prefer flat laces. Luv both shoes. I'm a huge fan of Allen Edmond shoes. There's a shop in downtown Chicago.

[@edf2953]

I like the flat laces with the flat knot, as in your first demonstration. Your video is prompting me to get my AE Walnut Strands out and look for a nice pair of flat, waxed laces to spruce up my shoes. I think I am currently using some form of criss cross method, but very much prefer the straight across method. Excellent video, by the way. I always enjoying watching your productions. Thanks much for sharing...Ed

[@gustavogamba134]

Hey, man! I really enjoy your channel! I think this was probably the only video I had not watched. The way you tie your shoes is how my dad taught me when I was little too. In fact, I had never seen dress shoes laced across from one side to the other until I moved to the US when I was a teenager. It always seemed wrong to me. Congrats on your awesome channel, professor (I thought that reply was great!) and keep inspiring people to take care of their shoes!

[@smhne8]

I definitely prefer the Berluti (sp?) knot with a slight variation using a double surgical knot (twice around instead of once) to start this knot. Keep up the good work!

[@theresas740]

Those flat laces DO look amazing! Shoe love is true love.

[@enasnI127]

Your prefered knot is exactly the knot that i learned to do as a kid and i still do it like that today. I think almost everyone i know does it like that. Maybe that's the european style or e special german thing.

[@masterchief586]

I certainly learned that way. My grandpa showed us how to tie shoes.

[@MrUntouchable1985]

Nice Job bro!! Love the shoes and thanks for the help, everytime I buy a new pair of Allen Edmonds I watch your video because you have 6 eyelets. Thanks again!!

[@toddalbert8342]

The Flat laces actually seem like an elevated look over the Round laces. It could be the depth of color too.

[@adelekearowobusoye3319]

I was about going out on a Sunday, Suddenly, I became confused on to knot my shoelace it was so pathetic.. Thanks to KZbin I search and found your video which was so helpful. Thanks. Can you show more casuals?

[@thangknowa3288]

When shopping for laces, # of eyelets is good to know, but length of laces is better. Waxed laces to consider, too, in addition to round or flat. Black or brown is your call. Thanks again for a very nice video!

[@douglasn.3111]

Very helpful. Really neat finish for a well shined pair of shoes.

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thanks for watching, Douglas!

[@OnePeopleOnelife]

This is how I have always been tying my sneakers. I was taught that either way was the same method/name. I never liked making the two “ears” when making the bunny ear knot. So I always had done it the way you showed us. Great video though; though it was pretty thorough.

[@wt460]

I love the pair that you added the patina to. I also am a big fan of Kirby’s flat waxed laces. In a different video you addressed buying a preowned pair of shoes and it blew me away. For the past +15 years I have only purchased new AE’s and Alden’s. I love them both and have five or six pairs of each. I thought that buying used was such a good idea, I went on eBay and within a month I was able to find two pairs of Aldens that I felt would be a good investment to have them re-crafted and made new again. When each pair arrived I realized that they were both virtually in new condition. Other than disinfecting the inside of the shoes and polishing them they were in absolutely pristine condition. As such, I saved $500 on each pair and got two beautiful pairs of shoes that I would not have been able to justify purchasing otherwise. Thanks so much for the tip and all the information on your videos.

[@hattiecolley54]

I luv both of them, but the Flat Laces appears to be easier to work with when tying. Great bringing us this vid, thank u for sharing!

[@joejustice9467]

Bar lacing is favorite, thin round, black on black, brown on brown. Just ordered thin flat in brown for AE original Independence Collection Jeffersons. Have bought from Hanger Project for 3 years now.

[@kbrett2004]

Excellent tutorial! I have always used round laces but I do like the look of the flat. Gonna have to give them a try. Really looks a good bit more classy.

[@jonanderson4474]

Crazy. I just bought some laces for my work boots. The stock ones look nice. I like how the flat laces look better.

[@peterkolovos3079]

Thanks for showing this method. I never knew how it was done.

[@johnflemister6309]

. . . . . . says Many Thanks for the post!!!!! Very informative, my shoes look Great. Again, Many Thanks!!!!!!!

[@DarkNazgul]

I've learnt a lot watching your videos and listening to you, I'm delighted by everything I see and most of all, I've started appreciating my shoes far much more than I've ever done. I wish I could afford one of those shinny elegant shoes of famous brands you mention. Thank you and keep walking.

[@davidlocklar7497]

Enjoy your content very much. Your teaching is very accurate and understandable. Thank you for taking time to educate the less knowledgeable of the subject of Oxford shoe care!

[@TheElegantOxford]

It’s my pleasure. Thank you for watching

[@MNpicker]

😯 Ive been tying my shoes elegantly all my life😁..I will be changing my lacing soon..I like that kind👌🏼.. I take the inner strands out of paracord so its flat.. and do a tin cloth wax method..for my work boots😎

[@scottboivin8507]

You hit it out of the ballpark, thank you!

[@drmiller1]

What are the brand and model of shoe you are lacing? I like these and want a pair.

[@drmiller1]

These are allen edmonds strands in walnut

[@MatthewD-z3z]

Just got familiar with this channel, and it's one of my go to's now for shoes! I still can't believe I was tying knots the wrong way since I was a kid! Going under this way I think, is called a "strong" knot vs going over which is the "weak" knot because the laces stay put across the shoe after you tie them.

[@aliaksandrpivavarchyk4850]

OMG. This knot is perfect. Thank you, man.

[@TheElegantOxford]

My pleasure

[@UncleRaab]

Love your first AEs with the flat waxed. VERY nice.

[@crutecox3364]

Thanks bro, I appreciate your video. I've been wondering how to lace up my shoes like that. Thanks again. I enjoy your work. 🔥🔥🔥

[@ronwhite6719]

That was great! I always wanted to learn how to make bar lacing. I learned about the knot last year at work during a safety meeting. As a way to tie your shoes so they don't untie so easily. Military teaches that also. Thank you again!

[@chubster71]

Thanks so much Preston! This was so simple once you see it done!

[@billhuner8516]

Thanks for the demonstration. Bill

[@gilmavindas5914]

I don’t like it, I love it, it’s hot!! I want to learn so I can teach it to my boys!! Amazing job!!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Yes that’s great!

[@paulmathers6753]

Thank you for your wonderful videos, so inspiring. In fact so inspiring that I spent much of yesterday afternoon [I'm on holiday from work this week] having a proper look at some of my shoes and had a go at really polishing my shoes and boots, rather than giving them a rub over with a cloth. I was so pleased with the results, especially a really nice pair of Chelsea boots which now have a sorta shiny rather than mirror finish cap [3 goes with the wax and buff]. I was so pleased with my initial efforts that I sent a picture to my sister for her comments, her reply was "wow". I don't own the classy Allen Edmonds or some of the other 'classic' shoes you repair and treat, but your skills and tips work for lower cost shoes too, and you too can get that "just new" look. It takes a little time, care and elbow grease. If the leather is good it's worth the time and effort. Thanks once again.

[@peterharrison4324]

I love the flat waxed laces. The round are nice sometimes, but the flats are really quite elegant.

[@joaquin-jacknava2696]

Great video. I love the flat waxed shoe lace over the basic round. Thanks for sharing Preston.

[@TheElegantOxford]

So do I! Thanks for watching

[@bern1228]

Thanks. I've wanted to know how to do this. The knot was a good bonus.

[@yellowknifer1]

The flat do look awesome

[@liwiathan]

You have a good voice for narrating non-fiction horror stories. I would think all the extra details would make them fancier.

[@lenasuh1006]

I like the flat laces!

[@Assorted12]

For those shoes the flat laces look great. With the knot tying, you can fix the rotation of the "bunny ears" knot by reversing the direction of the overhand knot used as the base for the knot. The bunny ears knot shown is a "granny knot" (improper square knot) using a bight in the lace for the second overhand knot portion. The second (under the loop) knot is modified square knot using a bight in the lace for the second overhand portion. A square knot will leave the working ends (loose ends) inline with standing ends (line coming from the laces).

[@kimberlyhughes4515]

I've been searching for this! Thank you. I do love the bar lacing! And...that's the way I was taught to knot my shoes😊

[@Dontever_throw_trash_out]

Really easy way and also explained clearly

[@paulgroseclose4430]

I've always used the knot you like. If you go twice around, it keeps the knot from coming undone. An old school teacher showed it to me. She called it a runners knot.

[@newera3757]

Tutorial starts at 2:34. In Poland everyone uses your preferred method. If you want to complicate this simple task a little more, you can use Berluti Knot Method.

[@darklanov]

I never thought that one day I would love shoes this much.

[@PlayafromtheHimalayas]

Same here. Researching how shoes are made, the materials, the craftsmanship, etc.

[@thangknowa3288]

Very nice color and shine on the right shoe. I tend to do the Parisian Knot on my dress shoes, one needs a good secure knot on dress shoes, you should not have to bend down and retie shoes while well suited. Never. Thanks for the video, well done!

[@TheElegantOxford]

Thanks for watching. I appreciate your comment

[@rolk70]

Thank you for this video. Very appreciated and very elegant looking on both pairs.

[@masterchief586]

I use both flat and round waxed laces. Love the dark toe shoes.

[@millennialdisposition]

I replaced the laces on my winter boots today since my previous ones were salt damaged. This video was still fresh in my mind so I laced them this way, and the new laces are flat so it looks awesome. The laces came as an extra with my work shoes, so I was scared they might not be long enough for my boots, but the opposite problem happened. They're too long and I've now got winter boots with a huge bow dangling over the bar lacing 😒

[@Rednebula89]

Love the flat laces and a great custom color.

[@lucsabourin4347]

Can you show a tutorial about when you odd holes ex 5 What 's the best way to deal with this problem?

I've been trawling the internet on the best way to tie laces for 3 holes and 5 holes - have come up with nothing.

[@kbeesmot9928]

Standard lacing and knot that I have been using for 45 years. On my walking shoes and trainers I do two bar to start and then crossover.

[@greghart6310]

The skew knot is basically a granny knot, the straight one is basically a reef knot which is stronger and more stable. Check out the Berlutti knot for a super neat knot that never unties or slips

[@Makale.Edwards]

You sir have made my prom 10x better and shown me another valuable skill every man should know 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@bru1015]

I like the two tone shoes. 😉 👍

[@garysmith3173]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@aarronher6369]

I personally prefer flat shoes lace, I replaced for all my Allen Edmonds shoes. Park avenue, fifth Avenue, strand, and McAllister. Loved Kirby Allison shoes lace and shoes cream polish. I tied my shoes knot same as you're and the berluti knot as well.

[@bchertel]

Excellent tutorial. Got me up and running with my first pair! Is one suppose to wax the laces that come with 5th aves?

[@ianmedium]

At last, a great way to tie a knot that’s secure and simple! Also, that’s my preferred straight lace way as it allows easy closure to assure good ft. I see so many variations which look great but which make it harder to adjust for fit or tie a lace. The berlutti is a particular one when it comes to tortuous ways of tying a shoe I find. For me lacing should be simple!

[@peonyfrills]

Try the Berluti knot. The knot itself lays really flat! Love your channel!

[@plumtiger1]

Check out Kirby's video on the Berlutti knot. It is also a "lay flat" knot. It takes a little more time to tie, but it has the security of a double knot, so you're only tying once for the day.

[@markp.9707]

I like your first pair the most!!! I have the same Strands as you in Walnut. I think of the 11 pairs of AE I own they are my favorite shoe. I have been trying to find a new pair to buy and would love another pair of Strands.

[@markp.9707]

Not rich at all! I have purchased all my pairs 2nd hand (EBay) and restored them thanks to Preston tutorials. I have sent a couple back to AE to be resoled as well. I would gladly send you one of my pairs if you would like. What is your shoe size? عمر بن حسين

[@tristan9189]

It's basically a square knot with loops. If you want your laces to go straight across when tied you need to cross your laces right over left, then left over right (or the exact opposite). If you don't do it this way you end up with the bow going diagonally, like with the bunny ear bow.

[@lsalibe]

Thanks a lot ,can you make another video about all different kind of leather and best way to clean and care for them for example waxed nubuck leather ,many thanks

[@davidlindsey436]

Flat waxed...best look for bar lacing...I like the narrow variety.

[@Prophecy23JC]

Do you go with the 29.5 or the 31.5 inch laces?

[@RaynellBJohnson]

Definitely will be using this method

[@effortlessly]

A very neat way to lace, thanks for posting. Also noticed your vintage Seiko! Looks like a 7548-7000, is it? A very cool watch from about 1978-1985

[@surfingmoose]

You can still use the bunny knot and have the laces lay horizontally and not come apart easily. If you start your lace right over left, then finish off with left over right. If you do right over left and then right over left again, you get the diagonal plus the lace will come apart because you did not finish the knot properly.

[@lokmanmerican6889]

Yes, I agree. That's what I've found out myself, too. The second knot shown can also end up lying diagonally depending on the order you've described. When that happens, it can come off more easily.

[@andrewguzman8072]

Would like to see you do a two color dye job or even just a shine pair of dress boots or Chelseas.

[@TrojanMars1]

Great video. Both are great type of laces. The burnished pair look best...why a second pair of the same color though?

[@Wildmutationblu]

I live n England and I've always tied my knots in your preferred method ever since I was a kid. I always do a double know though.

[@carmium]

Many of us were taught to tie by going under the "bunny ear" and then pulling it into the knot. This creates a "granny knot" that easy pulls apart. By going overhand, as you show, it may be slightly more difficult for kids' hands, but is worth learning as it makes a reef knot that is much stronger and very likely to fall apart on you.

[@carmium]

UNLIKELY! Stupid computer. UNlikeltyto fall apart.