Everyone's Been Tying Their Shoe Laces Wrong ● Forever !

[@lzh3131]

I took sailing lessons about 10 yrs. ago & the captain told me I was tying my shoes wrong (my deck shoes kept coming untied), it was more of a safety issue, going overboard… I wasn’t happy to find out I had been tying my shoes wrong for 40+ yrs., not to mention my daughters, grandkids, a niece & several nephews. I’m going to watch them to see if they figured out. If they’re still doing it wrong..I’ll share your video🤣. Thanks for sharing some more wisdom😊

[@87bloom]

You seem to have an adorable family. Bless you all and may you be always happy

[@Stupidityindex]

I remember my dad teaching me, I think. I am 65 & smack in the middle of the baby boom. How did we all learn to do it wrong?

[@ihsanoktay6791]

Deck shoes must be tie only once. Not every time you wear them as I know. With them it is hard to climb the mast. That is why the ancient sailors were barefoot on slippery deck. When contact to water, your sole becames like car wheel so you don't slip and you can climb the shroud easily.

[@gi0nbecell]

That might be because the technique in this „tip“ is one from nautical knots: It’s basically a reef knot on a double slip. And a reef knot is simply a double knot with the same end going over both times to form exact parallel rope ends.

[@Stupidityindex]

it is as if Dr. Spook instructed an entire generation. I'm 65 years old and just learning to tie my shoes correctly.

[@GaryT1952]

Oh well...there goes 70 years of muscle memory

[@duke1281]

Hahaha!... your comment caught me off guard.. and I made a sudden guttural outburst of joy, whilst giggling intensly like a school girl.. 😳🤣🤣🤣

[@feelingtardy]

i always double knot. never have any problems

[@cudgee7144]

🤣🤣🤣🥰🥰🥰

[@bradneubauer4694]

I have tried mine the way you recommended ever since I learned how to tie a square knot, but tomorrow morning I am going to try that cool leverage method.

[@TheAlabamaWildman]

Understood Captain !!

[@StarskyBuba]

It turns out I've been tying my shoelaces correctly all of my life!

[@dukepresentations5468]

ME TOO

[@IgneelS11]

and ppl always called me stupid for that D:

[@james.a]

Same. As a kid I learned the "bunny ears" method and when I got older I realized how cumbersome it was and learned this method. Been doing it ever since. Plan to teach it to my kids too when they're old enough to start tying their own shoes. 👍

[@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705]

Me three. Could never understand the bunny ears method. The second method is quite nice. I'll try it.

[@JBLOGDOG]

Me too 😊

[@joelshank3666]

It’s called a square knot. Pretty simple. My Mother taught me that nearly 70 years ago and I’ve never had the problem. Thanks Mom!

[@Antenox]

It's a decent enough knot. But now learn the Berluti knot. It's a double square knot that quadruples the friction so that it's even more secure against regular unraveling, but just as easy to pull apart manually

[@15X98]

Me too and furthermore… a salesperson at a Redwing store taught me to go around the loop twice. It really locks that knot in. Use it on my work boots every day.

[@markucla]

Moms taught me right too. Go mom.

[@CaptainFritz28]

Even as a sailor, using square knots often in rigging, I just never thought to tie my shoes like that. I don't know why.

[@timothylongmore7325]

I was studying knots a while back and this was brought to my attention. I checked and I'd accidentily been doing it right. I do an additional loop usually as well.

[@KevinCoop1]

Chris, I saw this video and found that I was indeed tying my shoes wrong. So, wanting to share the information, I tried with my left handed son. He said his shoes never come untied. So he showed me how he ties them. He still ties them counter clockwise around the loop like you showed that came loose. But being left handed, he does right over left to start, not left over right. And after trying it, his method works equally well! Best wishes, Kevin

[@armoricain]

I am left-handed too, and I've tied my shoe laces for 60 years since I was five years old the same way your son does it.

[@michaelst.9055]

I'm right-handed, and wondered why my shoes never got untied after seeing this video. Had to replay it three time to figure that I'm also doing the right side over and under instead of the left as being told in the video. Seems I had the luck to not stumble into a trap.

[@jonsutcliffe8508]

I'm right hand and tie my shoes this way. Couldn't even begin to do them the other way round

[@architennis]

Yup, left-hander here and I've always done it like your son does. I wonder if my left-handed mother taught me this...and what my right-handed siblings do!

[@bwalter]

Same here...I'm a lefty who in 50 years has never had a problem with my laces😊

[@wilecoyote5757]

Thanks!

[@chrisnotap]

Thanks for that!!

[@robbosomworth8450]

Hi Chris, The first know is called a Granny knot and is famous for its instability. The second know is the Square knot or Reef knot and is known for its stability and ease of undoing even after being under pressure. If you need an extra degree of security to ensure the knot does not come undone, pass the loop two times around, rather than one. It still comes undone with a pull but is that much more secure.

[@libbyd1001]

This ☝🏼 Was going to say the same thing

[@tomkenney5365]

This is called the turquoise turtle, or shoeman's knot. I've been using it since '97 or '98 and it's only failed me twice. All types of laces and footwear. I double the first overhand knot, though.

[@compunurse]

Oh, yes. This Boy Scout was going to mention the same thing.

[@markfisher7962]

A diagnostic: if the loops lie up and down, it's a granny. If the loops lie side to side, it's a reef knot.

[@tomkenney5365]

@Mark Fisher Correct, even about the "reef," I just use "square"

[@coyote.redfire]

I discovered this when I was 10 years old after learning the difference between the Granny Knot (the first method in the video) and the Square Knot (the second method). Been tying my shoes with Square Knots loops ever since, for the past 47 years and teaching other kiddos along the way 🤓

[@johnklekotka1028]

Yes, he could have explained that better. The first way he showed was essentially a granny knot.

[@DonBernhard]

Yes, I was about to add my own comment saying the same thing. Granny knot is not as secure as a square knot.

[@lloydreife3057]

Been wearing sneakers so long, my parents paid $5 dollars for my new PF Flyers. Anyway (in my 70s) the video finally taught me how to tie my laces tight enough as my left knee is arthritic , it seems to give me support. Thank you. Lloyd R.

[@chrisnotap]

Good old PF Flyer!!

[@lloydreife3057]

@@chrisnotap Their main competitor was BF Goodrich. Who can afford Converse at 9 bucks then?

[@terryhiker3436]

Yes, Thank you for posting this! Left,-Over / Clockwise bow tie. I figured this out at a very young age and have enjoyed secure footwear all my life, however many have not. Always place a figure eight knot at the ends of each lace to prevent un-threading. Time is well spent to experiment with different lacing schemes. Note that fewer lace cross-overs will allow the throat to open wider enabling much easier don and doff. This is difficult to imagine, but very enlightening if you try it. After achieving a desired pattern, lace up with the heaviest socks you are likely to wear, tie, figure-8 knot the ends, cut off excess lace length and cauterize the cut ends with a heat gun or bic lighter. Roll the hot melted ends between gloved fingers to reduce diameter so the ends will fit thru eyelets. Perfect fitting footwear is an asset to your daily safety and convenience. 01:07

[@MuddyDuck...]

Nice to hear that I have been tying my shoelaces correctly (Tip 1) for decades 😂 One (simple) ADDITIONAL TIP is to go around the bow TWICE for any footwear you use for strenuous activities. It only takes a second or two more, but since shown it by an athletics coach, I have NEVER had a shoe or bootlace come undone. With regards to Tip 2 - just be very careful how much you tighten across the front of the shoe, as this can be a very sensitive part of the foot…

[@janemiettinen5176]

Same! Completely accidental. And I use your tip with my skates and snowboarding boots, husband taught me eons ago - no slippage! Im not sure, but I believe he learned it from his years of hockey. How weird to find someone who does the same things on so random topic..

[@TheBaumcm]

I’ve always done it this way too, ever since being a runner. No one showed me, I just noticed it myself and kept it up.

[@cuebj]

Sorry. Just said similar before scrolling down. You beat me to it.

[@marks7445]

You can tell by the way the loops want to lay. If they are trying to lay in-line with the show, it is wrong basically a granny knot. If the loops lay across the show, it is correct and a square knot. Not sure what the correct name for the going around twice you mentioned. I have seen it referred to as a modified surgeon knot. Not only great for strenuous activity but works great on dress shoes that tend to frequently come untied. And as long as the loose end doesn't get inside a loop, it unties as easily as a normal knot. Unlike the old double-knot which can be a headache to untie.

[@MuddyDuck...]

@@marks7445 Thanks for the additional info Mark 👍

[@gordonmorrow]

If you start by crossing left over right and then make your bow the usual way, you achieve the same result: a square knot (which is secure) instead of the granny knot (which is not). I found this simple change easier to learn than relearning the bow motion, which is entrenched in decades of muscle memory.

[@gitmoholliday5764]

🥇 👍🤓 ( or the first half knot2 times round so the friction would stop the slippage )

[@HamishGarland]

When I realised that I was doing it wrong, I just started making two loops and finishing the second half of a reef knot with them. It's just as easy, and I already had the muscle memory for it.

[@goodcitizen7064]

I've always crossed left over right, then counter clockwise, so I never had any issues lol

[@curiousobserver5381]

I came to the same solution when I realized I was doing it wrong. And it took me only few weeks to adapt.

[@amjan]

Great point!!

[@AnthonyDibiaseIdeas]

There is an easier way. Simply switch the way you start your first knot. For example: If at first you tie left over right and your final bow is wrong, just tie right over left. Conversely, if first you tie right over left and your final bow comes out wrong, just tie left over right. This will eliminate the need to change the counter clockwise or clockwise muscle memory when completing the bow. Oops, I didn't see that DozerRoyale already said this.

[@cowboybob7093]

100% the way to do it. "over through, over through" keep track of the lace end that goes over, make the same lace end go over the second half of the operation too. You nailed it, particularly for the muscle memory crowd. Doing the exact same motion twice makes a granny. Instead, lace over start with one hand, then lace over finish with the other hand.

[@paultreneary]

That was my immediate thought too. Of course a 'double-knot' also works...

[@danceswithbadgers]

I didn't realise, but that's how I've been doing it for decades. I hold the bow in place with three fingers inside it, however, rather than try and maintain the tension by putting a finger on the knot.

[@secret_one]

Exactly what I have been doing for years. I have tried educating people to this method but they always revert back to the way they have been doing. Most don't even see they have tied it wrong in the first instance stating they tied it exactly as shown. Does not matter how many times I show them they always revert to what they know. There loss with loose laces and shoes.

[@Mike__B]

That first move is still "muscle memory", it is awkward to go right over left if you've been doing it left over right for your whole life.

[@JayanandSupali]

I have been quite harrowed by the laces undoing themselves when I went on a walk or a run. Usually I would have to tie them up again, twice or thrice. But then I watched your view and i thank youtube algorithms for getting it to me. I tied it up as you directed in the 1st half and voila, the lace never undid itself on my walk today. Furthermore, the tightness of the shoe on my feet was constant, thru out. This one simple chage has definitely benifited immensely. Thank you for sharing and demonstrating it so well. Now, to unlearn the wrong habbit and make this new one a habbit. As they say, learning never stops. 😄

[@bumroongv2797]

Life-saving tip for me. Both knot and extra shoe holes. Great and many thanks!!!

[@flakman1]

I was told this by my wife's uncle a long time ago. It was easier for me to do my first knot reversed instead of the bow. It took a little while to get used to it, but now it's second nature. Works like a charm.

[@YellowMilk14]

Great tip! going to give a try, I usually did a double lace and it worked well enough as well

[@vasek987]

Thats exactly what I was thinking at first moment he started doing funky stuff 😁

[@viperphlyer4708]

When I was five or so, my brother came home from Navy bootcamp and, having been taught knots, taught me to tie my shoes using the square knot you illustrate. I frankly haven't know that anyone tied shoes any other way!

[@huwhumphreys2998]

Haha yeah its called a reef knot, mind-blowing that the need for this video exists - I've also never seen or heard of anyone being taught to tie their shoe laces differently!

[@jjflash1645]

THANK YOU. It’s nice to know that you can learn something new at 78. I no longer have to double knot my shoe laces. You Rock.

[@JohnDoe-ip3oq]

This is a trick video, he tightened the first method wrong on purpose. If you tighten it the same way, it will loosen. So while technically correct, you can use the original method and not loosen if done correctly. I can't really explain without a video, but I use the original method and tighten differently, which is muscle memory and I don't know the mechanics, but I can tell he does it wrong, which means it doesn't work. The loops are reversed, wrong direction.

[@jjflash1645]

@@JohnDoe-ip3oq You’re talking out of your rectal cavity. I’ve been using his method ever since I saw this video and it definitely works for me. I give it an 11 out of 10.

[@johnbastille5483]

Oh! Thank Goodness! Contrary to your title, Chris, I find I've been tying my shoes correctly these 74 years (Well, minus a few in the beginning.)!

[@danquigg8311]

I have ALWAYS tied my shoe laces this way!! I tie with my right hand though. I was told ages & AGES ago that your 'wrong' method ties a 'backward' bow knot. Thanks for posting.

[@tomreingold4024]

I discovered this, too. Rather than change the direction of the second part of the knot, I changed the initial half-knot. Normally cross left over right, so when I start, I do right over left. It requires less dexterity, and it doesn’t go against the muscle memory as hard.

[@oldbridgemaker2094]

This!

[@Hostyl176]

I was coming to add this!

[@distantstate]

This is the best way, as it’s simple to do and you don’t need to relearn the muscle memory from years of tying the bow.

[@jorees]

@@tomreingold4024 I've always done right over left being right handed it seems natural 🙂

[@joeybagodonuts6683]

That was interesting. I've never had any trouble with shoelace knots coming loose personally, and I just tie the regular way, then add the 'ol double knot to take up the slack and lock it down. But I'm not doing a ton of hiking or anything either... I'm always up for learning something new! They both look like good ideas.

[@garrettgobrien]

The issue with the double knot is that it is more difficult to untie and more prone to knots. This technique, and going around twice instead of once for the 2nd part makes the knot strong, but can be undone the same way.

[@AlexEssex8]

If you direct the lace around the loop counter clockwise (which is easier for right handed people), I was taught (in England where I grew up) that you MUST start off with the left hand lace UNDERNEATH and “AHEAD OF” the right hand lace. I’ve always done it this way and my laces NEVER come undone even when pulling hard on the laces near to the eyelets as you did. So, to summarise, direction of the loop is dependent on whether you are left or right handed so if you loop counter clockwise, you MUST initially start with the left hand lace underneath the right hand lace. Simple really!

[@procompsys]

Glad to see we've been learning and teaching how to tie shoelaces the correct way in the first place over here for decades. At its core it's just a double-slipped reef-knot/square-knot. BTW: Take a look at "Ian's fast shoelace knot" and "Ian's secure shoelace knot"... might find it to be an enlightenment.

[@OnTheRiver66]

For years I’ve added a second knot with the bow to make it almost impossible to loosen, but with this simple method I don’t have to! Thank you! Usually UT videos that say you have been doing something wrong don’t offer any good advice, but this one really does!

[@thisisnotajoke]

I've seen something similar a few years ago in some ultra-short ted talk. however, I really struggled with unlearning decades of muscle memory when tying the bow. Until I figured out that the correct way to tie your shoes is a combination of the knot and the bow -> simply reversing the knot and keeping the bow the same as I've learned it as a kid, leads to the same result. (and was much easier for me to learn)

[@yes11889]

Bro this literally makes no difference unless you do that mega knot he showed second your telling me your muscle memory is so bad you can't just tie it clockwise or counter clockwise that's like saying you can't turn left or right

[@thisisnotajoke]

@@yes11889 your nickname is at least as awesome as mine, so I'm pretty sure you can figure this out, give it a try!

[@MeFreeBee]

I agree - I think it is MUCH easier to reverse the initial left-over-right/right-over-left bit than relearn how to tie the bow.

[@robertedwards1240]

FWIW, the change in loop direction is changing a granny knot into a square knot. That's why it holds better. I discovered this independently, and rather than changing the direction of the second step (the bow) I found it easier to train myself to reverse the direction of the first step. An added benefit is that with a granny knot the bows lie crooked, at at angle to your foot, but with a square knot the bows lie 90° and look better. If you make two turns at each step, it changes the square knot to a surgeons knot and these really will not come undone accidentally, but still can be untied normally just by pulling the tail end of the bows.

[@valerialucerozegarraurriol5123]

@@robertedwards1240 can you please show it in a video??

[@Dr_Footbrake]

@@robertedwards1240 I reckon I’ve been tying square knots the whole time by accident lol

[@glauroo.junior83]

I was a boy scout when I was 12 years old. The first knot we learn to tie is the square knot; the one you have showed is the square knot with two bows and that's what I do to tie my shoe laces since then.

[@Rovarin]

and the one that came loose was a granny knot with two bows. Also there was a viral TED talk around 10 or so years ago about the proper way to tie a shoelace.

[@WOLVERINE95899]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you, Sir ! I will definitely pass this along to others.

[@Phenn5589]

I turned 74 this month, and just learnt how to tie my shoelaces. Thanks! (Where were you 70 years ago when i needed you😂)

[@franklinstower6721]

Amazing! I can't believe how simple that is and how much of a difference it makes.. I always double-knot my boots to avoid them loosening

[@zyphane]

Better option than the ol' double knot: when you do the wrap around the first loop, do it twice, then give a hard pull on both loops to snug up the knot. The second wrap increases the friction so it won't loosen and come untied, but remains a "slipped" knot so you can still pull on the ends to untie it. Definitely beats wrestling with a double knot that got too tight.

[@johnhunter1262]

It's called a reef knot. Something every boy scout learnt. However, I often wondered what those holes were for. Good tip. Cheers John.

[@chrisnotap]

Glad it was helpful!

[@novedekne]

I used to work in footwear and loved teaching customers this lesson. The real lesson is that we take a lot of skills for granted, and the things we learn growing up aren’t always the most optimized. Learning how to perform/optimize basic tasks can change (and maybe even save) your life.

[@RevElderKnight]

My entire family, community and I have always tied our laces that way. It's good you're showing people that use Velcro or buckels.

[@grignaak9292]

Great video and explanation. I'm definitely going to try out that cinching technique you showed at the end. You should look up Ian Fieggen's shoelace knots. It talks about this granny knot (and celebrity sightings of it), but also a faster way to tie this knot and a stronger version of this knot ... like a double knot but easy to untie. What you showed was the way I learned to tie my shoes as a kid (so many memories of re-tying my shoes) but I've been using Ian's secure shoelace knot for about 15 years and have never had it come undone. Not once.

[@matthewclina4162]

Thanks for this, it really does help. A somewhat easier variant is to change the way you do the initial crossover underneath, rather than re-learn the top bow part, if that makes any sense. It’s easier to cross that part the opposite way than to tie the bow the opposite way, but both accomplish the same result.

[@bennyblanko3]

Yeah, that was easier for me to change too. It basically switches the knot from a grandma knot to a square knot. The double around makes it extra sturdy. But, you can't untie it as easy.

[@dannylinders6157]

I figured this out too. There was even a guy who did a TED talk on it and he probably didn't realize that it depends on the initial cross over and not just going the opposite direction so he could have made some of the people do it the wrong way by telling them to loop it the opposite way.

[@welcomb]

@@dannylinders6157 it also depends which side you make the loop with too. Just remember A over B, B over A.

[@radicant7283]

Yeah it's just a square knot with loops

[@marlons1]

Figured this way out when I was a kid I've been a change the direction of the initial knot evangelist ever since.

[@thomasphipps1974]

Several people have mentioned that it is easier on muscle memory, to just reverse the first cross over, then you can still use your decades of ingrained muscle memory to finish the bow. I actually blame my mother for teaching me incorrectly in the first place! LOL 🙂

[@kenwittlief255]

I remember when my mom taught me how to tie my own shoes it was the day before I started Kindergarten, we were at my cousins house, I was 4 and yes, she taught me the granny knot, because thats how her mom taught her

[@conradleonard]

This is the official Stack Overflow accepted answer!

[@tracybowling1156]

What would we do without you Mr. Chris? I have such a respect for you. You always help us in ways that surprise and delight me.

[@chrisnotap]

What a great compliment!! Thanks for that!

[@tracybowling1156]

@@chrisnotap You're welcome! ☺️

[@d1gardner]

A runner at a shoe store showed me how to take advantage of the extra holes like you showed which I have done ever since....great tip. My main benefit is it helped reduce and sometimes eliminate the problem I have with narrow heels which makes many shoes slip and sometimes cause blisters. It helps tighten the way the shoe fits. The other benefit is how quickly I can loosen and tighten the laces. As for the knot tying method, it does not eliminate the possibility of one lace getting caught and pulling loose the knot,. For decades, I have double knotted athletic shoe laces and have never had a knot come loose.....no need to switch and definitely more secure.

[@shay5025]

I saw this on a TED talk a couple years ago and it changed my life!

[@kenwintin3014]

Been tying my laces this way (except for the extra hole shoes) since I was 5 years old (74 years ago). The method for extra hole shoes is the same as the "ladder lace" used by paratroopers in the 60's, except that all holes were done that way. When the foot is pointed down the laces tighten. When the foot is in normal position they loosened enough to be comfortable. You seem to have opened a can of worms, which is good.

[@DiscoFang]

... which is good ... for the YT algorithm. I think it's called title clickbait trolling.

[@Platypi007]

A good way to realize you've tied them incorrectly is how the bow part sits. If it naturally turns 90 degrees from the lace direction then you've done it wrong. Go back and reverse either the first or second step and you'll be good. I didn't know this until I was in my 30s, and my mom had no idea until I told her (her shoes always came untied).

[@thermonuclearwarhead]

Yep. I thought this was common knowledge honestly, but thinking back no one ever taught me. I just noticed myself how they always came loose if I tied them so the knot was 90 degrees to the laces so I corrected myself.

[@yes11889]

90 degrees what now? That just sounds confusing just double know them

[@Platypi007]

@@yes11889 A double knot is a lot harder to undo, especially if it gets wet, and involves an extra step to tie. A proper square knot holds incredibly well, doesn't loosen, sand is easily undone by pulling one or both ends. The only difference in the square knot and granny knot is the direction of one of the steps. It doesn't matter which way you cross first as long as the second time is the other way around.

[@flying-ship]

Yes I remember thinking as a little kid the "butterfly" has to sit straight or it's done wrong.

[@noelchignell1048]

Yes, if it's at right angles you've tied a granny knot bow, if it's parallel to the laces you've tied a reef knot bow, and changing the initial overhand knot is easier to fix than relearning the secondary slip knot

[@sheltermutts4185]

Thanks! My running shoes are always coming untied on my treadmill. This is a huge safety hazard and this solves it nicely. They feel so much better too!

[@mastaloui]

I've been trying this for the past week and this works great ! Thank you so much for making this video. My laces would get undone at least twice a day but for the past week they haven't come undone at all. Thanks !

[@chrisnotap]

You're so welcome!

[@Fred-zc8lt]

I came to learn something new. I appreciate that I was already doing it correctly. Thank you cousin Amber.

[@drwisdom1]

There was a sports shoe store chain called "Just for Feet" that went out of business over two decades ago. But before they did I was in one of the stores and I asked the shoe salesman what were the extra holes on top for. He showed me the second lacing technique so for the last 23 years I have used it but I never tie the laces. The small loops maintain enough pressure to hold the laces and they are short enough that they don't drag.

[@bermchasin]

can you explain? how do you knot tie the laces?

[@drwisdom1]

@@bermchasin You don't. The laces pass under the small loop made by using the extra top hole. The pressure of the small loop combined with friction of the laces is enough to keep it from loosening. Do like at the 2:00 in this video and just pull the laces and let them hang. Since the early 1990s I have been wearing Saucony Shadow Originals and they use flat shoe laces, not round ones like in this video.

[@Vormulac1]

This is how I was taught to tie my laces anyway, can't imagine doing it the other way!

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

I have always done the first in functionally a square knot, but as usual, your second tip is genius! Thank you.

[@chrisnotap]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markfrankel9345]

The second knot was the square knot. That is the one that holds.

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

@@markfrankel9345 I understand; I meant to say the first tip.

[@griffinsmithish]

Excellent! Well done. I would add, in order to give the ankle enough latitude to rotate without being too constricted, after snugging the laces down but before tying the bow, pull your toes up toward you and rotate the foot. Keep the toes pulled toward you as you tighten and tie the bow. This should keep everything snug along the top of the foot and allow the ankle to rotate comfortably as it was designed to do once you're moving. Another thing I like to do with my laces is I tie a knot at each end by the aglet. This keeps the laces from coming out of the eyelet when you're untying in a hurry and if the laces are a little on the short side this allows you to pull the bows to their maximum size without the ends pulling through and undoing everything or leaving you with a knot. I worked in a children's shoestore years ago and these were tips we included when teaching kids how to tie their shoes.

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Merci beaucoup. I've been teaching the loop to my patients since last century when I learned about it. I hadn't thought of the clockwise direction, but I've been doing it that was forever. I also use a cuboid correction to stabilize the foot in the shoe for people with chronic ankle sprains, but since it strengthens the lateral muscle chain, it is good for many other conditions.

[@think7299]

This man is a God, we must make him our leader immediately.

[@jakollee]

Wow, this really works! It feels awkward to do, but really keeps the laces tight. I can’t wait to do this next time I lace up my hiking boots for a hike!

[@bobnat2]

I went hiking today....it works.

[@twinwankel]

Chris, I appreciate this video but I don't get the same experience tying my shoe laces that you do. I make the loop with my left hand so I do what you suggest anyway but I tried looping in the other direction too. Neither way came loose. I think it maybe that you didn't pull hard enough to secure the knot. Anyway thanks for the video.

[@Lt.Valeria]

OMG this is the type of laces and method that I’m looking for. You make my day ❤ Thank you very much

[@rwasley6377]

Awesome video. You can also ladder lace the entire shoe if you got the time that will go nowhere as well. My dad showed me how you take your first knot, and go over it 3 times then tie your bow. When you do this it's almost like a friction knot and won't allow your laces to slip

[@TJ-jx6dx]

This is an absolute amazing video! Thanks for teaching this 30 year old man how to tie his shoes!

[@chrisnotap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pteddie6965]

Great tip, Chris. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@brettdrought6181]

My father taught me to tie my shoes using the square knot you demonstrated when I was first tying my own shoes. I always wondered why other peoples shoes came untied all the time and mine did not. It was shortly before my father died about 35 years ago that in our discussion he described how he taught a coworker to tie his shoes with a square knot and that is when the light bulb went off in my head. Most everyone else was tying their shoes wrong.

[@ppheanix]

Thnx, I'm in my late 60s and I worked out your correct method in my 20s as they for a reef knot that does not slip !

[@nct948]

clever you! thanks. I am used to double knot the shoelaces to keep them tight but I shall practice your method. Thanks for the handy tip.

[@dawngrey259]

I’ve always gone clockwise, but my laces would still come loose from time-to-time until a friend showed me one additional step to your tying technique. When wrapping around the loop clockwise, wrap twice making the second wrap go under the index fingertip. Since I have been doing that no more loose ties. Give it a try!

[@troy3456789]

To tell if you tied it wrong; the bow will naturally go perpendicular to the lace on your shoe when you muss it around. If you did it right, the bow will lay parallel with your top laces. The bow should not be going up and down your shoe. It should lay naturally sideways across your shoe

[@yaykruser]

I always make an extra knot from the 2 loops, works fine 4me.

[@BadDadio]

I loop with my left hand and wrap clockwise and never had a problem. I like the second tip; the last hole never seemed to work correctly when stringing the laces.

[@Nonunusmultorum]

As a lefty, I've always wrapped clockwise, but I start with the opposite of everything else relative to you.

[@DropXplode]

Same

[@paulsmith9341]

Me too. Leftys rule!

[@tracybowling1156]

I knew it!

[@stonkeng]

Me to, always done it this way, and the "double bow". BTW, God made some of us perfect, the rest are right handed.

[@DropXplode]

@@stonkeng yup lol

[@Keovar]

I form two loops first, and square-knot them. It’s hard to see exactly, but I think it results in the same configuration as your method. Doing a ‘granny knot’ instead is a common mistake because repeating the same process twice is more intuitive than reversing the direction for the second half.

[@rugershooter5268]

That is what I tried to explain how my sis n law tied her shoes......she couldn't understand my way, and I couldn't handle 2 loops, but she was quick at it

[@ericl2969]

Yes, doing the second half of the process as an overhand knot using two loops (no visualization of "flag poles" and "rabbit holes") is a very intuitive method, in terms of making it clear that this is really just a plain old square knot when done correctly. Of course, most people don't even understand what a square knot is to begin with, and they still won't know after learning to tie their shoes properly, so this video is probably a good way to get through to them.

[@ceciliepedersen7402]

I have done this for many many years! It’s a game changer!

[@jc-pj3nh]

Awesome, I must retie my shoes a zillion times a day because they loosen up. Drives me nuts. Thanks for showing an old guy something new!!!!!!

[@nnamerz]

BONUS TIP: There are times when I REALLY don't want my laces to come undone (for example, on a long hike when one of the laces' loose ends gets snagged on something). To overcome this, I tie my laces just as you demonstrated, but then I take the 2 ears (loops) and tie a simple overhand knot with them. Now a simple tug on one of the loose ends won't undo my laces so easily. Instead, the undo the laces, you really need to give it good tug on one of the loose ends.

[@bokkenka]

Rather than tie the two loops, go around the first loop twice.

[@duke1281]

I can't help but feel like that could inadvertently becoming a sort of trip Hazzard... like, if I were hiking accidentally caught one of my lace loops on a dessert plant of sorts, I would want it to come undone to a point... so as to not make me fall...

[@nnamerz]

@@duke1281 The laces should still come undone way before you fall....it just won't come undone with a simple light tug.

[@PurpleObscuration]

@@nnamerz, Sounds interesting, could you please make a yt clip

[@davidmorgan6896]

That's what I do. I used to use a more complicated technique, popularized by a lacing expert - if you can believe such a person exists - which is supposed to give more control over where the pressure is felt. I don't tend to do twenty-five mile hikes anymore so I went back to the simple double-knot.

[@gothicchocobo]

The problem you are having with your first bow/knot is that you are pulling the loops to the wrong sides. If you start with a loop on the right hand side (like you did), once you've wrapped around it and made the second loop, you need to pull it to the left hand side. When you do this it makes the bow symetrical and it holds tighter.

[@cday7582]

Here’s and easy peasy trick I learned in elementary school: after you tie the initial bow, take the loops and do a half-hitch - otherwise known as a double knot. Works 100% and no chance of your shoes becoming undone. Plus, it doesn’t really matter which way you tie the original bow. Muscle memory plus one additional step = perfectly tied shoes all day long.

[@alanredacted]

Makes untying difficult though.

[@kadmow]

@@alanredacted - lol just tug one of the bows, the half hitch unlays simply..

[@battyb4867]

@@kadmow Yes , my grandmother taught me that about 60 years ago and of course it works and I still do it that way.

[@thetessellater9163]

@@alanredacted - not difficult, just requiring a little effort ! Handy if the bow is too long.

[@mvanandre]

Amazing. For 70+ yrs I've been screwing this up. Great explanation and vid!

[@joekekoa9851]

Thank you sir for the instructions. Very simple and yet not many know the proper ways. But I gotta say, the end had me laughing! Thank you for the humor as well as good instructions!

[@P.T.S.E.]

I'm right handed, so I was taught to hold the bow with my left hand and make the knot with my right hand. So I was tying the second knot naturally from the beginning. I think the first method presented would effect left handed people more, as it is more natural to use your dominant hand to tie the knot.

[@TheLango77]

Same here. I make the bow with the lace of the left using the left hand and go clockwise over it with the right lace/hand. That's pretty much how I learned it almost 50 years and never gave it a second thought until I saw this video. I don't know if video's producer is right- or left-handed. But, he is making the bow with the lace on the right and holding it with his left hand. I guess everyone learns differently, but I can't say I ever started with the bow on the right.

[@drwisniewski]

I *think* if you're left-handed, you would change from clock-wise to counter clock-wise. Just make the wrap on the loop over the top rather than underneath. Another thing that works perfectly non-slip is to wrap around the loop twice. New subscriber - great content!

[@rogercrier9115]

To get your bows to not come loose, you can reverse the way you tie the loops as in your example OR, you can reverse the way you tie the initial knot instead! Either works as what it is doing is generating a square knot instead of a granny knot. You could also use Ian’s secure knot which is still a bow but neater, based on a surgeons knot, or you could go the full nine yards and use a Berluti knot which was invented by an aristocratic Italian family I think!

[@everettjacobson6168]

This. I’ve been tying with the ‘square knot’ method since I was a boy, but the Berluti is truly the perfect knot for shoelaces. Once you’ve tied it a few times it becomes automatic. It only comes untied when you decide and that’s with the same simple pull of the lace ends.

[@slowbluesmaster]

Thanks for illuminating me! I've been tying my shoelaces with an extra knot on top to prevent it from loosening for 6 decades. Now I have to relearn by using your method instead.

[@ozziejim8472]

Great tip. May I add , I do a double over hand at the start, this helps keep the tension before you do the bow.

[@kubhlaikhan2015]

There are about 20 different ways to tie shoe laces and many of them have extremely useful purposes. You can make short laces longer, long laces shorter, the lacing permanent and inflexible (if you want to wear them slip-on style) or easy to open and close. Different lacings can also adjust the shoe to your foot, relieving pressure, bunions, blisters etc etc. Why these simple things aren't taught to everyone at school I will never understand. Oh yes, plenty of cool decorative designs too that can really give a lift to a boring shoe.

[@ricos1497]

That sounds interesting. Are there any resources you'd recommend for shoelace options?

[@hellfire66683]

If you can make short things longer then my friend you'll become the world's first multi-trillionaire

[@ricos1497]

@@hellfire66683 I wouldn't fancy tying a knot in some things just to make them longer.

[@kubhlaikhan2015]

@@hellfire66683 The weave uses more or less of the length, leaving the free ends longer or shorter. Just for starters search for 31-cool-ways-to-lace-shoes-creatively (article on ideas4diy).

[@tavelkyosoba]

Parents after schools teach kids lacing techniques: "I can't believe they're wasting time on this garbage"

[@LS-uv9gg]

Ahroo? "Everyone"? Are you left handed? Who on earth would ever go counter clockwise doing a bow knot?

[@jayhill2193]

I think the reason this works is the same why there's a right and a wrong way to make a double knot. Alternatively, you can take the two bows and make a knot from them again and it'll stay tied forever.

[@LumiLunar]

It was hard for me to even learn how to tie my shoes the wrong way when I was young. I spent 10 minutes just memorizing how this is done. Hard to unlearn what took me so long to learn. Thank you. My shoes feel snug without being over tightened.

[@wteverisgud]

I use a swedish knot and works great for me. This is a good thing to know though because the other method sucked. Turns out i was tying that knot wrong. Thanks for this.

[@oraghallaigh4421]

This is great! Especially that leverage system. Though this video made me realize something: I've never tied my laces with just one bow. I've always made 2 bows, and then wrapped them around and through each other twice (double knotting). They would never come undone that way unless the laces were too short like on some dress shoes. I'll try this method next time I go for a long walk!

[@nathanjamesbaker]

I have always used the two-bow method as well, my entire life. I never realized there was another way to tie shoes. Never even thought about it.

[@thisisscotts]

I'm in the same boat - always did the double knot. Never knew about these wrap around methods, but the double knot seems to hold steady, so I'll stick with it :)

[@enkhboldmunkhbold8934]

The superior knot tbh xD

[@CazTanto]

For those who don't want to retrain muscle memory of a lifetime and like tucking their laces in: I've found quite recently that once tied - while I'm still holding all the ends - if I swap the loops to be paired with the opposite tails then tuck my laces they stay tight.

[@Tango_November]

Another simple trick: go over the laces TWICE instead of only once. This helps keep them together tremendously with little effort and similar muscle memory.

[@ernestreid9296]

just like on COOK'S COUNTRY when they tie a roast.

[@minnesotasteve]

I came here looking to see if someone gave that tip. I learned this years ago from a Nebraska farm girl.

[@svaid29]

Amazing tip Chris. Thanks.🙏 Love from India.

[@hairlesscactus]

Thanks for this tip!! Been lacing my shoes wrong my whole life. Really works!

[@CarbageMan]

I learned that myself about ten years ago by changing the direction of the overhand knot instead of the bow. Incidentally, I learned what the top loop was for about five years ago, and I've been doing that, too.

[@timgarland8619]

Essentially, it is the bow version of a square knot versus the bow version of a granny knot. (Uh... I suppose that last name should be "mature matriarch knot".)

[@Bohemian-Nilda]

This is really helpful to me bc my shoelaces are always coming loose, no matter how tightly I make them. So thank you so much for this help! ❤ ***BTW, most right-handed people would have to go counter clockwise though, bc we have a tendency to make the first loop with our left hand, not with the right, unless this video showed a mirror image of the process.

[@thobbs102670]

I dunno, I am a rightie and I have always done the square knot and use my right hand for the loop. I guess it is just how you learn...

[@edwardm9788]

One is never to old to learn i have been doing it wrong for the past 8 decades 😂, and will save me doing a double knot. Thanks mate.

[@throwingitoutthere]

The algorithm worked in your favour. I’m not sure why I was linked to you vid, but watched. I’m left handed , so have been doing it your way for my life. The loop method is perfect for tying skates! Thanks for the vid

[@arturjaroszewicz8424]

Instead of reversing directionality for going around the loop (it can be awkward for some people), you can also reverse the order of the base knot, so do right over left. I find it easier.

[@jasonjackson5696]

My mom taught me this 50+ years ago😊

[@martinw4261]

Square Knot vs Granny Knot.

[@AhayahsDaughter]

My my hands don’t tie in that direction but what I did learn in order to do it correctly is whichever string is on the bottom pointing down. That’s the one you loop and then you take the other one and wrap it around and pull. It makes a nice bowtie. So whichever way you tie your shoe lace, whatever string is pointing towards your toe, that’s the one you loop and the one on the top that’s pointing towards your ankle that’s the one you loop around and pull through. Hope that helps for the lefties. It also helps to make a very nice bowtie. If you’re trying on a dress or a hair bow or a present. Learning that years ago was phenomenal. Glad you found out how to do it.

[@kevinhenderson9488]

I’m left-handed and been doing everything backwards most of my life so tying counterclockwise is natural. Win!

[@seattlegrrlie]

"Everyone" hasn't been doing it wrong. It's just you.

[@billybobobenner]

You pronounced Anti-Clockwise wrong.

[@chrisnotap]

In the video I said "counter clockwise". Both "anti-clockwise" and counter-clockwise" mean the same thing.

[@billybobobenner]

@@chrisnotap I know. I was being facetious, though not maliciously. I enjoyed your video. Thanks. 👍

[@WJV9]

I have always wrapped around the loop in a CW direction. When playing basketball I also added another step, I took the 2 loops and tied them with an overhand knot, that adds another level of protection to keep loops from working loose.

[@migmagingenieria]

Looks super cool and makes sense... will try it right away and get back to you. Thanks a lot for sharing!!!

[@qazmko22]

great video! I did know about this through the running community. Still fun video😊