5 creative ideas for tying shoelaces

Be creative and pay attention to details

Standard shoelace tying, although very functional, may look a bit banal and unoriginal. If you want to express your individual character and diversify the styles you wear, take care of the details and give your laces a phenomenal look.

For this purpose, you can replace the laces with colorful models or combine two shades. It is equally fashionable to replace classic laces with a satin ribbon, which will give the shoes a more elegant accent. However, if you do not want to replace the laces with new ones, just tie them in an unconventional way.

In our guide you will find some proven ideas for creative lacing. All you need is your favorite pair of shoes, laces in your preferred color and some free time. Let's do it!

#1 Checkered binding

Prepare your favorite pair of classic sneakers and a shoelace, which you will evenly pass through the lower eyelets. Then leave two stitches free and weave the shoelace through. Immediately pass the same lace through the remaining eyelets. Repeat this action on the other side and the effective grid is ready!

#2 Tying with a loop

Are the laces on your favorite shoes too long? We have a great way to do this, which doesn't require buying shorter shoelaces. 

Thread the laces evenly through the lower eyelets and then cross them together to form a loop. Weave them through the next stitches again and make another cross. Repeat this process until the last stitches, obtaining a nice loop tie.

#3 Double X

This intriguing bondage does not require much free time. It practically works in the same way as traditional lacing. However, to obtain a double X, it is necessary to skip a few stitches. 

Start by weaving the shoelace evenly through the lower eyelets. Leave two stitches free and pass the shoelace through as with a standard lacing. Repeat this action on the other side. Then weave the laces through the eyelets located on the floor below, so that the ends of the laces are on the outside of the shoe. Weave them through the upper stitches, leaving a single space.  

Double X is great when you have shorter laces on hand or want to give your feet a little more space in the shoe.

#4 Ladder

It's time for an original binding, which will be perfect if you need a strong fit around the ankle, e.g. in hiking shoes.

First, thread the laces evenly through the lower eyelets. Then point the laces vertically upwards and thread them through the next eyelets. Cross them together and thread them under the opposite shoelace. Repeat this process to the very top, obtaining a unique end result. 

There is also a much less complicated ladder variation that you will get by starting the same way. Thread the laces evenly through the lower eyelets. From the inside of the shoe, direct the left lace vertically to thread it through the higher eyelet. On the other side, do the same step, leaving one stitch empty. Repeat this step until you get parallel lines.

You can quickly create a binding that will work well with shorter laces for enthusiasts of loose, comfortable shoes.

#5 Zyzgak

To create a decorative zigzag, start by threading the shoelace evenly through the bottom eyelets. Then direct the left lace vertically to the next eyelet on the inside of the shoe. Thread the right shoelace under it, then thread it through the next eyelet and again - vertically, on the inside of the shoe, through it to the next one. Repeat this process until you have a zigzag pattern along the entire tongue of the shoe.

Hide the bow

If you want to get an even more original effect, choose a hidden bow. You can tie it under the tongue or make knots at the ends of the laces and then insert them loosely inside the shoe. Another proven method is to pull the lace vertically from the top hole through two subsequent eyelets, leaving it hidden on the inside of the shoe.

How to secure the ends of your own shortened laces?

If for some reason you decided to shorten the laces yourself, it is worth ensuring that their ends are properly protected. This way, interweaving them through subsequent stitches will not cause them to separate, and you will avoid a sloppy end result.

One of the basic ways to repair aglets is to tie a knot in the end of the shoelace. However, this solution will not work with thicker laces, the interlacing of which will be very difficult or even impossible. In this situation, you can wrap the duct tape around the end of the shoelace twice. For extra security, apply a dab of quick-drying glue to the top.