Professor Shoelace: Why shoelaces come undone

Explains the "Granny Knot", the most common reason for people's shoelaces coming undone, and gives the simple solution. If you suffer from shoelaces that won't stay tied, this could be the answer! Every parent and kindergarten teacher needs to learn this, so spread the word.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• ian
• professor
• shoelace
• shoelaces
• shoes
• shoe
• laces
• granny
• knot
• knots
• tie
• tying
• bow
• bows
• crooked
• undone
• untied
• kindergarten

[4meeks]

I just learned that my kindergarten teacher taught me wrong. I've been tying and retying my shoes wrong for 53 years. Never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.

[panserbj0rn]

Wow, I have checked the way I ties my shoes and it turns out I have been using the granny knot my entire life. Thank you so much, Professor shoelace! I will spread the word!

[lin2k4]

Teaching this in kindergarten will save $100 billion a year in lost productivity

[eegphalanges]

This would be better with the angle from the tie-er's perspective, from above the shoe rather than from the front.

[ElliesSuperStudio]

this ALWAYS happens to me at school! especially at volleyball. during practice, i would have to stop and tie it again!!! SO annoying!!! very helpful! thanks for sharing!!!

[MsZathras]

Very interesting. Never knew why my laces came undone sometimes. I'll try this solution.

Thanks.

One solution that has worked for me is something my mum did when I was young - she called it double knotting. Once you've got the bow - just tie the loops together again. This technique doesn't always work - I'd say it works about 99% of the time. Won't work very well if laces are too thick or too short.

[senore01]

Great. Thank you.

[Michouu01]

YEAY!!! never undone shoelaces again!!!!!! ^_^

[D1Ramdomdude]

Thank you! I didn't know why my knot was always croocked until now. (=

[danielali]

Thank you!