Boat Shoes: To Tie Or Not To Tie?

Boat shoes are a type of footwear specialised for use on boats, where they help to prevent falls due to slippery surfaces. They are typically made of leather or canvas, which makes them water-resistant, and have rubber soles with patterns that provide good traction. While boat shoes are known to be difficult to tie, there are several specific ways to do so, including the barrel knot, tassel knot, chain knot, surgeon's knot, and fishtail. These knots are designed to keep the laces securely in place, ensuring the shoes provide a tight fit for the wearer.

The Barrel Knot

• Fold the lace over itself, making a loop.
• Twist the loop.
• Wrap the remaining lace around the loop. It is recommended to wrap it 5 times around the loop.
• Thread the end of the lace through the end of the loop and pull the end of the lace while pushing the knot to tighten.
• Trim any excess lace.

The Tassel Knot

• Cross the laces, left over right, and then right over left to make a square knot.
• Take the left lace and form a loop of about 1 inch in length by folding it over itself.
• Keep the base of the loop between the thumb and index finger of one hand.
• With your other hand, wrap the remaining part of the lace tightly around the loop three times.
• Put the end of the lace into the loop and pull it tight.
• Repeat the same steps with the right lace.
• Trim any excess lace if needed.

The Chain Knot

The chain boat shoe knot is inspired by a sailing knot of the same name that is used to decorate or shorten a rope. To untie this knot, simply tug hard on each of the ends of the chain. Here is how to tie it:

• Make a loop with your left lace, ensuring the lace is coming across the front.
• Make a second loop with your other hand.
• Push the second loop through the first one from the back.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 two to three more times.
• Tuck the end of the lace into the final loop at the end of each knot.
• Tuck the ends of each chain into each other.

The Surgeon's Knot

The Surgeon's Shoelace Knot, also known as the "Tibetan Trekking Knot" or "Sherpa Knot", is a secure way to tie your boat shoes. It is a variation of the traditional Surgeon's Knot, which is a double starting knot used to keep the sides of a surgical wound from opening up.

Step 1: Begin with a regular left-over-right starting knot.

Step 2: Make a loop with the right (blue) end by doubling it back onto itself.

Step 3: Take the left (yellow) end and pass it behind the right loop, bringing it to the front.

Step 4: Push the left (yellow) lace into the "hole" that has been made.

Step 5: Pull the left (yellow) lace through the "hole" to form a loop on the right side. Don't pull it tight yet.

Step 6: Wrap the right (yellow) loop around the left (blue) loop for the second time, bringing it back to the front.

Step 7: Feed the right (yellow) loop back through the "hole" for the second time. This extra step is what makes this knot secure.

Step 8: Pull the loops to tighten the knot.

The Fishtail Knot

To tie the Fishtail Knot, follow these steps:

• Insert the laces into the eyelets running vertically.
• Cross your laces and bring each side up and over the loop on the opposite side.
• Repeat this step 3 times (following the steps from left to right).
• Tighten and trim any excess lace.
• Tuck the ends of the laces behind the braid.

This knot is an excellent choice for those seeking both function and fashion in their boat shoe lacing. With its secure fit and visually appealing pattern, the Fishtail Knot is a popular choice for boat enthusiasts and fashion-conscious individuals alike.

Frequently asked questions