The Art Of Replacing Sperry Boat Shoes At Home

If you're looking to replace the laces on your Sperry boat shoes, there are several methods you can use. Sperry recommends using a shoelace needle, but if you don't have one, you can try bending a paperclip and tying the lace to it. Alternatively, you can watch a YouTube video on re-lacing boat shoes, or take your shoes to a shoe repair shop. Once you have your tools, you can start by tapering the end of the lace with a pair of scissors and placing it into the needle. You can then begin lacing through the inside of the bottom eyelet and push the needle through each eyelet, finishing by crossing the laces through the last eyelets.

Taper the lace's end with scissors

Taping the ends of your Sperry boat shoe laces with scissors is a crucial step in the relacing process. It is important to taper the ends of the laces before inserting them into the needle. This step ensures that the laces are secure and will not fall out of the needle as you work.

To taper the lace ends effectively, hold the lace firmly and use the scissors to cut the tip of the lace at a slight angle. This will create a pointed end that can be easily inserted into the needle. Take your time and be careful not to cut too close to the main body of the lace, as you want to maintain enough material to work with.

Once you have tapered the end, you can insert the lace into the needle. If you are using a leather lacing needle, the lace should be twisted or screwed into the hollow end. You can also wrap the connection with tape to ensure a secure hold.

The process of tapering the lace ends with scissors is a simple yet important step in relacing your Sperry boat shoes. It ensures that the laces are securely attached to the needle, making the overall process easier and reducing the risk of errors.

By taking your time and carefully tapering the lace ends, you can set yourself up for a smooth and successful relacing experience. This step may seem minor, but it plays a crucial role in achieving the desired outcome of neatly laced Sperry boat shoes.

Insert the lace into the needle

To relace Sperry boat shoes, Sperry recommends using a shoe lace needle. To insert the lace into the needle, start by tapering the end of the lace with a pair of scissors. This will make it easier to fit into the eye of the needle. Once tapered, place the end of the lace into the eye of the needle. You may want to wrap the lace and needle with tape so that the lace doesn't fall out of the needle.

If you don't have a shoe lace needle, there are some alternative methods you can try. One option is to bend a paperclip so that one end is like a needle, and the other end can be tied to the lace. You could also try using a safety pin, or simply threading the lace through the eyelets without the use of a needle.

When you're ready to start lacing, begin by threading the needle through the inside of the bottom eyelet on one side of the shoe. Then, push the needle through each eyelet, flattening the back of the shoe to make it easier for the needle to pass through. Continue until you reach the outside of the last eyelet on the bottom.

At this point, you can remove the needle from the lace. Finish up by crossing the laces through the last eyelets. And that's it! You've successfully relaced your Sperry boat shoes.

Push the needle through each eyelet

Pushing the needle through each eyelet is a crucial step in relacing Sperry boat shoes. This process ensures that the laces are securely threaded through the shoe, creating a neat and stylish finish. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach this step:

Preparing the Needle and Lace:

Before pushing the needle through the eyelets, it is important to properly prepare the needle and lace. Start by tapering one end of the new lace with a pair of scissors. This helps to create a sharp end that can be easily inserted into the needle. Next, carefully insert the tapered end of the lace into the eye of the needle. To ensure the lace stays in place, wrap the junction of the lace and needle with tape. This will prevent the lace from slipping out as you push it through the eyelets.

Lacing Technique:

Now you are ready to begin lacing! Start by pushing the needle through the inside of the bottom eyelet on one side of the shoe. It is recommended to begin from the inside to create a clean finish. Flatten the back of the shoe to ease the process and reduce the risk of poking your fingers. Push the needle through each eyelet, working your way up to the last eyelet on the same side. Once you reach the final eyelet, carefully remove the needle from the lace.

Crossing the Laces:

After threading the lace through the eyelets, finish by crossing the laces through the last eyelets. This creates a secure and stylish finish. You can now tie your preferred knot, such as a barrel knot, tassel knot, chain knot, or surgeon's knot. Each of these knots offers a unique look and level of security for your Sperry boat shoes.

Tips for Success:

When pushing the needle through the eyelets, take your time and be gentle. Ensure that the needle is properly aligned with each eyelet to avoid damaging the shoe or creating an uneven finish. It is also important to use the appropriate type of needle, such as a shoe lace needle, to ensure a smooth and efficient lacing process.

By carefully following these steps, you will be able to successfully push the needle through each eyelet when relacing your Sperry boat shoes. This process will result in securely fastened shoes that reflect your personal style.

Flatten the back of the shoe to ease the process

Flattening the back of the shoe is an important step in the process of relacing Sperry boat shoes. This step makes it easier to thread the needle through the eyelets and ensures a neat and secure finish. Here's a detailed guide on how to flatten the back of the shoe to ease the relacing process:

To begin, place the shoe in front of you with the toe facing away. This position will give you a clear view of the eyelets and make it easier to manipulate the laces. Take the new lace and, with a pair of scissors, carefully taper one end. Tapered ends make it easier to thread the lace through the eyelets and reduce the risk of fraying.

Now, let's prepare the needle. Sperry recommends using a shoe lace needle for this process. Place the tapered end of the new lace into the eye of the needle. To ensure the lace stays in place, wrap the connection between the lace and needle with tape. This will prevent the lace from slipping out as you work.

With the needle prepared, you can now begin lacing. Start by pushing the needle through the inside of the bottom eyelet on one side of the shoe. Work your way up, pushing the needle through each eyelet. This is where flattening the back of the shoe comes into play. Gently flatten the back of the shoe to create a more spacious work area and make it easier for the needle to pass through the eyelets. This is especially helpful when working with thicker laces or if the eyelets are tightly spaced.

Continue lacing by pushing the needle through the outside of the last eyelet on the bottom. Once you've reached this point, carefully remove the needle from the lace. Finish the process by crossing the laces through the last eyelets and tying a secure knot.

Flattening the back of the shoe is a simple yet effective technique that can make relacing Sperry boat shoes a smoother and more enjoyable process. It provides better access to the eyelets and reduces the risk of the needle getting caught or the laces becoming tangled. With a flattened shoe back, you can work with greater precision and achieve a neater overall appearance.

Remove the needle and finish lacing

Once you have threaded the needle through the outside of the last eyelet at the bottom, it's time to remove the needle from the lace. Gently pull the needle off the lace, being careful not to pull the lace back through the eyelet. Now, finish lacing by crossing the laces through the last eyelets. You can then tie your preferred knot. Sperry recommends the barrel knot, chain knot, fishtail knot, or tassel knot.

If you are going for the barrel knot, fold the lace over itself to make a loop, then twist the loop. Wrap the remaining lace around the loop five times. 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. Finally, trim any excess lace.

For the chain knot, make a loop, ensuring the lace is coming across the front. Make a second loop with your other hand and push it through the first one from the back. Repeat this two to three more times. Tuck the end of the lace into the final loop at the end of each knot and then tuck the ends of each chain into each other.

The fishtail knot is created by inserting the laces into the eyelets vertically. Cross the laces and bring each side up and over the loop on the opposite side. Repeat this step three times, then tighten and trim any excess lace. Tuck the ends of the laces behind the braid.

To tie a tassel knot, cross the laces to make an "X", with the left lace on top of the right. Pull the laces in opposite directions, then take the left lace in your left hand and the right lace in your right, ensuring the right lace is on top of the left. Bring the right lace under and then over the left lace, then do the same with the left lace. Tighten the knot by pulling evenly on each lace. Hold the base of the loop in the left lace between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand. Wrap the tail around the loop two or three times, then tuck the end in and pull tightly. Repeat on the right lace.

Frequently asked questions