Lacing Techniques For Boat Shoes: Cross-Lace Styling

Boat shoes, also known as deck shoes, are a popular type of footwear with a unique design and a variety of lacing options. While they were originally designed for sailors to prevent slipping on wet decks, they have now become a fashion statement, with the way they are laced speaking volumes about the wearer's style. There are several ways to lace boat shoes, including the classic barrel knot, the chain knot, the fishtail knot, the tassel knot, the heaving line knot, the sailor's knot, the double slip knot, and the butterfly knot. Each method has its own level of difficulty, charm, and aesthetic appeal, allowing wearers to add a personal touch to their footwear.

Threading the laces through the eyelets

Start by creating a loop at the bottom: Take one lace and create a small loop by folding it back onto itself. Ensure that the loop is located at the bottom-most eyelet of your boat shoe. This first loop sets the stage for the rest of the lacing process, so it's important to make it neat and even.

Threading the laces: With the loop in place, it's time to start threading the lace through the eyelets. Start from the bottom and work your way up, pushing the lace through each eyelet smoothly and evenly. Ensure that the lace remains flat and untangled as you thread it. Take your time with this step to avoid any mistakes.

Maintain even tension: As you thread the lace through the eyelets, it's important to maintain even tension. This means that the lace should be taut but not too tight, and the same tension should be applied throughout the lacing process. This will ensure that your laces lie flat and neat, giving your boat shoes a polished look.

Reach the top: Continue threading the lace through the eyelets until you reach the top. Ensure that the lace ends are even when you reach the final eyelet. At this point, you should have two lace ends of roughly equal length protruding from the top eyelet.

Adjust for neatness: Once you've reached the top, take a moment to adjust the lace and ensure it lies flat and neat within the eyelets. Gently tug on any loose sections to tighten them and create a smooth finish. It's important to create a tidy foundation before moving on to more complex lacing techniques.

Repeat on the other side: Now that you've threaded the first lace through the eyelets, it's time to move on to the second one. Simply repeat the process on the other side of the shoe, creating a mirror image of the first lace. Ensure that the tension and length of the second lace match those of the first for a symmetrical look.

By following these steps, you will create a secure and aesthetically pleasing base for your boat shoe lacing. Remember to take your time and maintain even tension throughout the process. This foundation will set the tone for the rest of your lacing style, whether you choose a classic barrel knot, a decorative coil, or any other creative technique.

Crossing the laces to create an 'X'

Crossing the laces to create an X is an essential step in securing your boat shoes and achieving that timeless nautical style. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Crossing the Laces to Create an X:

Place your boat shoe on a flat surface to ensure a stable base for lacing. Take the left lace and cross it over the right lace, forming an "X". This initial cross will serve as the foundation for your knot. Ensure that the crossover point is close to the top of the shoe.

Now, take the left lace again and pass it under the right lace. This step creates a secure base for your knot and adds stability to your lacing. Pull both ends of the laces tight to ensure a snug fit.

At this point, you've successfully created an X with your laces. However, to complete the classic boat shoe knot, you'll need to follow a few more steps.

Completing the Boat Shoe Knot:

After creating the X, you'll repeat the crossing motion with the right lace. Cross the right lace over the left lace, forming another "X". This time, you'll pass the right lace under the left lace to mirror the previous step.

By repeating the crossing motion, you've created two loops, one on each side of the shoe. Now, it's time to thread and tighten the knot. Take the left lace and thread it through the loop on the right side. Similarly, take the right lace and thread it through the loop on the left side.

Pull both ends of the laces simultaneously to tighten the knot securely. Ensure that the knot is snug but not too tight, allowing for comfortable movement.

You can also create a second knot for added security, especially if you plan to engage in strenuous activities. Simply repeat the crossing and threading steps to create a double knot.

Final Adjustments:

Once the knot is secure, take a moment to adjust and fine-tune the fit of your boat shoes. Ensure that the laces are evenly tightened across the shoe, providing a balanced and comfortable feel. You can make minor adjustments by pulling or loosening the laces as needed until you achieve the desired fit.

Tips for a Perfect Crossed Lace:

• Ensure you have the right amount of lace length before starting. Too much excess lace can be a tripping hazard, while too little may result in a loose fit.
• When crossing the laces, try to keep the crossover point close to the top of the shoe. This will help create a neat and secure knot.
• Experiment with different types of laces to find the best fit for your boat shoes. Leather or nylon laces are great options as they are durable and withstand the rigors of boating.
• Practice makes perfect! Tying boat shoe laces can take some time to master, so don't be afraid to practice regularly until you become a pro.

Tying a square knot

To tie a square knot, or a tassel knot, you will first need to cross your laces to create an "X" shape, with the left lace on top of the right. Then, take the left lace in your left hand and the right lace in your right hand, ensuring the right lace is on top of the left lace.

Now, bring the right lace under the left lace and pull it back over. Repeat this step, bringing the left lace under the right lace and pulling it back over. You should now have a secure knot. Pull the laces to tighten the knot.

To finish the tassel, form a loop with the left lace by folding it over itself at the base of the square knot. The loop should be around 1 inch in length. Hold the base of the loop between your thumb and index finger. Now, wrap the tail of the lace around the loop 2-3 times, then thread the end through the loop and pull tightly.

Repeat this process on the right lace to create a matching tassel. Trim the ends of the laces if needed.

Trimming excess lace

Trimming the excess lace is an important step in the process of lacing boat shoes. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve a neat and tidy finish:

• Marking the Cutting Point: Before cutting the laces, it is crucial to determine how much excess lace needs to be removed. Put on your boat shoes and tie them as you normally would, ensuring a comfortable fit. Decide how much of the lace you want to trim, considering your preferred way of tying the laces. Use a pen or marker to indicate the cutting point on each end of the laces.
• Cutting the Laces: When cutting the laces, it is best to use sharp scissors to minimise fraying. Cut equal amounts from both ends of the laces to ensure they remain symmetrical. Take caution not to cut too much at once; you can always trim more later if needed.
• Finishing the Ends: To create a neat finish and prevent fraying, you can use several methods to treat the cut ends of the laces:

• Adhesive Tape: Wrap adhesive tape tightly around the ends of the laces to create a sturdy finish, similar to the original aglet. Trim off any excess lace protruding from the tape.
• Glue: Apply a small amount of glue to the ends of the laces and press gently as it starts to dry. Once completely dry, trim off any excess glue and apply a second thin coat for added durability and a smoother appearance.
• Heat Shrink Tubing: Cut a piece of heat shrink tubing to match the size of the original aglet (usually about 1/2 inch). Slip the tubing over each end of the lace and hold it over a flame to shrink it tightly around the lace. Be careful not to hold the tubing too close to the flame to avoid smoking or bubbling.
• Melting the Ends: If your laces are made of synthetic material, you can carefully melt the ends to create a smooth, sealed edge. Hold the ends of the laces just above a flame to melt the material, being cautious not to ignite the lace.

Final Touches: Allow sufficient time for the glue, heat shrink tubing, or melted ends to cool and dry completely before proceeding. Once the ends are secure and neat, relace your boat shoes, following the desired lacing technique.

Remember, it is always better to trim off small amounts gradually than to cut too much at once. Take your time, and you'll have neatly trimmed laces that complement your stylish boat shoes.

Finishing with a decorative knot

There are several ways to finish lacing your boat shoes with a decorative knot. Here are some of the most popular methods:

The Barrel Knot

This is a classic boat shoe knot that is both functional and stylish. It is formed by coiling the lace around itself, creating a neat, minimalist aesthetic. The steps to tie this knot are as follows:

• Start by threading the lace through the eyelets of your boat shoe, ensuring that the lace ends are even.
• Create a small loop by folding one end of the lace back onto itself.
• With your other hand, take the other end of the lace and wrap it tightly around the loop and the standing part of the lace 3-5 times, depending on the length of your lace.
• Thread the end of the lace through the loop you created in step 2.
• Gently pull on both ends of the lace to tighten the knot.
• Adjust the knot to sit neatly against the eyelet and tuck in any excess lace for a clean finish.

The Tassel Knot

The Tassel Knot adds a playful touch to your boat shoes, transforming ordinary laces into decorative tassels. It is perfect for those who want to infuse their footwear with a bit of personality. The steps to tie this knot are as follows:

• Begin by threading your laces through the eyelets of your boat shoe, ensuring that the laces are even on both sides.
• Create a small loop near the end of one of the laces. This will act as the base of your tassel.
• With your other hand, take the long part of the lace and wrap it tightly around the base loop until you have a small section of lace left unwrapped.
• Thread the remaining end of the lace through the base loop.
• Gently pull on the end of the lace to tighten the knot and secure the tassel in place. Adjust the size of the tassel by pulling more or less of the lace through the loop.
• Repeat the same steps on the other lace to create a matching tassel.

The Chain Knot

The Chain Knot is a stylish and sophisticated lacing technique that adds an elegant touch to your boat shoes. It creates a series of interlocking loops, forming a chain-like pattern along the lace. The steps to tie this knot are as follows:

• Start by lacing your boat shoes in the usual criss-cross fashion, working from the bottom-most eyelets upwards.
• Once you reach the top, create a small loop with one of the lace ends.
• Take the other lace end and pass it through the loop you just made.
• Form another loop with the lace that you just threaded through.
• Continue this pattern, alternating between creating a loop and passing the opposite lace through it.
• Once you reach the end of the laces, tuck the remaining lace under the last loop to secure the chain.
• Gently adjust the loops to create a neat, even chain effect.

The Heaving Line Knot

The Heaving Line Knot is inspired by maritime tradition and adds a nautical charm to your boat shoes. It features a series of twists that create a spiral pattern along the lace. The steps to tie this knot are as follows:

• Begin by lacing your boat shoes in a standard criss-cross fashion, working from the bottom eyelets upwards.
• Once you reach the top eyelet with both ends of the lace, cross the laces over each other to form an 'X' shape.
• Take one end of the lace and twist it around the other end 2-3 times to form a spiral coil.
• Thread the coiled lace end through the loop created by the initial cross.
• Gently pull on both ends of the laces to tighten the knot, ensuring that the coiled part forms a neat spiral.
• Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the knot is symmetrical and sits snugly against the shoe.

Frequently asked questions