Lacing Your Boat Shoes: A Quick Guide To Secure Steps

Boat shoes are a timeless classic, but they have a reputation for being difficult to tie. This is partly due to their unique design, which includes rubber soles to prevent slipping, and leather or canvas water-resistant materials. The laces are also often made of leather, which can make them tricky to tie securely. This guide will take you through the steps to fasten your boat shoes, as well as some different types of knots to try.

How to tie a barrel knot

To fasten boat shoes, you can either wear them with or without socks. Most people choose to wear boat shoes barefoot as they are designed to feel comfortable and airy without socks. However, you can add invisible socks or shoe liners for added comfort while still maintaining a classic look. If you want to go for a more preppy '80s style, try experimenting with white crew socks or graphic sports socks.

Now, to tie a barrel knot, follow these steps:

• Start by holding the lace in your dominant hand and create a small loop at the bottom, closest to the boat shoe. The loop should be facing away from you.
• With your other hand, wrap the lace around the back of the loop, going over and then under, creating an 'X' shape at the centre of the loop.
• Bring the lace back towards you, passing through the centre of the 'X' and then around the loop, following the path of the lace in the previous step but in reverse.
• Pull the lace tight to secure the knot. Adjust the tightness of the original loop to fit your foot comfortably.

The barrel knot is a simple and effective way to fasten your boat shoes, providing both style and comfort. It is important to note that boat shoes were designed to be functional and practical, so ensure that your laces are tied securely but not too tightly to allow for easy movement.

How to tie a reef knot

Tying a reef knot is a simple and effective way to fasten your boat shoes. It's also known as a square knot and is useful when your laces are too short to tie a regular bow. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a reef knot:

• Start with a regular left-over-right starting knot.
• Cross the right end over the left end, creating an "X" shape.
• Take the right end and wrap it under the left end, pulling it up through the loop to form a basic overhand knot.
• Now, take the left end and cross it over the right end.
• Wrap the left end under and pull it through the loop, just like you did in step 3.
• Gently pull on both ends in opposite directions to tighten the knot. The reef knot should form a neat, square shape. If it looks twisted or uneven, you may have tied a granny knot by mistake.

And there you have it! You've tied a classic reef knot to secure your boat shoes. This knot is quick to tie, easy to untie, and holds well under tension. Remember, the key to a successful reef knot is symmetry and tension.

How to tie a chain knot

The chain boat shoe knot is inspired by a sailing knot of the same name 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 a chain boat shoe knot:

Step 1: Use one hand to take the left lace and the other hand to create a 1/2-inch loop in the middle of the lace, then hold it by the left hand.

Step 2: On the same lace, make a second 1/2-inch loop and insert it into the first loop. Then, tighten the second loop by pulling.

Step 3: Continue to make another loop and insert it into the second loop. You can repeat this step depending on the lace's length.

Step 4: Keep the final loop in one hand and use the other hand to put the end of the lace through the final loop and tighten.

Step 5: Do the same with the right lace to tie a chain knot.

Step 6: Pull the left chain to the right and tuck the end of the left lace into the shoe. Then, do the same with the right chain. The right chain's position should be above the left chain.

How to tie a tassel knot

The tassel knot is a stylish way to fasten your boat shoes without having to retie them every time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a tassel knot:

• Cross the laces to create an "X" by placing the left lace on top of the right one and pulling them in opposite directions.
• Tie a square knot by taking 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 one.
• Bring the right lace under and then over the left lace.
• Bring the left lace under and then back over the right lace.
• Pull the laces in opposite directions to tighten the square knot.
• Form a loop with the left lace by folding it over itself at the base of the square knot. The loop should be approximately 1 inch in length.
• Wrap the tail of the left lace tightly around the loop 2 to 3 times.
• Tuck the end of the left lace into the loop and pull it tight.
• Repeat the process with the right lace to create a matching tassel.
• Trim the ends of the laces if they are uneven or too long.

The tassel knot is a great way to add a unique touch to your boat shoes and can be easily adjusted to fit your foot comfortably.

How to tie a fishtail knot

To tie a fishtail knot for your boat shoes, follow these steps:

Firstly, thread the left shoelace through the left eyelets vertically, and do the same for the right shoelace. The result should be that both shoelaces are parallel and visible between the two eyelets.

Next, make an "X" by crossing the left shoelace over the right, and pull the ends of the shoelaces towards the tip of the shoe.

Now, thread the left shoelace into the right parallel line and pull it tight. Repeat this step with the right shoelace, threading it into the left parallel line and pulling tight.

Pull both shoelaces up and insert them into the opposite parallel lines three times each.

Finally, tuck the ends of both shoelaces into the shoes to secure the fit. You can also secure the fishtail braid with a clear rubber band or a hair tie.

Frequently asked questions