Concealing Boat Shoes: Creative Hiding Strategies For Sneaky Style

Boat shoes are a timeless wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down. They are a type of casual, slip-on shoe with a rubber or leather sole and a low-cut, lightweight upper, originally designed for use on boats to prevent slipping on the deck. They have become one of the most classic casual shoe trends, favoured for their comfort, style, and versatility. This article will focus on how to hide boat shoe laces to achieve a sleek and modern look.

Tie a knot and cut off the excess

Tying a knot and cutting off the excess is a simple and effective way to hide your boat shoe laces. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Put on your boat shoes and tie them as you normally would. This will help you determine how much excess lace you need to cut off. It is important to ensure that both laces are of the same length.

Step 2: Mark the laces at the desired length. Use a ruler or a measuring tape to decide how much lace you want to remove, and then use a felt-tip pen to mark the spot.

Step 3: Remove the laces from your shoes. Carefully cut the laces along the marked lines with a sharp pair of scissors. Cutting the laces with sharp scissors will help minimise fraying.

Step 4: Finish the ends of the laces. You can do this by wrapping adhesive tape around the ends, applying glue, or using heat shrink tubing. These methods will help create a sturdy, finished tip, also known as an aglet.

Step 5: Put the laces back into your boat shoes and tie a knot. Make sure the knot is tight and small.

Step 6: Cut off the excess lace around the knot. Be careful not to cut too close to the knot, as you don't want it to come undone.

And that's it! You now have a sleek and tidy way of hiding your boat shoe laces. This method is a quick and easy solution to improve the look of your boat shoes and prevent tripping over long laces.

Loop laces underneath each other

Looping laces underneath each other is a great way to hide boat shoe laces and achieve a sleek, tidy look. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Start by lacing your boat shoes in the usual criss-cross manner. Begin from the bottom-most eyelets and work your way up. Ensure that the laces are even on both sides.

Now, create a loop with one of the laces. Hold the lace near the last eyelet and fold it back onto itself, leaving a fairly long trailing end. This forms the base of your loop.

Take the other end of the lace and wrap it around the base loop tightly. Keep wrapping until you have a small section of lace left.

Thread the remaining end of the lace through the base loop and pull it gently to tighten the knot. You can adjust the size of the loop by pulling more or less of the lace through.

Repeat the same process on the other lace to create a matching loop.

Finally, tuck the ends of the laces into the sides of the shoe or under the crossed laces for a neat and tidy finish.

This method of hiding boat shoe laces is simple yet effective. It is perfect for those who want a quick and easy way to secure their shoes while maintaining a sleek and elegant look. With a bit of practice, you can master this technique and always have your boat shoes looking their best.

Tuck laces inside the shoe

There are several ways to hide your boat shoe laces by tucking them inside the shoe. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

The "Under Tongue" Method:

This is one of the simplest ways to hide your laces. First, ensure that the laces are inserted through the eyelets from the outside in. Then, tie your laces as you normally would. Finally, tuck the knot underneath the tongue of your shoe. You can experiment with tucking the knot on either the left or right side of the shoe to see what works best for you. Make sure to tuck it securely so that it stays in place throughout the day.

The "Under Insoles" Method:

This method is suitable for shoes with removable insoles. Start by inserting the laces through the eyelets from the outside in. Then, lift the removable insoles and tuck the untied laces underneath before firmly placing the insoles back in position. This method eliminates the need for a knot, which can sometimes cause discomfort by pressing against your feet.

The "No-Tie" Method:

If you're in a hurry or simply don't want to bother with tying your laces, this method is for you. Put on your shoes, adjust the laces to your desired tightness or looseness, and then tuck the laces inside your shoes. However, please note that this method doesn't provide a secure hold for your feet, and your heel may slip out.

The "Hidden Knot" Method:

This method involves a unique lacing technique that reduces the amount of lace visible on the top of your shoe. Start by removing the laces and inserting both ends of each lace into the bottom holes from the outside to the inside, creating a bar across the outside of the shoe. Pull the ends to tighten. Then, bring the left lace up and across to the right, and vice versa, creating a series of "bars" up the front of the shoe. Finally, tie a bow on the inside of the shoe, hiding it under the tongue. If this causes discomfort, you can try moving the bow to the side of your foot or under the sole.

The "Barrel Knot" Method:

This method is specifically recommended for Sperrys or similar shoes with leather laces. Take the left lace and fold it over itself to create a loop with a 3-4 inch tail. Twist the loop and wrap the tail around the base of the loop 5 times. Then, insert the end of the lace through the loop and pull tightly. Repeat this process for the remaining laces. You can trim the laces if they are too long or uneven.

Remember, when tucking your laces inside your boat shoes, always ensure that the knot or tucked portion is secure and comfortable. You may need to experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you and your shoes.

Tie a double knot

To hide boat shoe laces, you can try a variety of different knots. One of the most common knots to use on boat shoes is the barrel knot, but this article will focus on instructing you on how to tie a double knot.

To tie a double knot, start by forming a loop with the left shoelace. You can do this by folding the lace over itself, leaving a 3-4 inch tail at the end. Next, place the top of the loop between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand. With your dominant hand, hold the tail just below the base of the loop and tightly twist the loop. Now, wrap the tail around the loop 5 times. Continue to hold the top of the loop with your non-dominant hand and use your other hand to wrap the tail around the base.

After this, grab the end of the lace with your dominant hand and thread it through the loop. As you pull the end tightly through the loop, use your non-dominant hand to push the knot towards the shoe. Finally, repeat this process on the remaining laces. You can trim the laces if they are too long or uneven.

Some people prefer to tie a simple single knot and cut off the excess lace, while others prefer to hide the knot on the inside of the shoe. There are many different ways to tie your boat shoes, so feel free to experiment and find the method that works best for you!

Wear no-show socks

No-show socks are a great way to keep your feet comfortable and dry while wearing boat shoes without spoiling the aesthetic of the sockless look. They are designed to be truly invisible, sitting low on your foot so they don't peep out from your shoes.

When choosing no-show socks, it's important to know that the more invisible and low-cut the sock, the less likely it is to stay on your foot. So, if you're planning on doing a lot of walking, you might want to opt for a pair with a slightly higher cut and a more substantial heel grip to avoid the annoyance of constantly having to readjust them.

There are a few other features to look out for when choosing no-show socks:

• Softness and comfort: You'll want to choose a soft, comfortable fabric that feels good against your skin. Merino wool, cotton, nylon, and spandex blends are all good options.
• Durability: Look for well-woven socks made from durable fabrics that will last through numerous washings.
• Heel grip: Most no-show socks have a rubberized strip at the heel to help keep them in place. Look for socks with a substantial grip that covers a large area to prevent slippage.
• Versatility: Choose a pair of no-show socks that will work with a variety of shoes in your wardrobe, from sneakers to boat shoes and loafers.

Boardroom Socks No-Shows

These socks are made from soft and durable finely woven merino wool blend. They feature a seamless, linked toe for added comfort and a substantial silicone heel grip to prevent slippage. They are designed to be hidden under sneakers, most loafers, and boat shoes. They come in four colors and two sizes ("Shoe Size 7-9.5" and "Shoe Size 10-12").

Ondo Low-Cut No-Show Socks

These socks feature a large silicone strip to keep them in place and an elasticated sock opening to ensure they stay on your foot. They are invisible under all types of shoes and come in a range of colors.

Uniqlo Low-Cut Socks

A great budget option, these socks are soft, comfortable, and versatile. They feature grip strips at the heel and are invisible under most low-vamp shoes. They come in several colors and are available in packs of three.

Thirty48 No Show Socks

These socks are made from a premium soft cotton and polyester blend and feature a silicone grip to keep them in place. They are true no-show socks that work with a variety of shoes, including Converse, Sperrys, loafers, and sneakers. They come in a range of colors.

Frequently asked questions