Lacing Boat Shoes: A Step-By-Step Guide To Styling

Boat shoes are notoriously difficult to tie, especially if they have leather laces, as is common with high-quality boat shoes such as Sperrys. Leather laces easily come loose from normal knots, so you will need to learn some more complicated knots to keep your shoes secure. If you're used to sailing knots, this should be a breeze. There are several ways to tie your boat shoes, including the barrel knot, tassel knot, chain knot, surgeon's knot, and fishtail pattern.

How to tie a barrel knot

To tie a barrel knot, start by folding the lace to form a loop. Take the left shoelace of either shoe in your hand and fold the lace over itself, leaving a 3- to 4-inch tail at the end.

Next, you'll want to twist the loop. Hold the top of the loop between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand, and with your dominant hand, hold the tail just below the base of the loop. Tightly twist the loop with your non-dominant hand. If needed, wrap the tail around the loop a few more times.

Now, wrap the tail of the lace around the base of the loop 5 times. Continue to hold the top of the loop with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to wrap the tail.

Finally, insert the end of the lace through the loop and pull tightly. As you pull, use your non-dominant hand to push the knot towards the shoe.

Repeat this process on the remaining laces. If the laces are too long, you can trim them with a pair of sharp scissors.

How to tie a tassel knot

Tying a tassel knot is a more complicated version of the barrel knot. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a tassel knot:

Start by creating an "X" pattern with your laces. Do this by placing the left lace on top of the right lace, then bring the left lace under the right lace. Pull the laces in opposite directions.

Take the left lace in your left hand and the right lace in your right hand. Make sure the right lace is on top of the left lace. Bring the right lace under the left lace, then pull it back over the left lace.

Now, bring the left lace under the right lace and pull it back over. Tighten the knot by simultaneously pulling evenly on each lace.

Hold the left lace to form a loop. Fold the lace over itself to form a loop at the base of the square knot. The loop should be approximately 1 inch in length. Hold the base of the loop between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand.

Wrap the tail of the lace around the loop 2 to 3 times. Grab the tail with your dominant hand. Wrap the lace tightly around the loop.

Thread the end of the lace through the loop and pull tightly on the lace.

Repeat the process on the right lace. Create a tassel on the right lace using the same process. Trim the ends if needed.

Repeat the steps above on the other shoe to create two tassel knots.

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. The chain knot is a stylish and sophisticated lacing technique that adds an elegant touch to your footwear. It is perfect for those who appreciate intricate details and want their shoes to make a subtle yet impactful fashion statement. This knot stands out for its visually appealing pattern that resembles a chain, lending a refined and polished look to your boat shoes.

Step 1: Start at the Bottom

Lace your boat shoes in the usual criss-cross fashion, starting from the bottom-most eyelets and working your way up.

Step 2: Form the First Loop

Once you reach the top, create a small loop with one of the lace ends, holding it near the last eyelet.

Step 3: Begin the Chain

Take the other lace end and pass it through the loop you just made.

Step 4: Create the Next Loop

Now, with the lace that’s just been threaded through, form another loop.

Step 5: Continue the Pattern

Pass the alternate lace end through this new loop. Continue this process, alternating between creating a loop and passing the opposite lace through it.

Step 6: Secure the End

Once you reach the end of the laces, tuck the remaining lace under the last loop to secure the chain.

Step 7: Adjust for Neatness

Gently adjust the loops to create an even, neat chain effect along the laces.

The Chain Knot is a fashionable statement and requires a bit of patience and practice. The result is a striking and unique pattern that elevates the look of your boat shoes. It is ideal for those who want to add an extra touch of sophistication to their footwear, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.

How to tie a surgeon's knot

To tie a surgeon's knot, also known as the Tibetan Trekking Knot or Sherpa Knot, you will need to follow these steps:

• Create a left-over-right starting knot: Cross the left lace over the right lace and wrap it over and under, pulling tightly in opposite directions.
• Make a loop with the left lace: Take the left lace, now on the right side of the shoe, and bend it over itself to form a 1-inch loop. Position the base of this loop next to the starting knot.
• Circle the loop with the right lace: Take the right lace, now on the left side, and bring it in front of and then behind the loop, ending back in front.
• Insert the right lace into the circle: Make a small loop with the right lace and insert its top through the circle you created with the left lace. Pull the loop loosely through. At this point, you will have a standard shoelace knot.
• Wrap the right loop around the left loop again: Bring the right loop over and around the left loop for the second time, and insert it through the circle once more.
• Pull tightly on the loops: Grab the right loop with your right hand and the left loop with your left hand. Pull tightly in opposite directions.

You can now admire your handiwork and enjoy secure and stylish boat shoes! Repeat the process for the other shoe to complete the look.

How to tie a fishtail knot

The fishtail knot is a popular way to lace boat shoes. It is a frequently used knot for making paracord bracelets and, as the name suggests, it looks just like a fishtail. It requires looping several times to create a tighter fit. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a fishtail knot:

Start by threading the shoelace in a parallel line. The lace should be on top, which means that it must be visible.

Make an X pattern by crossing the laces and pulling them down towards the tip of the boat shoe.

Take the left lace and place it over the right parallel line. Pull it tight.

Now, take the right lace and place it over the left parallel line. Pull it tight.

Repeat the previous two steps three times.

Pull the left lace (now on the right side) up and over the left parallel line.

Pull the right lace (now on the left side) up and over the right parallel line.

Tuck the ends of the laces into the shoe to secure the fit.

Repeat the process on the other shoe.

Frequently asked questions