Boat Shoe Repair: A Step-By-Step Guide To Lacing

Boat shoes are a popular choice for those who enjoy water sports and outdoor activities. They are designed to be lightweight and provide good traction when wet. While they are generally durable, they may eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear or damage. This guide will cover the steps to replace boat shoes with different closure systems: laces, eyelets, and hooks. It will also provide tips on how to relace your boat shoes and the different types of knots you can use.

Choosing the right needle

When it comes to choosing the right needle for relacing your boat shoes, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a needle that is compatible with the size of your laces. The needle should be wide enough to accommodate the thickness of your laces, but not too wide that it cannot fit through the eyelets of your shoes. The TOFL Boat Shoe Lacing Needle, for example, is 4 3/4 inches long and 1/8 of an inch wide, making it suitable for most boat shoes.

Another factor to consider is the material of the needle. It should be made of a durable material that can withstand the force required to push it through the eyelets of your shoes. Some needles may also come with a built-in screw or threading mechanism to secure the lace, so look out for this feature when making your selection.

Additionally, you may want to opt for a needle that is specifically designed for boat shoes. These needles often have a slender design and are made to fit through the small eyelets typically found on boat shoes. They may also be marketed as "shoe lace needles" or "lacing needles".

Lastly, consider the ease of use and your level of comfort in handling the needle. Some needles may be easier to thread and manoeuvre than others, so choose one that aligns with your skill level and comfort. If you are a beginner, you may want to opt for a needle with positive reviews highlighting its ease of use.

Remember, choosing the right needle will ensure a smoother and more efficient relacing process, so take the time to select the most suitable one for your boat shoes.

Taper the lace end

To taper the lace end of your boat shoe, start by using a pair of scissors. Cut the lace at a slight angle to create a point. This will make it easier to feed the lace through the eyelets of your shoe. Be sure not to cut the lace too short, as you will need enough length to work with. Once you have cut the lace, you can move on to the next step of relacing your boat shoe.

After tapering the lace end, it is important to prepare the lace for threading. Take the tapered end of the lace and insert it into the eye of a needle. You may find it helpful to wrap the lace and needle with tape to secure the connection and ensure the lace does not slip out of the needle. This step will make the relacing process smoother and prevent any frustration caused by a lace slipping out during threading.

Now that your lace is securely taped to the needle, you are ready to begin lacing. Start by inserting the needle through the inside of the bottom eyelet on one side of the shoe. Gently but firmly push the needle through, being careful not to poke yourself. Continue pushing the needle through each eyelet, working your way up the shoe. If you encounter resistance, try flattening the back of the shoe to create more space for the needle to pass through.

Finally, once you have reached the last eyelet, carefully remove the needle from the lace. Finish the relacing process by crossing the laces through the last eyelets and tying a secure knot. Ensure that the laces are tightened evenly and neatly tucked inside the shoe for a polished look. If needed, trim any excess lace for a clean finish.

By following these steps for tapering the lace end, you can efficiently relace your boat shoe and achieve a tidy and secure finish.

Thread the lace into the needle

Threading a boat shoe can be a tedious and miserable chore, but it is a necessary skill to learn if you want to avoid throwing away your expensive, comfortable, and secure shoes. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to thread the lace into the needle when relacing your boat shoes:

Firstly, you will need to taper the end of your shoelace. This step is crucial as it ensures that the lace can smoothly fit through the eye of the needle. Take your time with this step, as a well-tapered end will make the following steps much easier. Once tapered, carefully insert the end of the shoelace into the eye of the needle. If you are using a leather lace, you may need to cut the end at a sharp angle to help guide it into the needle.

Now that your lace is in the needle, it's time to start lacing! Begin at the bottom eyelet near the front of the shoe. Guide the needle through the inside of the eyelet and make your way to the back of the shoe, continuing to lace through each eyelet until you reach the frontmost bottom eyelet on the other side. Take your time and be gentle to avoid accidentally tearing the leather or pulling out the eyelet.

Once you've reached the other side, carefully remove the needle from the lace. You don't want to undo all your hard work, so make sure the lace stays in place as you remove the needle. Now, thread the lace into the frontmost eyelet above. Do this for both sides, crossing the laces and threading them into eyelets on opposite sides.

And there you have it! You've successfully threaded the lace into the needle and relaced your boat shoe. This process may seem daunting at first, but with practice, it will become easier. Remember to take your time, be gentle, and always use the appropriate tools to avoid damaging your shoes.

Threading technique

Threading a boat shoe can be a tricky task, but with the right tools and technique, it can be done efficiently. Here is a detailed guide on the threading technique for relacing boat shoes:

Preparation:

Before starting the threading process, gather the necessary tools. You will need a suitable lacing needle, such as the TOFL Boat Shoe Lacing Needle, and replacement laces that are compatible with the needle. The needle should be thin enough to fit through the eyelets of your boat shoes, and the laces should be cut at a sharp angle to fit into the needle easily.

• Attaching the Lace to the Needle: Start by attaching the lace to the needle securely. If your needle has a screw, you can try screwing the lace into the end. Alternatively, you may need to use tape to attach the lace to the needle, ensuring it is firmly in place.
• Inserting the Needle: Once the lace is attached, carefully insert the needle through the eyelets of your boat shoe. Push the needle gently but firmly, being careful not to bend or break it. You may need to use your palm or a piece of plastic to protect your hand and provide extra force when pushing the needle.
• Pulling the Lace Through: After the needle has passed through the eyelet, pull the lace through the hole. Be mindful not to double the thickness of the lace, as this can cause tearing or put strain on the eyelet. Focus on pulling the thickness of the leather only.
• Repeating the Process: Continue this process for each set of eyelets, carefully threading the lace through each hole and ensuring it stays securely attached to the needle. Work your way up or down the shoe, depending on your preferred lacing pattern.
• Finishing the Lacing: Once you have threaded the lace through all the eyelets, finish by tying a secure knot. You can choose a knot style that suits your preference, such as the barrel knot, chain knot, or fishtail knot. Ensure the knot is tight and secure to prevent the lace from coming undone.

Alternative Methods:

If you do not have access to a lacing needle, there are some alternative methods you can try. One option is to bend a paper clip so that one end resembles a needle, and the other end can be tied to the lace. You can also try using a safety pin, which can be guided through the eyelets to push or pull the lace.

With patience and the right tools, relacing your boat shoes using the threading technique can be a straightforward process. Remember to take your time and work carefully to achieve a neat and secure finish.

Flatten the back of the shoe

Flattening the back of the shoe is an important step in the process of relacing boat shoes. It may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how easy it is to thread the needle through the eyelets. By flattening the back of the shoe, you create a smoother surface for the needle to pass through, reducing the risk of the needle getting caught or stuck. Here are some tips to help you flatten the back of your boat shoe effectively:

Start by holding the shoe firmly in one hand, and use your other hand to gently bend and flatten the back of the shoe. You want to create a flat surface, so apply gentle pressure and avoid creasing or folding the shoe. It is important to be careful and patient during this step to avoid damaging the shoe.

Once you have flattened the back of the shoe, use your thumb to feel for any bumps or uneven areas. If there are still some uneven spots, use your fingers to gently smooth them out. Take your time and be gentle to avoid creasing the shoe or putting unnecessary pressure on the eyelets.

If you find that the back of the shoe is not flattening easily, you can try using a soft hammer or a rubber mallet to gently tap it flat. Place the shoe on a flat surface and use the hammer to gently tap the back of the shoe until it lies flat. Be careful not to hit the eyelets or any other delicate parts of the shoe.

After you have flattened the back of the shoe, double-check that the eyelets are still aligned. Gently tug on the sides of the shoe to ensure that the eyelets are secure and that the lacing path is clear. This step is important to ensure that your lacing process goes smoothly and that the finished product looks neat and even.

By taking the time to flatten the back of your boat shoe, you will find that threading the needle through the eyelets is much easier. This step may seem insignificant, but it plays an important role in achieving a neat and secure lacing job. So, don't skip this step and take your time to ensure that the back of your shoe is nice and flat before moving on to threading the needle.

Frequently asked questions