Replace Boat Shoe Laces Without Needle: An Easy Guide

Boat shoes are notoriously difficult to tie, and their leather laces can come loose from normal knots very easily. If you're looking to replace your boat shoe laces without a needle, you can opt for a lacing kit that includes a needle, or you can explore alternative methods such as using waxed cotton or leather shoelaces. While leather laces provide superior strength and durability, they require more complicated knots to stay secured. Knowing how to tie a square knot or other sailing knots can be advantageous when dealing with boat shoe laces.

Using a lacing kit

• Prepare your lacing needle: Some lacing needles have a round end, while others allow you to screw or insert the lace into the end. Follow the instructions provided with your kit to attach the lace securely.
• Cut the tip of the lace: Before attaching the lace to the needle, cut the tip of the lace at a sharp angle or to a fine point. This will make it easier to attach to the needle and feed through the eyelets.
• Attach the lace to the needle: Depending on the type of lacing needle, you may need to screw or insert the cut end of the lace into the needle. Ensure that it is securely attached before proceeding.
• Feed the lace through the eyelets: Start by unlacing one shoe at a time, following the original lacing pattern. Use the needle to feed the new lace through the eyelets. Pull on the lace, not the needle, as too much force on the needle may cause it to detach.
• Trim the lace to fit: Once you have relaced your shoe, trim any excess lace to ensure a neat finish.

By following these steps and using a lacing kit, you can quickly and easily replace your boat shoe laces without the need for a traditional needle.

Tying a square knot

To tie a square knot, you can follow these steps:

Method 1:

• Lay the rope to your left on top of the rope to your right.
• Wrap the right-hand rope under and then back over the left-hand rope to make a "half knot".
• Lay the original right-hand rope over the left-hand rope again.
• Pull the original right-hand rope under and through the other rope, mirroring the previous steps in the opposite direction.
• Tug on all the ends firmly to tighten the knot.

Method 2:

• Form a loop with the left-hand rope, with the end positioned under the rest of the rope.
• Put the end of the right-hand rope down through the loop, as if threading a needle.
• Bring the right-hand rope under and then over the bottom of the loop.
• Bring the right-hand rope under and then over the top of the loop, mirroring the previous steps and pulling the rope through.
• Pull all four ends tight with even tension.

Modifications:

You can modify your square knot by adding extra half knots or by creating a surgeon's knot. To make a surgeon's knot, wrap the right-hand rope over and under the left-hand rope twice to create two coils before completing the rest of the steps as usual.

Trimming excess lace

Start by assessing how much extra lace you have. You want to ensure that the laces are long enough to tie securely, but not so long that they become a tripping hazard or get caught on objects. As a general rule, aim for the lace to be no longer than 2-3 inches beyond the point where you tie your knot.

Once you've determined the ideal length, it's time to trim. Using sharp scissors, cut the lace at a slight angle to create a clean finish. Be careful not to cut the lace too short, as you can always trim more if needed, but you can't add length back if you cut too much.

After cutting, take a moment to seal the edge of the lace to prevent fraying. You can use a lighter or a small amount of clear nail polish to do this. Hold the lace end close to the flame for a few seconds to melt the fibers together, or apply a thin coat of clear nail polish and let it dry completely.

Now, test the length of the laces by tying your preferred knot. Make sure the laces are tight and secure, and check that the length is still appropriate. If needed, you can always untie the knot and trim a little more.

Finally, once you're happy with the length and the security of your knot, give the laces a gentle tug to ensure they are tight and won't come undone easily. Your boat shoes are now ready to wear, with laces that are the perfect length and free of any excess.

Using a threading tool

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Gather your threading tool, new boat shoe laces, and the shoes themselves. Before starting, ensure that the laces are the correct length for your shoes. If they are too long, trim them to size with a pair of scissors.

Step 2: Understand Your Threading Tool

If you are using the diamond-shaped wire loop threading tool, slide the wire loop through the eye of the lace and allow the lace to hang. If you are using the small metal hook tool, thread the hook through the eye of the lace and allow the lace to hang from the other side of the hook.

Step 3: Thread the Laces

If using the diamond-shaped wire loop tool, insert the lace through the wire loop by about 8 inches (15 cm). Hold the lace tail to ensure it doesn't come out. Then, pull the wire loop out from the eye of the lace, ensuring the lace tail comes through with it.

If using the small metal hook tool, put the lace tail over the hook and hold it down with a bit of tension. Then, pull the lace over the hook and continue to pull the lace tail through.

Step 4: Finish Up

Repeat the threading process for each eyelet in your boat shoe until you have replaced all the laces. Ensure that the laces are securely threaded and tied, and you're done!

Choosing the right lace length

Method 1: Remove and Measure

Take out the existing laces from your boat shoes and measure them from tip to tip. This measured length is the ideal size for your new laces. If your old laces were too long or too short, be sure to adjust the length accordingly. Keep in mind that different lacing styles may require more or less length, so be consistent with your lacing pattern.

Method 2: Eyelet Pairs (Holes)

If you don't have your old laces to reference, you can determine the appropriate lace length based on the number of eyelet pairs (holes) on your boat shoes. Count the total number of holes and divide by two, or simply count the holes on one side of the shoe. This number represents the eyelet pairs. Then, refer to a lace length chart to identify the recommended lace length for your specific number of eyelet pairs.

For example:

• 3-4 eyelets: Choose laces between 60 and 70 cm long, often suitable for children's shoes.
• 5-6 eyelets: Opt for laces between 75 and 90 cm long, common for dress shoes, sports shoes, and trainers.
• 7-8 eyelets: Go for laces between 100 and 120 cm long, ideal for hiking or walking boots.
• 9-10 eyelets: Select laces of 140 cm or longer, typically needed for high boots or work shoes that require tight, secure lacing.

Method 3: Shoe Type

Common shoe types typically use standard shoelace sizes. Boat shoes generally fall into the category of street shoes, so you can refer to standard lace lengths for this type of footwear. Additionally, consider the lacing style you prefer, as different lacing styles may require varying amounts of lace length.

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to have slightly longer laces that you can trim to fit, rather than having laces that are too short.

Frequently asked questions