Restring Boat Shoes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Boat shoes are a classic style of footwear, but their unique lacing system can make it challenging to replace the laces. While it may seem daunting at first, restringing your boat shoes is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. In this discussion, we will explore various methods for restringing boat shoes, including the use of special tools and creative alternatives, to help you give your beloved pair a new lease of life.

Using a shoe lace needle

Firstly, you will need to prepare your needle and lace. The TOFL Boat Shoe Lacing Needle, for example, comes with instructions and is designed to fit through most eyelets. You will need to cut the end of your lace strip to fit the needle. The thickness of the leather is all you pull through the holes, so there is no need to double the thickness.

Next, you can begin lacing! Start at the bottom eyelet near the front of your shoe, and work your way through each eyelet to the back. Continue until you reach the frontmost bottom eyelet on the other side. Remove the needle, then thread the lace into the frontmost eyelet above. Do this for both sides.

Now, cross the laces and thread them into the eyelets on opposite sides. You can then tie a knot to secure the lacing. Cut off any excess lace, leaving just enough to tuck the ends underneath the braid. And that's it! Your boat shoes are now freshly restrung.

Alternative tools: a paperclip, a safety pin, a crochet hook, or a sail needle

Restringing boat shoes can be done with a variety of tools, including a paperclip, a safety pin, a crochet hook, or a sail needle. Here's a detailed guide on how to use these alternative tools:

Paperclip or Safety Pin:

Straighten out the paperclip or use the safety pin, and create a small hook at one end. This hook will act as your makeshift needle. Cut the end of your new shoelace at a sharp angle, and carefully thread it through the eye of your makeshift needle. Once the lace is securely attached, guide the needle through the eyelets of your boat shoe, pulling the lace through. Repeat this process for each set of eyelets, ensuring the lace is pulled tight.

Crochet Hook:

The crochet hook method is similar to using a needle. Cut the end of your new shoelace at a sharp angle, and carefully thread it through the eye of the crochet hook. Ensure the lace is securely attached, then guide the hook through the eyelets, pulling the lace through. This method may require a bit more force, so be gentle yet firm as you push the crochet hook.

Sail Needle:

A sail needle is an ideal tool for restringing boat shoes. Its slender design allows it to fit through most eyelets. Look for a sail needle that is approximately 4 3/4 inches long and 1/8 of an inch wide. Cut the end of your new shoelace at a sharp angle, and thread it through the eye of the needle. Pull the lace through the eyelets, ensuring you only pull through the thickness of the leather, avoiding any doubling that may cause tearing.

Remember, when using alternative tools, always work with caution to avoid injury and take your time to guide the tools through the eyelets smoothly.

Choosing the right colour for your laces

When it comes to choosing the right colour for your boat shoe laces, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to think about the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you want your laces to stand out and make a statement, or would you prefer them to be more subtle and understated? Another thing to consider is the colour of your boat shoes themselves. Do you want your laces to match or contrast with the colour of your shoes? Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect colour for your boat shoe laces:

• Colour coordination is key: As mentioned earlier, it's important to consider the colour of your boat shoes when choosing your laces. If you want a more subtle and elegant look, opt for laces that match the colour of your shoes. This will create a cohesive and sophisticated appearance. On the other hand, if you want to make a statement, choose a contrasting colour that pops. For example, if you have brown boat shoes, you could try yellow or white laces for a bold look.
• Create a natural fit: If you're going for a more subtle look, try to match the colour of your laces to the welt and the leather of your boat shoes. This will create a seamless and elegant appearance, making your laces look like a natural part of the shoe.
• Go bold with vibrant colours: If you want your boat shoes to stand out, opt for vibrant lace colours like olive, rust, or sapphire. These colours will add a pop of interest to your footwear and are perfect for those who want to make a statement.
• Experiment with primary and secondary colours: If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing primary colours with adjacent secondary colours, or vice versa. For example, a rust-coloured lace on a burgundy shoe can create an interesting and unique look.
• Consider the occasion: Think about the occasions when you'll be wearing your boat shoes. If you're looking for a more versatile option, go for neutral or darker colours that can be dressed up or down. If you want something more fun and casual, go for brighter or lighter colours.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match: Boat shoes are all about versatility and personal style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different lace colours and styles to find what works best for you. You can even try different types of knots, such as the barrel knot, tassel knot, or sailor's knot, to add a unique touch to your look.

Remember, choosing the right colour for your boat shoe laces is a fun way to express your personality and style. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. With a bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect lace colour to complement your boat shoes and elevate your overall look.

How to thread the needle

To restring your boat shoes, you will need a shoelace needle, or an alternative tool such as a paperclip, a safety pin, a crochet hook, or a sail needle. You will also need new laces.

• Take your shoelace needle and screw the tip of the lace into the needle tightly.
• Thread the needle through the sides and back of the shoe.
• Repeat the process for the other shoe.

Some alternative methods can be used if you don't have a shoelace needle. One method is to bend a paperclip so that one end resembles a needle, and the other end can be tied to the lace. You can also use a safety pin, a crochet hook, or a sail needle.

Once you have threaded the needle, follow the steps in the previous section on 'How to Relace Boat Shoes' to finish the job.

Where to buy relacing kits

If you're looking to buy a relacing kit for your boat shoes, there are a few options available on Amazon. Here are some of the kits you can choose from:

TOFL Leather Boat Shoe Lacing Kit

This kit includes a pair of 45-inch leather shoelaces, a lacing needle, and instructions for lacing. The leather is made from authentic rawhide for superior strength and durability. It is suitable for relacing boat shoes, moccasins, Sperrys, and other footwear. The kit has received positive reviews for the quality of the shoelaces and the ease of installation. However, some customers have mentioned mixed opinions about the fit and the quality of the needle.

TOFL Boat Shoe Lacing Needle

If you only need a lacing needle, TOFL also offers this separately. The needle is 4 3/4 inches long and 1/8 of an inch wide, making it suitable for most boat shoe eyelets. It can be used with 1/8-inch leather boat shoe laces, which need to be cut at an angle to fit into the needle. This product has received generally positive reviews, with some customers noting that it works well with thin laces. However, there are also reviews mentioning that the needle doesn't fit through smaller eyelets.

Other Options

In addition to the TOFL kits, Amazon also offers a variety of other boat shoe relacing kits and needles from different brands. These include the Tandy Leather Long Jumbo Perma-Lok Needle, Jig Pro Shop Paracord FID Lacing Needles, and BBTO Paracord Stitching Set, among others. These products offer different features and options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

When purchasing a relacing kit or needle, be sure to consider the size and type of your boat shoe eyelets, as well as the thickness of the laces you plan to use.

Frequently asked questions