Mastering The Art Of Tying Boat Shoes Fishtail

Boat shoes are specifically designed for nautical environments, with rubber soles that prevent slipping and water-resistant materials such as leather or canvas. However, their unique design and leather laces can make them challenging to tie securely. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving a stylish and functional fishtail knot for your boat shoes:

Firstly, ensure your laces are inserted into the eyelets and running vertically, with both laces parallel and visible between the eyelets. Next, cross the laces to form an X, bringing each side up and over the loop on the opposite side. Repeat this step three times, tightening the laces each time. Finally, trim any excess lace and tuck the ends behind the braid to secure your fishtail knot.

Thread laces through eyelets vertically

Threading the laces through the eyelets vertically is the first step in tying a fishtail knot for your boat shoes. This will result in the laces being parallel to each other and visible between the two eyelets.

• Take the left lace and insert it into the left eyelet, moving vertically. Repeat this step with the right lace, so both laces are threaded through the eyelets and are parallel to each other.
• Cross the laces to form an "X" shape, with the left lace going over the right. Ensure the crossover point is close to the top of the shoe. Pull the ends of the laces towards the tip of the shoe.
• Now, take the left lace and thread it into the right parallel line, pulling it tight.
• Repeat the previous step with the right lace, threading it into the left parallel line and pulling it tight.
• At this point, you should have two sets of parallel lines, with each lace crossing over the other in the middle. Pull both laces up and insert them into the opposite parallel lines. Repeat this step two more times, so you have a total of three loops on each side.
• Finally, tuck the ends of the laces into the shoe to secure the fit.

You can add a finishing touch by securing the fishtail braid with a clear rubber band or a hair tie that matches the colour of your laces.

Cross laces to make an X

To cross the laces to make an "X", start by taking the left lace and placing it over the right one. Then, take the left lace and bring it under the right one, pulling both ends tight to create a secure base for your knot. This step is crucial to ensure your boat shoes are stable and secure, especially when walking on a wet deck.

Now, repeat the process in reverse. Take the right lace and place it over the left one, then bring it under and back over the left lace. Pull both laces in opposite directions to tighten the knot further. This creates a square knot, which is known for its symmetry and stability, making it ideal for keeping your boat shoes snug and secure.

At this point, you should have a neat "X" formed by the laces crossing each other. This step is the foundation for the rest of the fishtail knot, so ensure that the "X" is centred and tight before moving on to the next steps.

Remember that boat shoes are meant to fit tightly, and this starts with how you tie them. By crossing the laces to make an "X", you are on your way to achieving the secure fit that is characteristic of boat shoes and essential for your safety and comfort on the water.

Insert left lace into right parallel line

To tie a fishtail knot with your boat shoes, start by threading the shoelace in a parallel line. The lace should be on top, meaning that it must be visible.

Now, you will cross the laces to make an "X" and pull them down towards the tip of the boat shoe. Insert the left lace into the right parallel line and pull it tight. Repeat this step with the other lace. Pull both laces up and insert them into the opposite parallel lines, repeating this step two more times.

Finally, tuck the ends of both laces into the shoes.

Repeat on the other side

Now, repeat the same process on the other side. Thread the right lace through the eyelets on the right side, so that it is running vertically and is parallel to the left lace. Cross the laces with one another and insert each lace into the loop between the eyelets on their opposite side. Insert the laces from the outside, so they meet in the centre. Cross the laces again and repeat the process of inserting them into the loops. Do this two more times for a total of three loops.

Now, cut any excess lace length. Leave just enough lace to be able to tuck the ends underneath the braid. Take your laces and place the right lace over the left one, then bring the right lace under and over the cross. Tighten the laces. Repeat the above step, but this time with the left lace over the right one and tighten. With this, you will have made a square knot.

Take the right lace and make a loop. Take the rest of the lace and wrap it around the loop three times. Insert the end of the lace into the loop and tighten it. Pull the knot towards the tip of the lace. Repeat the above step with the left lace, and you're done!

Tuck ends of laces into shoes

To complete the fishtail boat shoe knot, you will need to tuck the ends of the laces into the shoes. This is the final step in the process, and it helps to secure the fit of your shoes.

Firstly, thread the shoelace in a parallel line, ensuring the lace is on top and visible. Then, make an "X" pattern by crossing the laces and pulling them down towards the tip of the boat shoe.

Next, take the left lace and insert it into the right parallel line, pulling it tight. Repeat this step with the right lace, threading it into the left parallel line. Pull both laces up and insert them into the opposite parallel lines, repeating this step two more times.

Finally, tuck the ends of both laces into the shoes. This will ensure your shoes are securely fastened and comfortable to wear.

Frequently asked questions