The Art Of Tying Polo Boat Shoes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Boat shoes are a must-have for anyone spending time on a boat, thanks to their non-slip soles and water-resistant materials. However, their leather laces can be tricky to tie, and there are several methods to choose from. This guide will help you master the art of tying your Polo boat shoes, ensuring both functionality and style. Whether you prefer the classic barrel knot, the intricate chain knot, or the secure surgeon's knot, we'll take you through the step-by-step process for each, so you can confidently show off your nautical style.

How to tie a barrel knot

The barrel knot is a classic and secure knot that adds a stylish twist to your lacing. Also known as the heaving knot, it is perfect for boat shoes as it ensures your laces stay in place even during vigorous activities. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a barrel knot:

Step 1: Start by forming a loop with your lace, then give it a twist.

Step 2: Take the remaining lace and wrap it tightly around the twisted loop. You'll want to do this about 5 times, or until you reach the end of the lace.

Step 3: Now, take the end of the lace and thread it through the end of the loop.

Step 4: Pull on the end of the lace while pushing the knot to tighten it. You can adjust the tightness to your preference, ensuring it is snug but still allowing for comfortable movement.

Step 5: Finally, trim any excess lace. You can tuck the end into your shoe for a neat finish.

The barrel knot is a simple and practical way to secure your boat shoes, providing both functionality and style. It is a reliable knot that will keep your laces securely in place, so you can confidently enjoy your maritime adventures without worrying about your footwear.

How to tie a chain knot

To tie a chain knot, which is a bit more complicated and fancy but creates a tight lace, follow these steps:

• Use your non-dominant hand to hold the lace and create a loop.
• While holding the first loop, use your dominant hand to make another loop.
• With two loops at this point, insert the smaller loop into the larger one. Then, entwine the base of the curve until it is inside the other loop.
• Tighten the lace by pulling it out of the one.
• Make another loop similar to the second loop that you did earlier. Insert it at the end of the curve and tighten.
• Repeat two more times or until you have looped most of the lace. Make sure to leave a bit of the lace.
• Tuck the end of the lace into the end of the loop. Pull until it is tight. Complete by adjusting the links evenly so that the spacing looks good.
• Pull the left chain to the right and tuck the end of the left lace into the shoe. Then, do the same with the right chain. The right chain's position should be above the left chain.

How to tie a tassel knot

Tying a tassel knot for your polo boat shoes is simple. It is a more complicated version of the barrel knot, but it is a better option if you want a tighter lace, minimising the chances of your shoes loosening.

To start, cross the laces to form an "X" by putting the right lace under the left lace. Then, pull both ends tight. Next, cross the left lace over the right lace and then right over left to make a square knot.

Now, hold one lace to form a loop. With the other lace, wrap the remaining lace around the loop 3 times. Finally, tuck the end in and tighten. Repeat the process for the other side.

How to tie a fishtail knot

Tying a fishtail knot is one of the five main ways of tying boat shoes. It is a frequently used knot for making paracord bracelets. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a fishtail knot:

Step 1: Thread the shoelace through the eyelets in parallel lines. Insert the left shoelace into and through the bottom left eyelet. Then, string it through the top left eyelet. Do the same for the right shoelace. The shoelaces between the two eyelets should be visible on the outside of the shoe.

Step 2: Cross the shoelaces and pull them down towards the tip of the shoe. Lay the left lace over the right lace and lay the laces flat with the ends towards the tip of the shoe.

Step 3: Loop the left lace over the right parallel line. Thread the left lace up and over the right parallel line. Pull it tight.

Step 4: Loop the right lace over the left parallel line. Thread the right lace up and over the left parallel line. Pull it tight.

Step 5: Loop each lace up and over the opposite parallel line 3 times. Pull the laces up and over the opposite parallel lines 3 times each.

Step 6: Tuck the ends of the laces into the shoe. Insert the left lace into the shoe. Tuck the right lace into the shoe.

Repeat the process on the other shoe to create a fishtail on each shoe.

How to tie a surgeon's knot

Tying a surgeon's knot is a reliable way of securing your shoelaces. It is also known as the "Tibetan Trekking Knot" or "Sherpa Knot". Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a surgeon's knot:

Start with a regular left-over-right starting knot. Cross the left lace over the right lace and wrap it over and under. Pull both laces 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 loop. Position the base of the loop next to the starting knot. The loop should be about 1 inch long.

Circle the loop with the right lace. Take the right lace (now on the left side of the shoe) and bring it in front of the loop. Complete the circle by bringing the lace back to the front, going behind the loop.

Insert the right lace into the circle and pull. Make a small loop with the right lace and insert it through the circle. Pull the loop loosely through. Up to this point, you 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. Insert the right loop through the circle once more. This extra wrap is the "secret recipe" that makes this knot secure.

Pull the loops tightly to tighten the knot. Grab the right loop with your right hand and the left loop with your left hand. Pull the loops in opposite directions to tighten the knot.

You can also try a variation of the surgeon's knot called the Double Surgeon's Shoelace Bow. This variation uses two Surgeon's Half Knots to form a shoelace bow. To tie this knot, wrap one end around the other and then again to tie a Surgeon's Knot. Pull tight and make loops. Pass one loop around the other in the opposite direction, and then repeat to form the Surgeon's bow. Tighten the knot and adjust the loops and ends to make them roughly equal.

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