Mastering a few different ways to tie your shoelaces can upgrade both your comfort and your style. Whether you want a faster knot, a more secure fit for workouts, or a clean look for everyday wear, these five techniques have you covered.

 

How to Tie Shoelaces Step by Step

 

Here are five methods for how to tie laces, starting with the one you know and moving to techniques that offer more speed and security.

 

Method 1: The Standard Knot (The OG)

 

This is the classic ‘loop, swoop, and pull’ method everyone learns first. It’s reliable and perfect for your daily rotation.

             

    Benefits:

• Simple to do and universally known
• Works perfectly for casual wear

 

     Steps:

•  Cross the laces to make an ‘X’
• Wrap the top lace under the bottom lace and pull it through
• Make a loop with one end of the shoelace
• Wrap the other lace around the loop once
• Make another small loop with the wrapped lace and pull it through the hole in the middle

Method 2: The Two-Loop Knot ("Bunny Ears")

 

This is often the first method kids learn because it’s more intuitive than the Standard Knot. The ‘Bunny Ears’ technique uses two easy loops for your shoes. It may take a second longer, but it’s straightforward, memorable, and consistently secure.

                                          

Benefits:

•  Extremely easy to teach and learn
•  Symmetrical motions make it simple to remember

 

 Steps:

• Cross the laces to make an ‘X’
• Wrap the top lace under the bottom lace and pull it through
• Make a loop with each end of the shoelace (‘bunny ears’)
• Cross them and pull one loop through the hole
• Pull tight by holding each loop at the top

Method 3: The Ian Knot (The World's Fastest Knot)

 

This knot is all about speed. It gives you the same finished bow as the standard method. However, instead of several steps, you form two loops at the same time and push them through each other in a smooth motion. The knot tightens instantly.

                                          

Benefits:

• One of the fastest ways to tie your shoes
• Symmetrical motion creates an even, clean-looking knot

 

 Steps:

• Begin with a regular left-over-right starting knot
• Make both ends into loops by simply doubling them back onto themselves 
• Twist both loops anti-clockwise so that the left loose end is at the front and the right  loose end is at the back
• Cross the loops with the left loose end in front
• Each hand uses the two fingers inside its own loop to grab the loose end of the other hand's loop
• Each hand releases its own loop and pulls the loose end of the opposite loop through its own, and pull both loops tight to complete the knot

Method 4: Better-Bow Shoelace Knot

 

This is a simple modification of the standard knot, designed for a more secure hold. Instead of wrapping the second shoelace around the loop once, wrap it twice.

                                          

Benefits:

• Significantly more secure and less likely to come undone
• Ideal for running, basketball, and other sports

 

 Steps:

• Cross the laces to make an ‘X’
• Wrap the top lace under the bottom lace and pull it through
• Make a loop with one end of the shoelace
• Wrap the other lace around the loop twice
• Make another small loop with the wrapped lace and pull it through the hole in the middle

Method 5: Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot

 

Consider this the maximum-security knot. It's one of the tightest-holding knots out there, designed to never come untied on its own. 

                                          

Benefits:

• Offers ultimate security for sports and performance footwear
• Stays tied even under constant motion and impact

 

 Steps:

• Start with a basic knot and make two "bunny ear" loops
• Cross the loops over each other so they overlap in the middle
• Feed both loops through the central hole, but in opposite directions
• Pull both loops tight; the knot will lock into a very tight and symmetrical bow

How to Tie Laces FAQs

 

How do you lace shoes normally?

 

Most people use the ‘Standard Knot’ (Method 1) or the ‘Bunny Ears’ method (Method 2). The Standard Knot is the most common technique for everyday wear because it’s secure and works well with almost any type of shoe. Kids learn these methods when they learn to tie their shoelaces. 

 

What is the best knot for shoes?

 

The best knot depends on what you need. For pure speed, the Ian Knot is the clear winner; it can be done in 1 – 3 seconds. For a secure, no-fail fit, Ian's Secure Knot is your best bet because it's strong and easy to do.

 

How to tie shoes so they don't untie?

 

Use a secure knot like Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot. The extra wrap or opposing pulls in these knots add friction that prevents them from slipping. Also, make sure your starting knot and finishing bow are tied in opposite directions (e.g., left-over-right, then right-over-left). This creates a balanced knot that lies flat and stays put.

 

What is the easiest way to tie shoelaces?

 

The "Bunny Ears" method is easiest for beginners and younger kids because the movements are simple and mirror each other. It also helps adults who prefer symmetrical steps.

 

How do you tie a long shoelace?

 

If your laces are too long, you have a few options for a cleaner look. One option is to add a simple double knot by tying an extra knot with the finished loops. For a more stylish solution, you can wrap the laces around your ankle once before tying, or simply tuck the long, floppy loops under the crisscrossed sections of your lacing on top of the shoe.

Finding the right shoelace knot can make a real difference in comfort and how your shoes perform day to day. Start with the Standard Knot for everyday wear, try Bunny Ears for simple, mirrored steps, and level up with the Ian Knot for speed.

For movement-heavy days or slippery laces, lock things down with Ian’s Secure Shoelace Knot. Bookmark this guide and find a new pair in our women’s, men's, or kids' shoe selection to practice tying shoelaces.