Home|About|Races|Magazine|Directory|Blogroll|Press|Contact|Browse Content

Goodbye Double Knots!

For the past 30 years of my life, I have known only one way to tie my shoelaces.  My mother passed this knowledge unto me, as her mother had passed it on to her and so on and so forth.

It was very simple, really.  She taught me to tie a ribbon, then to knot the two “bunny ears” once again to avoid them from coming untied in school or the playground.  It was ugly, but it did it’s job well.  

Then, it happened.  In the January 2009 issue of Runner’s World, I came upon an article (Knot Perfect) that woke me up to the awful truth: I had been tying my shoelaces the wrong way for practically my entire life.  That there was a much better and prettier alternative to the double knot. That, in my naivete, I had also taught my son the wrong way to lace up.

However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel.  The article provided step-by-step instructions for the Reef Knot: the recommended way to lace up using a balanced knot that would hold throughout a run. I realized soon enough that it was not too late to relearn the lacing system and move forward.

IMG_0631

I sat down on my stool in the bathroom and tried the knot. It was amazing! Just subtle changes in my old lacing ways created a completely different ribbon, one that was tight and perfect. Better yet, after running 10km that day, it remained secure and strong!

That same day, I showed the article to hubby. And, within the week, I taught my son how to do it. Mom, you’re next!

Posted on 01.13.09 to 04 Gear & Product Reviews. Tags: , , , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 10 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

«
»

10 Responses to “Goodbye Double Knots!”

  1. I prefer to tie mine the “wrong” way actually. Granny knot, and a double granny at that, won’t unravel EVER, accidentally or otherwise, whether on the road or trail, pavement, water, gravel, or mud ha ha

    Miraclecello, try the reef knot. Very secure.

    miraclecello said on Jan 13 09 at 11:49 AM Reply

  2. I also tie my shoelaces like yours, but I will try the reef knot. thanks. :)

    Yes go try it! Amazing how such a small change can make a big difference :)

    itsmysocalledlife said on Jan 13 09 at 1:31 PM Reply

  3. I learned from the magazine Adidas Running how to put my laces so I won’t get a dead toenail. Too bad my toenail has not fully healed so I can’t tell if it actually works–well maybe it does because it din’t get worst.

    Mayi, if I remember correctly, Adidas mag showed different ways to insert laces into the shoe. This RW article shows how to tie the knot. :)

    Mayi said on Jan 13 09 at 2:25 PM Reply

  4. funny, i read the same knot article at the runners world website last month. i’ve tied my shoelaces “reef” style ever since.

    and yeah, teaching other people the “proper” way to tie their laces can be contagious. =)

    Hi Joms, happy new year :) Galing noh?!

    joms said on Jan 13 09 at 6:56 PM Reply

  5. hokey ah! as of last night, i have been doing the double-knot way pa rin. thanks jaymie for this. ;) btw, how is my friend – knee? :lol:

    Hey vimz, nice seeing you last night! Your friend is acting up. Dapat pinagalitan mo kagabi! :)

    kulitrunner said on Jan 14 09 at 8:54 AM Reply

  6. I’ll show you a better knot, same as what you’re doing with an extra lock to it. Perfect for those synthetic laces we all use. I also have a modification for those rubber shoes that need extra heel security.

    markfb said on Jan 14 09 at 10:43 AM Reply

  7. By the way, another good way to tie laces is using Lydiards method. Just search for “How to tie laces” I personally use this with the heel support lacing on my ds trainer 13.

    http://www.fitnesssports.com/lyd_clinic_guide/Arthur_Lydiard.htm

    Original PDF file here
    http://www.fitnesssports.com/lyd_clinic_guide/Arthur%20Lydiard.pdf

    Wooah…thanks for this. Good info…and not just on laces :)

    markfb said on Jan 14 09 at 10:50 AM Reply

  8. i’ve been doing double granny knots… i was so dead serious following the instructions… hehehe… thank you! :D

    Who would’ve thought it would be so complicated noh?! haha.

    bubbletedi said on Jan 14 09 at 5:48 PM Reply

  9. Hi Jaymie.
    Great tip! I tried it this morning. My laces didn’t come undone after my run and my drills!!! Thanks

    Hey jamike, you’re welcome!

    TRY-Athlete said on Jan 15 09 at 9:50 AM Reply

  10. Haha I still do the double knots. I have that issue too, maybe I try it…oh but so lazy to learn something new.

    So in response to your comment on my blog. I think I strained my ab muscle, one of them anyway, doing sit ups on a slanted board. I really felt it on the trail run, on the hills. Everytime I tightened up on my core on the downhills I would feel it. I think it’s better now though. I’ll know this Sunday.

    rick gaston said on Jan 15 09 at 1:46 PM Reply

Leave a Reply

Return to Top