How do you tie your shoes?

Archaeological reports are sparse where it comes to shoes and their laces. Decomposition over the years destroyed the remains. It appears shoelaces, woven in the Areni-1 shoe, date to around 3500 BC. Made of leather, the shoe had laces passing through slots cut into the hide. More complex shoes worn by Ötzi the Iceman, who lived around 3300 BC, contained shoelaces made of lime bark string.

One story states Ghurka soldiers, fighting for Britain, crawled along the ground, feeling the laces of the soldiers they encountered. British soldiers tied straight-lacing but Japanese troops criss-crossed their laces Criss-cross laces could mean the difference between life and death. As a result, British troops focused on correct lacing.

Watching others tie their laces has always fascinated me. Over the years, I have observed a variety of lacers and inquired where they learned their techniques. My father taught me to make two lopes and tie them. Then, the bow would come out perfectly. He demonstrated that with only one side looped first, the bow appeared twisty. He showed me how to twirl it around to get the bow straight. Two loops at first felt easier.

Take time today to observe shoe lacers and all their behaviors. Are they flat or cross-lacers? Do their shoes reveal a double-helix or provide a checkboard pattern? Ask them who taught them their techniques. Observe them in action. You will be amazed and amused.

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