How to Tie Shoe Laces: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To learn how to tie shoe laces, cross the two laces and pull one underneath the other to make a starting knot. Fold one lace into a loop. Wrap the other lace around it, push a fold of that lace through the opening, and pull the two loops outward.

The fold you push through becomes the second loop. To untie the finished bow later, pull either loose end.

What Should You Check Before Tying?

Before learning How to Tie Shoe Laces, start with both lace ends at about the same length. If one end is much shorter, you may struggle to make two even loops.

Then sit down or place the shoe on a steady surface where you can see the laces clearly. Work with the lace ends above the shoe, rather than pulling them off to one side.

You only need to recognise three parts:

• Lace end: The loose tip of a lace.
• Loop: A lace folded back on itself.
• Starting knot: The first knot you make before forming the bow.

How to Tie Shoe Laces Step by Step

This is the standard one-loop method. Read one step, try it, and then move to the next.

Step 1: Make an X

Hold one lace in each hand. Cross one over the other so they form an X above the shoe.

Take the lace on top and pass its tip underneath the X. Pull both lace ends outward. You now have the starting knot.

It should feel secure, but you do not need to pull it as hard as possible.

Step 2: Fold one lace into a loop

Choose either lace. Fold it back toward the centre and pinch the bottom of the fold between your fingers.

This is your first loop. Continue holding it while you work with the other lace.

Step 3: Wrap the free lace around the loop

Take the lace that is still straight. Move it around the base of the loop you are holding.

As it comes around, you will see a small opening near your fingers. Keep your grip on the first loop so it does not fall flat.

Step 4: Push a folded section through

Fold a small section of the free lace and push that fold through the opening. This makes the second loop.

Do not push the lace tip all the way through. If you do, you will not have two loops to pull into a bow.

Step 5: Pull the two loops outward

Hold one loop in each hand. Pull them away from each other until the bow sits over the starting knot.

Look at the result before walking away. Are the loops about the same size? Are the loose ends clear of the ground? If one side looks too long, loosen the bow slightly, adjust it, and pull both loops again.

Easy way to remember it: Cross → loop → wrap → push a fold through → pull both loops.

Is the Two-Loop Method Easier?

It can be another easy way to learn how to tie shoe laces. If holding one loop while wrapping the other lace feels awkward, try making a loop with each lace first. This is often called the bunny ears method.

1. Cross the laces and make the starting knot.
2. Fold each lace into a small loop.
3. Hold one loop in each hand.
4. Cross the loops to make an X.
5. Pass one loop underneath the other at the centre.
6. Pull both loops outward.

The important point is to pull the loops, not the loose ends. Pulling a loose end is how you undo a bow.

Why Does Your Shoelace Bow Keep Coming Undone?

When practising How to Tie Shoe Laces, first check which part you pull when finishing the bow. Hold both loops close to the centre and pull outward. If you pull one of the loose ends instead, you can partly undo the knot.

Next, look at the direction of the finished bow. A bow that sits sideways along the shoe or twists sharply may become more stable if you reverse the direction of your starting cross. Undo the bow, cross the laces the opposite way in Step 1, and finish the remaining steps as usual.

To see how the direction of a knot changes the finished bow, refer to this illustrated shoelace knot guide. 

If the shoe and its laces have become wet, deal with the moisture before trying to judge how well the knot holds. The steps for safely drying wet shoes are covered separately, so you can keep this tying routine simple.

When Should You Use a Double Knot?

Use one when a correctly tied bow still opens during walking or other activity. A double knot adds one more movement after the regular bow is finished.

To make it:

1. Tie a normal bow.
2. Hold its two finished loops.
3. Cross the loops over each other.
4. Pass one loop underneath the other.
5. Pull both loops outward again.

Leave enough of each loop to hold when it is time to untie your shoes. A double knot that has been pulled extremely tight can be difficult to open.

What If the Bow Looks Uneven?

An uneven bow usually begins before the final pull. One lace end may have been shorter, or you may have pushed too much lace through when making the second loop.

Do not keep pulling harder to correct it. Instead, loosen the bow a little. Hold the centre and gently adjust the lace until both loops look closer in length. Then pull the loops outward evenly.

Use this table to find the movement to change:

Does the Same Knot Work on Different Shoes?

Yes. Once you learn How to Tie Shoe Laces, you can use the same bow on most lace-up shoes. The amount of lace left at the top may differ, so check where the loops and loose ends sit once you are finished.

For example, before any activity involving quicker movement, make sure a loop cannot catch under your foot. For casual wear, you may simply want a neat bow that is easy to undo. If you want to understand how those shoes differ in their intended use, the sneakers and sports shoes comparison covers that question in more detail.

Final Thoughts

The easiest way to learn How to Tie Shoe Laces is to use one method until the movements feel familiar. Start with an even pair of lace ends, make a small bow, and pull its two loops outward.

If the result looks wrong, change one thing at a time: the first cross, the loop length, or the way you make the final pull. A neat bow should sit above the shoe, stay clear of the ground, and still be easy to untie when you need to take the shoe off.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to Tie Shoe Laces for Beginners? 

Start with the two-loop method. Cross the laces and make a starting knot. Make one loop with each lace, cross the loops, pass one through the opening, and pull both loops outward.

2. What is the easiest shoe tying trick?

Remember five actions: cross, loop, wrap, push, pull. Cross the laces, make one loop, wrap the other lace around it, push a folded section through the opening, and pull both loops.

3. What is the best way to tie a knot in shoelaces?

For everyday use, make a regular bow with two small, even loops. Pull both loops to tighten it. If the bow twists or keeps opening, undo it and cross the laces the opposite way at the start.

4. How tight should shoelaces be?

They should hold the shoe comfortably without pressing hard on the top of your foot. Once tied, your heel should feel secure and your toes should still move comfortably. Loosen the laces if you feel pressure or numbness.

5. What is the strongest shoelace knot?

There is no single knot that works best for everyone. A double knot is a simple option when a regular bow keeps opening: tie your usual bow, then cross its two loops and tie them together once more.

6. How to tie shoes so the laces are hidden?

Tie a regular bow, then tuck the finished loops and loose ends neatly under the shoe’s tongue or along its sides. Check that they do not press against your foot or slip out while walking.