Sometimes the laces are too long. As a result, they dangle ugly, and you step on them. The solution is to buy new, shorter ones. But if you need to shorten the laces this very minute, then save yourself in the ways described below.

Shortening the laces is as easy as shelling pears - take and cut off with scissors. It is more difficult to do it carefully so that it is beautiful. But nothing is impossible in this life. Especially one that would concern such an earthly thing as shoelaces.

The easiest way

Works with ordinary laces (most often found in sneakers. Its essence: tightly wrap the end with transparent tape.

"Sticky Fingers"

Another option is to soak the end of the lace with glue (but not superglue - your fingers will just stick together). Then give this tip a pointed shape.

The most beautiful option

The most beautiful option is to use thin metal tubes. They can be found in radio parts stores or flea markets. After sawing off the tube of the desired length, insert a string into it, and pour glue inside, or make small dents with a nail. The result will be different from the factory, but still. Another option is not to pour glue and make holes with a nail, but to burn the pipe. Watch how it's done.

These shoes are mainly made of leather, but there are also suede and textile options. The height of the soles of topsiders can be very thin, or vice versa, thick enough.

Topsiders differ from other shoes with a white sole, an obligatory lace in the upper, edge part around the entire circumference. The number of holes for the lace depends on the designer's idea, there may be only 2 on each shoe, or maybe 6 pieces.

It is the lace that distinguishes topsiders from classic moccasins. To tie shoelaces on topsiders, you need to have a certain skill. Watch the video instruction and you will definitely learn how to do it. Unfortunately, all videos are in English. Apparently, in our country, these shoes have not found such a wide demand.

Lace up and trim

If the laces are getting tired of you and get in the way, there are several ways to hide them inside by cutting and tying.

Knot-bump

Incredibly cute and trendy tie shoelaces on topsiders so that they do not interfere with their owner.

Slowly

How to tie topsiders: a simple bow

The classic and easiest way tie topsiders hastily . But such bows are good because they are not untied at the most inopportune moment.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Fishtail lacing

A difficult, but original way to tie topsiders.

Video on how to change the lace in the topsiders as a whole, including the edge

Tired of the colors or the laces on your favorite topsiders are pretty worn out? It doesn't matter - we will change the whole thing!

Knitting method

Sometimes the laces are too long. As a result, they dangle ugly, and you step on them. The solution is to buy new, shorter ones. But if you need to shorten the laces this very minute, then save yourself in the ways described below.

Shortening the laces is as easy as shelling pears - take and cut off with scissors. It is more difficult to do it carefully so that it is beautiful. But nothing is impossible in this life. Especially one that would concern such an earthly thing as shoelaces.

The easiest way

Works with ordinary laces (most often found in sneakers. Its essence: tightly wrap the end with transparent tape.

"Sticky Fingers"

Another option is to saturate the end of the lace with glue (but not superglue - your fingers will just stick together). Then give this tip a pointed shape.

The most beautiful option

The most beautiful option is to use thin metal tubes. They can be found in radio parts stores or flea markets. After sawing off the tube of the desired length, insert a string into it, and pour glue inside, or make small dents with a nail. The result will be different from the factory, but still. Another option is not to pour glue and make holes with a nail, but to burn the pipe. See how it's done:

How to shorten the lace

Each of us knows how to properly tie shoelaces on sneakers from childhood. But it often turns out that the reliability of the node is not as high as we would like. The laces are untied every now and then, especially during training or active sports. Stepping on the dangling end of the lace is not a pleasant event. Therefore, it will be useful for sports and outdoor enthusiasts to learn several reliable ways to lace shoes.

Before moving on to lacing methods, let's look at the root of the problem. Why are shoe laces often unreliable? Even a tightly tied knot can spontaneously untie., leaving behind a light train of surprise. The reason may be the laces themselves, incorrect knots, carelessness of the wearer and many other factors.

The most common reasons for untying knots are:

1. Laces are made of silk or coated with wax ("waxed"). Such laces are quite slippery, and therefore most popular knots are simply unreliable.
2. The so-called "grandmother's bow" is used. It is this knot that is familiar to each of us from early childhood. Unfortunately, this is the most unreliable way of lacing shoes.
3. hard frost. During frost, the laces can lose elasticity, become noticeably harder. This will make them more slippery as well. As a consequence, the knot can untie on its own.
4. Too short or, conversely, too long laces. There is a whole system about how long the laces need for a particular number of holes. A shoelace of the wrong size runs the risk of untying itself, even if the knot is made correctly and skillfully.

Important! Laces that slip or dangle freely in holes are best left untouched. Just replace them with new high-quality laces, preferably made of cotton. After that, you can begin to study the types of lacing.

How to lace up your running shoes?

To understand how to lace up the laces on sneakers, you can experiment. Through trial and error, you will quickly find the best option. But if you are reluctant to spend time on an independent search for a solution, we bring to your attention information verified by millions of sports shoe wearers!

Basic lacing methods

"Grandma's bow", as the easiest way to lacing, is known to everyone. But his popularity is not evidence of effectiveness. Such knots are untied much more often than most others. Consider a few basic ways of lacing sneakers and sneakers.

The way of the Australian Ian Figen It turned out to be so simple and reliable that it brought its creator a lot of money. Ayan now has a popular website dedicated to lacing techniques. As you can see in the figure, the essence of the method is to before creating a characteristic “bow”, insert the loops one into the other, and not just bandage, as in the traditional unreliable way. However, it does not make sense to describe the Figen method: it is better to learn from the image. It, by the way, is taken from Ayan's website, like the rest of the images in this article.

Rice. 1. Ayan Figen's method

If you do not trust an unfamiliar Australian in matters of how to insert shoelaces into sneakers, here is another good way. Many people rightly consider it the perfect combination of simplicity and reliability. It can be described as " double bow”, and it is called sliding because after tying, there is free space. That is what makes the node reliable. If you pull it tight, it will untie pretty quickly. As you can see from the image, making such a knot is not at all difficult!

Rice. 2. Double slip knot

Finally, we offer another popular method. This is surgeon's knot, otherwise known as the "Sherpa knot". It is very difficult to complete it - even the image shows as many as 8 steps instead of 6. This method is the most difficult, but lacing the sneakers according to the photo will allow you to master it quickly enough. Enough to learn correctly wrap one loop around the other, and everything else will be a matter of technology. Believe me, it's worth it!

Rice. 3. Surgeon's knot, or "Sherpa's knot"

If the method that you know is not among those listed above, this does not make it bad. There are many unpopular, but also effective types of lacing sports shoes. Look for the one you like the most.

Tricks when creating a node

To create a great knot, sometimes it is not enough to know some effective lacing technique. The laces can be slippery and therefore require additional “insurance” means. In addition, stress during exercise increases the risk of decoupling when compared to normal walking. So what are the tricks protect the laces from spontaneous untying?

The main "insurance" means are as follows:

1. Hide the ends of your laces. We will consider this issue in more detail at the end of the article. In the meantime, let's say that you need to hide even short tips, and not just unnecessarily long ones.
2. Pay attention not only to the knot, but also to the lacing. The more often the ends of the lace will cross and intertwine during the lacing process, the less likely it is that the sneaker will "loose" and thereby weaken the knot.
3. Experiment with knot strength. If the laces are untied, try tightening the knot more or, conversely, loosening the knot. Sometimes this is the most effective solution to a problem.
4. Check the knot immediately before starting a workout. During the time that you go from home to the place of training, the knot may loosen a little, and tightening it before starting classes is the right decision.

How to lace up sneakers for kids?

Surely you have noticed that some lacing methods are quite complicated. The child will most likely not cope with them.. But at school, physical education lessons regularly take place, and the children themselves are forced to change their shoes into sports shoes, tying their shoelaces on their own. Bumps and bruises resulting from laces untied during physical education are by no means uncommon.

What should a child do with naughty shoelaces? There are some general recommendations:

1. Do not teach your child difficult knots. The best intentions of parents are understandable, but if the child cannot properly master the chosen type of lacing, then the knot will be made incorrectly and risk being untied. The best option is the "golden mean" between the simplicity and reliability of the node.
2. Buy cotton shoelaces for your child. They provide the best grip and do not slip, so the risk of unraveling is quite small. With waxed or silk laces, things are much more complicated.
3. Take care of the optimal length. Children's sneakers often use unreliable slippery laces, but their length is always optimal. Therefore, new cotton laces should be chosen in the same size as the original ones.

Not the last role is played by the children's shoes themselves. If the sneakers are very loose, then they are unlikely to be suitable for physical education lessons, even despite the reliable and well-made knot.

Visual video instruction for tying running shoes

What to do with the ends of the laces?

We have already talked a lot about how to properly lace up sneakers. But even if the knot is done correctly, due to the imperfect length of the laces, the laces often remain too long ends. You also need to do something with them, because during training they can catch on something or get under the sole.

The basic solution to the problem of long laces is the correct use of the top eyelet. It is necessary to lace up the sneakers so that the lace goes inside the top hole, and does not come out. This will allow you to conveniently hide the free edges inside the sneaker - either between the tongue and the walls of the shoe, or between the walls of the shoe and the foot.

If the previous advice was not enough, then there are other tricks:

• you can make a knot not from above, but under the tongue (suitable only for loose shoes, otherwise it crushes the foot);
• you can tie a “bow” not in the center, but on the side, and then tuck both ends on one side;
• if the laces are too long, you can tie them around the lower leg (suitable when wearing trousers and jeans);
• you can buy lace anchors - small plastic accessories designed specifically for "cleaning" the loose edges of the laces.

Conclusion

So, now you know that lacing sneakers is practically an art! It remains only to master it and teach your child - if, of course, you have one. Even though lace tying is not a serious problem, it is precisely the elimination of such minor flaws that helps to significantly improve the quality of life. Spending less time, energy and nerves on trifles, you can fully devote yourself to truly serious things.

NOTE

It is a well-known fact that the right shoes are half the success when it comes to choosing a wardrobe. Spectacular boots can make a casual look stand out, while a poorly fitting pair of shoes can negate the effect of the most expensive suit. The same applies to accessories. And if - this is not a problem, few people think that something can also be done with shoes (other than cleaning them, of course). Specifically, with laces.

Although the laces take up a very small area relative to the entire surface of the shoe, they are often the first thing that catches the eye - because they are located on the front upper part of the shoe, the most open to the eye. Many take the laces for granted, and not only don’t change them, but don’t even lace them up, leaving everything as it was on the shelf in the store. Then how much can be done.

Learn how to properly tie your shoelaces

Change lacing

Classic shoes, especially oxfords (with closed lacing), are best laced so that there are only horizontal parallels on top, and diagonals run from below. The lacing is simple and neat, but at the same time it does not warp the berets, like a “store” one.

Make a spiral out of shoelaces

shorten the laces

Often the laces are too long - they dangle ugly, or you step on them. It's easy to shorten the laces - take it and cut it off with scissors. It's harder to do it right. Most branded laces have special tips - they are also aglets, or caps. By shortening the lace, you will be left without them. But you can also make them yourself. The easiest way, which works with regular shoelaces like sneakers, is to wrap the end tightly with clear tape. Another option is to saturate the end of the lace with glue (but not superglue - your fingers will just stick) and give it a pointed shape. The most beautiful option is to use thin metal tubes. They can be found in radio parts stores or flea markets. After sawing off the tube of the desired length, thread a string into it and fly glue inside or punch small dents with a nail. Such a tip is almost indistinguishable from the branded one.

Change shoelaces

This option is useful both for those who have too long or short laces, and for those who want to change the style of the shoe a little. For example, strict classic shoes can be turned into fashionable ones by inserting contrasting laces into them. It will be especially effective on light and black shoes. The main thing here is not to overdo it - colored laces on already bright shoes, and even with something bright in the rest of the wardrobe, can make a clown out of a normal person. But to emphasize light suede shoes with dark blue laces is unlikely to hurt anyone.

Round waxed laces look more solid than regular flat ones. These are sold in shoe stores and can give a solid appearance to shoes if they have old and unkempt laces.

Work boots look spectacular with leather laces. Leather cord can be purchased online or in specialized stores that sell leather or handicrafts. You just need to remember that leather laces, like any other leather, require care. If they are not waxed, then one fine moment, when you get caught in the rain, you may find that the knot has stuck together into a homogeneous mass.

Sneakers generally have unlimited possibilities for modification - you can choose laces to match the color of individual parts or a different color altogether, change ordinary flat laces to round ones and even insert leather ones - almost anything will fit, with one success or another.

The only thing we would not recommend is different laces on different legs. Still, fantasy has its limits.

Properly selected beautiful shoes are an attribute that gives the image completeness and individuality. Boots, sneakers, sneakers and ankle boots are equipped with various fixing elements. The most common way to fasten shoes to the foot is with laces. It often happens that this element has an excessive length. There are several ways to shorten shoelaces at home. The procedure will take no more than 15 minutes and will not require special devices.

Shortening shoelaces is not difficult, but the procedure requires preparation. If you ignore this step and do not decide on the optimal length, there is a risk that the laces will become too short and unsuitable for fixing. The easiest option is to lace up the shoes and see how many centimeters the product is longer than the required size. Then measure the excess tips with a tape. As an alternative, you can use a special table that indicates the optimal length of the laces depending on the number of holes:

• 2–3 - 45 cm;
• 3–4 - 60 cm;
• 5–6 - 75 cm;
• 7–8 - 90 cm.

A similar number of pairs of holes is typical for sneakers, sneakers, low shoes. If you need to shorten the laces for shoes or boots, their length should be different, since such shoes have a large height. Depending on the number of eyelets or hooks on one side, the length of the lace should be:

• 8–9 - 120 cm;
• 9–10 - 140 cm;
• 10–13 - 180 cm;
• 14–18 - 250 cm.

Please note that these values ​​are approximate. They change depending on how far the holes are made. Another factor that affects the length is the lacing pattern.

Before shortening the laces on sneakers or boots, it is recommended to wash and iron them.

Materials and tools

The easiest way to shorten the laces at home is to cut off the excess with scissors and singe with a lighter. The procedure takes a minimum of time, but has a significant drawback - the cut ends look ugly. In addition, over time, they may begin to bloom. It should also be borne in mind that the fixing element, processed in this way, simplifies the appearance of the shoe, makes it less presentable. That is why it is better to use more accurate methods to shorten the laces. Depending on the method, for the procedure you will need:

• drinking tube;
• matches or lighter;
• sharp scissors (not manicure);
• high-quality polyurethane adhesive;
• marker with a thin rod;
• scotch.

Almost all of these items can be found at home, which simplifies the procedure. If you have everything you need on hand and know how to shorten the laces, the job will take a minimum of time. The product can be used for its intended purpose immediately after trimming.

Basic shortening methods

Before cutting the laces, you need to make sure that the measurements are taken correctly. It should be understood that it will not be possible to return the device to its original appearance. If a critical error is made, damaged products will need to be replaced with new ones. After re-checking the measurements, it is necessary to mark the fittings with a marker. They draw a line at both ends, marking the length that needs to be removed.

Simple

This is the easiest way to shorten shoe laces. It is guaranteed not to cause difficulties and will take no more than 10 minutes. But the technique has a significant drawback - the latch will not look quite neat. This option is more suitable for ordinary laces that are inserted into sneakers or sneakers. All you need for the procedure is a transparent adhesive tape. Double-sided or colored adhesive tape is not suitable.

The essence of the technique is that the extra ends must be folded to the required length, tightly tightened with tape. The tape will securely attach to the material, so that the lace will be fixed.

It will be convenient to tie the laces, and they will also securely hold the shoes on the foot. Despite the simplicity and practicality of this method, it should be used only as a last resort. This is due to the fact that the type of laces will not be ideal, due to which they will forgive the shoes.

"Sticky Fingers"

There is another effective method on how to cut the lace, while maintaining its attractive appearance. Compared to the previous method, this procedure is more complex and painstaking, but gives a better result.

To shorten too long clamps in this way, you will need scissors, good polyurethane glue. Don't use superglue as it will dry too quickly. As a result, it will not be possible to shorten the laces, in addition, there is a risk of completely ruining them. The polyurethane composition has a more suitable consistency and does not harden so quickly, so you need to use it.

All that needs to be done with the laces is to mark the desired length, cut off the excess, leaving a margin of about 7–10 mm. Next, apply a drop of glue to the tip and give it a cone shape. During the procedure, the material should be slightly pressed. The method is simple but effective. Its only drawback is that after work you will have to wash your fingers from glue.

In order not to get your hands dirty with glue, you can wear thin nitrile or rubber gloves.

Beautiful

To shorten long laces, as a rule, you have to cut them. After that, they do not always look neat. However, there is one option for how to remove excess length while maintaining the attractiveness of the tips. For work, you will need scissors, a lighter and a drinking straw. Action algorithm:

1. The laces must be cut according to the markup.
2. 2 tips are made from the tube. To do this, cut 2 pieces about 1.5–2 cm long.
3. The ends of the laces are carefully threaded into the tubes without going beyond the edges.
4. Now you need to bring a lighter to the straw, gently heat it.

After heat treatment, the straw will shrink around the edges and acquire a conical shape, due to which it will look very neat, resembling a cap. Now the accessories can be threaded into shoes. It is desirable that the color of the straw matches the tone of the lace. If you want the latch to look non-standard and stylish, you can choose a contrasting color.

Each of the ways to make the laces shorter has advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a method, you need to be guided only by your own preferences, and also take into account the type of shoes. To simplify the work as much as possible and prevent errors, you should follow these recommendations:

1. If shortening is carried out with glue, gloves can be worn on the hands. They will protect the skin from sticky composition. Gloves are definitely needed for people who are allergic to household chemicals.
2. If the procedure is done at home and requires the use of fire, a fire extinguisher should be on hand.

In addition to the above methods, shortening the laces can be an alternative method. To do this, it is not necessary to cut the latch, you just need to learn how to lace up shoes in a non-standard way. Many schemes will shorten the laces by 2 times and at the same time give sneakers or boots a creative look.

Video

Lace-up shoes, whether it be sneakers or boots, look stylish and original. But what if the laces are too long? Someone will advise you to simply cut them to the desired length, but this will not solve the problem: soon the tips will begin to fray, and the shoes will lose their presentable appearance. Of course, you can try to carefully process the edges with fire, but this does not always look aesthetically pleasing. Below is a method that allows you to competently shorten long shoelaces.

To get started, prepare:

• a straw (cocktail tube), and preferably a heat shrink tube;
• scissors;
• a lighter, matches or a building hair dryer;

The process looks like this:

1. We cut the laces. Try to accurately calculate to what length they should be shortened. In the event that you cut off more than necessary, the only thing left to do is to throw away the laces: it will not be possible to return the former length.
2. We make tips. To do this, cut the straw into two small pieces about two centimeters long.
3. We insert the lace into the tube in a circular motion.
4. We take a lighter and heat the tube, as a result of which it will begin to tighten. Try not to bring the flame too close, so as not to spoil the material.
5. After the tips have cooled, the laces can be safely threaded into the shoes.

If desired, the ends can be dripped with polyurethane glue. The tips treated in this way will not fly off either during rain or during active pastime.

In general, this procedure is quick and easy. In most cases, you will succeed the first time. However, if you are not confident in your own abilities, it’s not worth the risk: practice on unnecessary material before starting the “finishing” work.

The tips created according to the instructions described above practically do not differ from the standard ones. The only thing is that they can be worse for threading into holes. But, given that the laces are not taken out so often, this is not a serious problem.

I also suggest you watch the video