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Ian's Shoelace Site
31–40 of 75 posts
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#32I haven't mastered the Ian's knot (the super fast one) yet, but I've been tying the "Ian's Secure Knot" [1] for years. I try to teach parents on my kid's soccer team as well, because in my experience, half use the "standard shoelace knot" which is mediocre at staying tied, and the other half tie the granny version of the same, which comes out in about 5 minutes. This seems very much like the kind of thing that a kid…
> Yes, I know scouts learn knot-tying in general, but a lot of kids don't even get to do scouting
But do knot scouts learn to tie their shoes correctly? I never did scouting but I have done sailing, and was interested in knot tying as a kid, but shoe tying wasn't given much attention. They certainly told us how to tie a reef/square knot properly, but no one looked at our shoes even though half of us did it wrong. In most books, you had the standard shoe tie if you are lucky, but nothing more.
Ian seems to be the only one who takes shoe tying seriously, even though it may be the most tied knot in the world. I have the Ashley Book of Knots, widely considered the reference on knot tying, if a little dated, and shoe tying only occupies a single page out of 600. Interestingly, a knot analogous to the "Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot" is mentioned (#1219) but despite being, I think, the best in the book, its existence is merely acknowledged.
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#33A few years ago I discovered that many brands (but I like Skechers) make "hands-free" shoes, with no laces or velcro, just hidden elastic, and a stiff heel so that you can literally step into your shoes and walk away without ever touching them. They actually fit better than laced shoes. Changed my life. I recommend highly.
If you prefer a non-disposable shoe, look into Chelsea boots made using a Goodyear welt, such as from one of the many shoemakers in the Northampton area of England. A pair if taken care of will last you a lifetime.
I’ve had a search and they look amazing.
Any recommended brands?
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#34I recently wrote an article about the Ian Knot, and what I’ve done with all the extra time I’ve gained from learning it: https://blog.klungo.no/2025/12/31/two-years-of-the-ian-knot/
I daily drive this knot since my mid thirties. Fast, and practically never comes undone.
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#35I was in my teens when I discovered this site. I am now forty. I have been tying my shoes quicker than the average person literally for the better half of my life.
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#36Why isn't all internet like this website?
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#37Earlier quoted context omitted.
If you prefer a non-disposable shoe, look into Chelsea boots made using a Goodyear welt, such as from one of the many shoemakers in the Northampton area of England. A pair if taken care of will last you a lifetime.
I’ve had a search and they look amazing. Any recommended brands?
Joseph Cheaney, whilst expensive, will save you £££ in the long run (and theyre a classy shoe)
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#38Recently interviews by Chris Person in Aftermath:
https://aftermath.site/ians-shoelace-site-is-still-the-best-...
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#39Back in 2004, while bored in my college dorm, I learned the Ian Knot from this site. I've used it ever since. A few weeks ago, my 10 year old decided it was time to learn how to tie his shoes "dad's way". I was pleasantly surprised to see the site was still up, so I used it to help teach him how to do it.
Re: Ian's Shoelace Site
#40Earlier quoted context omitted.
If you prefer a non-disposable shoe, look into Chelsea boots made using a Goodyear welt, such as from one of the many shoemakers in the Northampton area of England. A pair if taken care of will last you a lifetime.
I’ve had a search and they look amazing. Any recommended brands?
I like Cheaney and Crocket & Jones. Church's is popular but a little overpriced compared to the others. The classic Chelsea boot has a leather sole but both Cheaney and Crocket & Jones make them with rubber soles which are much more hard wearing. Crocket & Jones make them with Dainite soles which last years and cope with all weathers.
Expect to pay £400-450 for a new pair (more in London) and remember to get some conditioning cream like Saphir Crème which is to be used regularly. You can wax them if you like but not necessary for caring purposes. When the soles finally go you can get them resoled at the factory they were made in for around £100 (less than a pair of trainers). My Dainite soles have lasted over 3 years of daily use.
If you are close to the area you can go to their factory shops and often find shoes with slight imperfections for half the price.