Ian's Shoelace Site
Even if you have the least interest in shoes, do yourself a favor and experience this quirky site devoted to shoelaces. Thanks to an active community of contributors, there is an ever-growing abundance of excellent user photos exemplifying almost all of Ian's already-detailed lacing illustrations. The combination of drawings and photos (and ratings!) has really enabled me to find and create any pattern I wish (Ian's was the source for the previously-reviewed Surgeon's Knot). Every article details the pros and cons of each particular pattern, and sometimes an article is supplemented with "work-arounds" which help readers tackle odd situations not covered originally. Quirky, entertaining, and above all, informative.
Some patterns I've found most interesting and helpful:
1) "Granny Knot" Solution: I have a pet peeve for sloppy shoes with crooked bows that sag like motionless helicopter blades (pic above). This page concisely explains how to fix this problem.
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2) Checkerboard: the highest rated pattern on the website is also one of the most unique. I don't typically wear shoes like these, but now I really want to buy some just for the sake of weaving this pattern!
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3) Hiking/Biking: The new fad at my college is to ride tricked-out track bikes. I recommended this pattern to a friend who rides because he couldn't wear his favorite pair of shoes on his bike due to the risk of the laces getting caught in the chain.
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4) Straight (Bar): An enjoyable, simple pattern that looks neat on Converse and Vans shoes. Note that the page goes into additional detail regarding the medical benefit of this pattern should you injure your ankle or foot [says Ian: "I've been told that [this is] the method of choice for the Canadian Armed Forces on shoes and ankle boots (though not on combat boots)"]
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5) One-Handed: For those who must tie -- or want to try tying -- their shoes with one hand.
Favorite (15)
Brad Zebal
I stumbled on Ian's shoelace site some time ago, only to learn that I had been tying my shoes incorrectly for my entire life ! Since adapting his suggested method, this particular aspect of my life is much improved. Thanks for reminding me about it.
John
Ian is my hero. I tried "Ian's Knot" a couple of years ago, and after some practice it has become my favorite. Very secure, as quick to tie as any other knot, and it doesn't look like a tangled mess.
Aryeh
I figured out the "Ian's knot" on my own during my childhood, riffing off a rope 'magic trick'. My favorite knot from Ian's site is his representation of the "freedom knot" http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/freedomknot.htm which is perfect for the round slippery laces that seem to be popular on top end shoes, while still being faster than Ian's secure shoelace knot.