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.
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