An untied shoelace or bootlace can spell real disaster on the trail, from creating a tripping hazard to leaving you vulnerable to a rolled ankle. Either of these incidences could cause major injury, which is the last thing you want in the wilderness. Learning how to tie effective knots will eliminate this risk while you’re hiking and keep your feet and ankles protected. Here are just three of the best knots for tying shoelaces that will stay tied.
Reef Knot
The first knot that will keep your shoes tied is the reef knot. This similar to a traditional shoelace (granny) knot, but without the loops and significantly stronger. Compared to the granny knot, a knot that usually comes untied, the reef knot doesn’t have any bows and therefore doesn’t “whip” when you walk or run. Because there is a crimp in the knot, it will prevent the loose ends from sliding like the granny knot. The US Army even uses this knot because of its durability and performance, making it one of the best knots for tying shoelaces.
Double Knot
The double loop knot is another great knot for keeping your shoes tied. As the name states, the double loop of the knot forms a semi-permanent knot that allows it to stay tied for weeks to months. The knot is also used with long shoelaces to prevent them from dragging on the ground. Overall, the knot can be quite bulky but it is worth not having to tie your laces multiple times, and excess bulkiness can be addressed with thinner laces.
Two Loop Shoelace Knot
One last great knot for tying shoelaces and keeping them tied is the two loop shoelace knot. This knot can be made by making a loop with each end and then making a knot with them. However, make sure the knot is tied correctly or else it will turn into a crooked granny knot. It can be strengthened by simply doubling the knot.
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