Now, how many of you have found yourself half way through a sporting activity, only to have your laces come untied? Or found yourself yelling at your child to tie their laces? I bet there is not a single person reading this that can't relate to that!
SO FRUSTRATING!
At my son's cross country this year, one of our school's fastest runners crossed the line in 11th place, 1 place outside qualifying for the District competition. His slow finishing time surprised everyone but what was even more surprising was that he crossed the line wearing only one shoe!! Somewhere over the course his shoe had come off! One silly little untied shoe lace most likely cost this kid a place in the next level of competition. And then I saw it happen for a second time, in an 800m race! Just IMAGINE if that happened at a professional level..... Scores locked at 0/0 in the Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid, 89th minute and Ronaldo streams down the left wing, goal is open, he prepares to strike and put a knife in the hearts of the Real fans, but trips over his lace. Imagine that! The stadium would be ripped to shreds. All because of one untied shoe lace.
I digress.....
Now, teaching my kids to tie their laces was one of the more frustrating parenting moments for me and I know I am not alone. Kids want to tie them themselves but often don't do it nearly tight enough and you find yourself screaming from the side of the soccer pitch "Lewis, tie your laces before you trip over" (oh wait, that's me saying that!) But you get the drift.
Of course there are heaps of options to avoid undone laces; double knots, piggy tails, Hickies. But the solution is a far simpler one. Just learn to tie them properly and they will never come undone. Yes, you read that right. NEVER. There is in fact a right and a wrong way (#whoknew) to tie shoe laces. And it is simple. you just need to follow the 3 steps below.
The correct technique is essentially a 'reef knot'. Those of you who were a Scout or a Girl Guide, or are a knot enthusiast will be nod your head in agreement when I say that the reef knot is one of the strongest knots to tie. And so simple. Just repeat after me....
RIGHT OVER LEFT.
LEFT OVER RIGHT.
One more time. Right over left, left over right. So here goes.
Put your shoe on. Take one lace in each hand.To tie the first knot, take the lace in your right hand and place it OVER the lace in your left hand. Tuck it under and pull it through. Nothing has changed from the normal way to lace except perhaps which lace is on topForm your bows / rabbits ears and this time, take the lace in your left hand and place it over the bow in your right hand and pull in through.
DONE. EASY. NO MORE UNTIED LACES. NO MISSING OUT ON YOUR PB AT THE MELBOURNE MARA. NO MORE SOUNDING LIKE A FISH WIFE AT YOUR KIDS SPORT. RONALDO WINS ANOTHER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL.
Right over left, left over right
Here's a video for the visual learners amongst us
** Now I will put a little disclaimer on this. Do not use this technique if your laces coming undone at the 19km mark of a half marathon means you will get a short break to catch your breath. Because you won't get it!! And yes, in case you are wondering, of course this is just a hypothetical..... #dontjudge #iwasdying #ididrunapbthough
On a side note, there are many different lacing techniques for a myriad of issues. Pods can help with that. Last week I changed the lacing pattern for a lady because her runners were too tight along her instep. Not only was she significantly more comfortable but her entire gait changed. That's how powerful correct lacing can be. If you would like advice on lacing, or anything to do with the health and comfort of you feet, WE CAN HELP.