Attention to detail
One of my favorite parts about starting this blog is that I have spent a majority of my free time discovering the best parts of being a gentleman. After spending a good amount of time practicing what I preach I realized that its all about enjoying attention to details. Whether it be how to tie a tie just the right way (thanks Chris!), how to shave using a straight edge, or even selecting the perfect writing instrument, the details are what make being a gentleman awesome.
Go the extra mile
So today I want to talk about why and how to lace your shoes properly and how to tie a perfect knot that will keep your feet happy all day. Some people may opt for simplicity when it comes to shoe lacing and just leave it the way it came from the store. That’s all well and good, and if that works for you that’s cool. For me there is something personal about taking a shoe and making it look pristine. Bar lacing is awesome due to the fact that it looks clean cut and it also serves a function of keeping the laces flat against your shoe for the most comfortable fit.
Different styles of lacing
There are too many styles of lacing to list here but this website does an awesome job of showing you a ton of different styles of lacing. This website not only shows you different lacings but it also allows you to adjust the tutorials depending on the number of eyelets on your shoe! Pretty awesome reference site.
How to bar lace:
(Credit to Ian’s Shoelace Site for instructions!)
Lacing Technique –
– for odd numbers of eyelet pairs
• Begin straight across on the outside and in through the bottom eyelets.
• The left end runs straight up on the inside, then straight across on the outside.
• Both ends run straight up on the inside, each skipping one eyelet and emerging two eyelets higher up.
• Both ends continue straight across on the outside and in through the adjacent eyelets.
• Alternate running up on the inside and across on the outside until one end reaches the second-from-top eyelet.
• At the second-from-top eyelet, run straight across on the outside, then straight back on the inside before tucking under the vertical shoelace segment inside the shoe (similar to the tucked segments of Ladder Lacing).
• Both ends run straight up on the inside and emerge through the top eyelets.
– for even numbers of eyelet pairs
• Begin straight across on the outside and in through the bottom eyelets.
• The left end runs straight up on the inside, then straight across on the outside.
• Both ends run straight up on the inside, each skipping one eyelet and emerging two eyelets higher up.
• Both ends continue straight across on the outside and in through the adjacent eyelets.
• Alternate running up on the inside and across on the outside until lacing is completed.
The finishing touch…..or knot.
I recently discovered the surgeon’s knot and it has revolutionized the way I tie my shoes. I used to just tie my dress shoes the same way I would sneakers and I never realized how uncomfortable and horrible it looked before. Again enjoy the detail in what you do!
Start by tying your shoes like normal, cross the laces over each other and then make a bow with the right side. Loop the left lace around and pull the loop through (but don’t pull it tight yet. With the surgeon’s knot all you have to do is wrap that loop around again. By doing this you create a solid looking knot that makes the laces lay flat and keeps your shoes tight.
Here is a shot of my shoes with the surgeon’s knot and one shot without.
That’s all for today! Let me know what you think about lacing your dress and casual shoes down below and go enjoy the detail in your every day life!
Gents of Lancaster 