Ian's Shoelace Site - Hacker News

Posted by righthand 5 days ago

402 points | 72 commentspage 2

mlmonkey 4 days ago|

Unlike most normal people in the world, I was never taught how to tie shoelaces. And not because my parents and siblings did not try; but because I was too obstinate and wanted to do it my way! Needless to say I implemented a complicated knot that takes way too long and and a source of mockery. But it is my knot and I like it.

tkel 3 days ago|

Love this. People being stubbornly different makes the world a more interesting and tolerant place :)

ghtbircshotbe 4 days ago||

My advice is to use paracord for shoelaces. It's cheap, lasts forever, can be cut to any length, ties well, etc. It lasts so long you can take it off your old worn shoes and put it on your new shoes. I find that the shoelaces that come with shoes typically don't last very long, are too short, etc.

bluedel 4 days ago|

I've made a couple with the Kumihimo technique, using cheap embroidery thread. The texture is similar to paracord, but you get your own pick of colors and patterns. I'm surprised at how durable they are.

LeoPanthera 4 days ago||

A few years ago I discovered that many brands (but I like Skechers) make "hands-free" shoes, with no laces or velcro, just hidden elastic, and a stiff heel so that you can literally step into your shoes and walk away without ever touching them. They actually fit better than laced shoes.

Changed my life. I recommend highly.

globular-toast 4 days ago|

If you prefer a non-disposable shoe, look into Chelsea boots made using a Goodyear welt, such as from one of the many shoemakers in the Northampton area of England. A pair if taken care of will last you a lifetime.

lostlogin 4 days ago||

I’ve had a search and they look amazing.

Any recommended brands?

globular-toast 4 days ago|||

I like Cheaney and Crocket & Jones. Church's is popular but a little overpriced compared to the others. The classic Chelsea boot has a leather sole but both Cheaney and Crocket & Jones make them with rubber soles which are much more hard wearing. Crocket & Jones make them with Dainite soles which last years and cope with all weathers.

Expect to pay £400-450 for a new pair (more in London) and remember to get some conditioning cream like Saphir Crème which is to be used regularly. You can wax them if you like but not necessary for caring purposes. When the soles finally go you can get them resoled at the factory they were made in for around £100 (less than a pair of trainers). My Dainite soles have lasted over 3 years of daily use.

If you are close to the area you can go to their factory shops and often find shoes with slight imperfections for half the price.

marliechiller 4 days ago|||

Joseph Cheaney, whilst expensive, will save you £££ in the long run (and theyre a classy shoe)

salty-horse 4 days ago||

Recently interviews by Chris Person in Aftermath: https://aftermath.site/ians-shoelace-site-is-still-the-best-...

verse 4 days ago||

I was like 10 years old when I learned about the Ian Knot. I'm 28 now.

I remember showing my friends at school. They were shocked how fast I could tie my shoelaces.

I don't even remember the normal way you're supposed to tie them

I guess I just googled "how to x" for literally everything when I was a kid

jrockway 4 days ago||

I love this site so much. I learned that there are two typologies of shoelace knots -- one falls apart instantly (https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/grannyknot.htm), and the other is as secure as a double knot. I also learned the fast way to tie shoes, https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/ianknot.htm. The latter is fun, I have used it every day for decades and people are always amazed when you teach them.

rubslopes 4 days ago|

I was fascinated by this website when I was a teenager about 17 years ago. Finding out about the Ian Knot was a "wow" moment. I've used it ever since!

I remember downloading the iOS app on my iPod Touch and being able to create your own lace pattern by dragging your fingers. Incredible stuff!

I'm very happy that the website is still up and running, preserving the same aesthetic as it had years ago.

dehrmann 5 days ago||

I found this looking for a more secure knot (I did; Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot). What I wasn't expecting was how strange it would be to be as skilled at tying my shoelaces as a four-year-old.

jwiz 4 days ago|

I use the fast normal knot for shoes I am going to tie/untie a lot and the secure knot for everything else.

ctmnt 5 days ago||

It is the best way to tie shoelaces (and similarly knotted things). It takes a while to get used to, but it’s so worth it. It works! Unlike every other shoelace knot you’ve ever tied.

CalChris 5 days ago|

I’ve used this site twice, most recently last week for Lock Lacing. I had to upsize my Fuego dance shoes because they don't come in wide sizes. Consequently the heels were slightly loose; everything else was fine. Customer service recommended Lock Lacing which worked and tightened the heel ever so slightly but enough.

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