Tying shoelaces- butterfly vs grown up way

This has been bugging me since I was 5 so thank you for offering a safe space for the question

There are two ways to tie shoelaces, and the most logical one where two loops are formed and the action of the base knot is repeated is for some reason considered inferior to the one where one loop is formed and the other lace is wound around, tucked through and tightened to form the final second loop.

In my childhood the two-loop method was "the small kids' way" and everybody wanted to graduate to the one loop-swirl-tuck method.

Now the funny thing is that this seems to be universal at least in Europe, exactly the same path of graduation into Big Kids things.

Why is this? Why is the more logical two-loop method considered inferior? Does anyone have any compelling evidence that the two-loop method is somehow less secure, or less attractive than the sophisticated way?

 

Eh?

 

I have just the place for you.

Ian's Shoelace Site: Introduction

Quote from that site:

A second, unrelated problem is that older children and adults will often be teased for using this “Two Loop” technique. It has long been thought of as a “kiddie's knot” – despite it being a perfectly good method if done correctly.

In fact, the “One Loop” and “Two Loop” techniques produce the identical outcome (as demonstrated in this video).

It may take another generation before everyone learns and accepts that there's nothing wrong with this technique. Until then, people using it will likely be teased.

 

I tend to tie a knot and put glue on it, after that its just a slip on job, cant be bothered keep tying up shoe laces that just come undone when you are walking.
Most stupid invention of all time.

 

When I was suffering back issues a while ago I replaced my shoelaces with an elastic version so that I could just slip them on, and no longer had to worry about them coming untied mid walk.

 

I do the non bunny method but they never stay tight so I put a knot as well in the two loops. Pretty darned inconvenient to undo in a hurry when I've come home with an urgent need to pee!

I like my slip on "deck" shoes best.

 

I work with primary age children and have shown loads of them how to do there laces.
I find most children can learn how to do the "bunny ears" way faster but it is always very loose, when they learn the one loop way it's tighter. What ever way they find easier I always make sure they can double knot!
To be honest nobody cares how they do them as long as there tied.

 

I never knew there were different ways of tying shoe laces, but what other people think doesn't bother me anyway, most people are so childish it isn't worth worrying about what they think, it's a waste of energy. I always do what I want and if someone else doesn't like it , TOUGH !

But I usually wear sandals or canvas shoes with velcro fastening, I find them more comfortable than shoes, and better to walk in since my knees have been bad.

 

Never heard of the one loop method. My two loops are very secure and even, and I always use them in the garden to tie up plants. And of course they are quick release too.

Hubby loves his knots and goes on about sheep shanks for loose curtain cords.

 

I don't even think about how I tie my shoelaces. I know I do what's effectively the first half of a reef not with an extra twist first because it doesn't slip as easily (a chap in a walking boot shop told me that one) and I knot the two loops together if they're long enough.

Does anyone actually watch other people tying their shoelaces, other than when teaching children how to do it?

 

I've seen my BiL tie shoe laces and to be honest its pretty weird, I just wrap a loop around my thumb and push it through.
I also cant work out how others do it differently.

I think you learn from a young age and it sticks with you whatever you are told.

 

Baffling. I've never heard of this 'bunny loop' stuff. I've always used the one loop, wrap and pull through another loop method, and if the laces are very long, just add another knot. I don't think I've ever deliberately watched anyone tying their laces! Must be unobservant!

 

If you saw someone doing it differently I'm sure you would notice, it looks really weird, not sure what the one loops method is as you always end up with two loops, Dont you?

 

Like @Tinkerton, I do one loop-swirl-tuck (excellent description, @Selleri ) and then knot the two loops. I have to lie down to do it as my back isn't flexible enough. When I take them off, I just slip my foot out and use my half-freed foot to put them away in the cupboard.

@pete, you make one loop, then you take the other long bit and wrap it round your single loop and tuck it through, pulling it out as a loop. Then tighten and you now have two loops and two ends.