Lace 'em Up

The ABCs and running series: Today's topic - "Laces", an informative session.
Who would have known there was such a widespread interest in shoe laces? Not just runners like me, but anyone that wears shoes!
(Flip flop owners excluded.)
We yearn to know; how we are suppose to tie them, how long should they be, what are they made of, is the bow/knot proper - horizontal or vertical.
The shoestring (string and shoe holes) was first invented in England in 1790. (Velcro didn't arrive till 1941)
As a runner I've tied many types of laces; from cotton, elastic, Curly, to black, white, colored, to even white with lettering. (And dirty ones too.)
The most important task is tying the laces into a knot. Not many runners want to abruptly stop running to tie up their laces. (In races, I quickly pass runners with a flighty lace - as not to see them trip.)
Apparently, 75% of us use the Granny Knot to secure our shoe. I use a Reef Knot combined with a Lock Knot: so they never come undone.
(I still tie my bows in reverse - my MOM is left handed.)
Some feel the technique of lacing the shoe is important. With new runners, I always put the shoe on first, without the laces. After folding the lace in half to find the middle, I slowly, methodically lace upwards. Stopping at each level to adjust and readjust the tension. I have a high arch and this system works perfect for me. I never lace the top side holes - never!
"To ease foot pain on the top of the foot, try lacing your shoes backwards. This will alleviate the pressure while providing a snug (but not stifling) fit."

Take your laces out of your shoes someday and wash them!
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Which knot do you use? (Poll)
Over at YouTube:
Self Tying Laces
Tie Laces Faster

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