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Try this knot before your next run to keep your shoes more secure
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Are you a runner who’s having trouble keeping your shoes securely on your feet as you head out for your daily run? If so, the runner’s knot might be the solution to your problem. A runner’s knot is actually a lacing style that helps lock your heel in place for a more secure fit. Read on to learn how to tie a runner’s knot, whether or not it's worth it, and other secure knots you can try for your runs.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Tie a Runner’s Knot
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Lace your shoes, leaving the top eyelets open. The very top eyelets on running shoes are usually off to the side of the eyelets second from the top. They’re off-set to allow you to lace them with the runner’s knot. The placement helps pull the top of the shoe tighter to the heel when it’s laced. [1] X Research source
- If your shoes are already laced up, you don’t have to re-lace them as long as the shoelaces are laced from the inside out in the second-to-top eyelet.
- Standard criss-cross lacing is the most common lacing style. It crisscrosses the shoelaces as you thread through the eyelets.
- There are additional running shoe lacings that help address common fit issues like incorrect foot width.
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Make a loop by lacing the shoelace through the top eyelet. Feed the left shoelace down through the off-set eyelet on the same side of the shoe to make a loop. Don’t pull it tight yet. [2] X Research source Repeat on the opposite side by feeding the right shoelace down through the top-right eyelet.Advertisement
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Cross the shoelaces over and thread them through the opposite loops. Cross the left shoelace to the loop on the right side of the shoe. Thread the end of the shoelace through the loop from the inside out. [3] X Research source Repeat on the opposite side by threading the right shoelace through the loop on the left side.
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Pull both shoelaces tight and tie them in a knot to secure your shoes. Pull on the shoelaces at the same time to tighten the loops flat against the shoe. Then, tie the laces in a secure knot, and you're all set for your run!
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Section 4 of 4:
Relieving Pressure with Window Lacing
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Unlace your shoes to the eyelet below where your foot hurts. Starting with your shoes already laced up and on your feet, find the spot on the top of your foot that rubs against your shoe. Unlace the shoe to the set of eyelets just below the painful spot by pulling the ends of the shoelaces out of the eyelets. [13] X Research source
- Window Lacing is ideal for people wearing the right shoe size but still experiencing pain or discomfort on the tops of their feet. This is usually due to having high insteps and arches.
- Creating a “window” or gap lets you lessen the pressure on the top of your foot while keeping the rest of the lacing secure. [14] X Research source
- Starting with your shoes already laced and on your feet helps you find the exact spot where your shoe causes pain.
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Re-lace the shoelaces down into the eyelets directly above them. Instead of crisscrossing your shoelaces, create a window in the pattern by feeding the shoelaces into the next open eyelets without crossing the shoe. [15] X Research source
- Feed the left shoelace from the outside into the eyelet directly above it. Then, repeat on the other side by feeding the right shoelace into the next open eyelet above it.
- By leaving a “window” over the painful spot, you put less pressure on the area, which helps lessen the irritation.
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Cross the shoelaces and thread them through the next open eyelets. Finish re-lacing the shoe by crossing the left shoelace over to the eyelet on the opposite side of the shoe. Thread it up through the next open eyelet. Repeat by feeding the right shoelace into the next open eyelet on the right side. [16] X Research source
- Repeat the process by crossing the laces over to the next available eyelets until you reach the top of the shoe.
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References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/3qyS8j4WUbA?t=66
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TWw958BlE4k?t=27
- ↑ https://www.flotrack.org/articles/7966521-a-runners-guide-to-tying-your-shoes
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/expert-advice-on-finding-the-best-shoe-fit
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0tJit2ep1XU?t=17
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-blisters/basics/art-20056691
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22048-sprained-ankle
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-high-top-shoes-help-avoid-ankle-sprains
- ↑ https://youtu.be/PYKcdBH4Aho?t=30
- ↑ https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/betterbowknot.htm
- ↑ https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/secureknot.htm
- ↑ https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/surgeonknot.htm
- ↑ https://youtu.be/TWw958BlE4k?t=169
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/lacing-hacks-running-shoes-more-comfortable
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8BLrdreezX8?t=125
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8BLrdreezX8?t=138
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