How to tie shoelaces

Follow our visual guide on how to tie shoelaces. You can also download the guide by following the link on the right.

How to tie shoelaces – a step-by-step guide

Step 1

We have used two different coloured shoelaces to show the right and left hand laces.

Start with the white lace on the right hand side and the red lace on the left hand side.

Picture shows two shoe laces, one red on the the left and one white on the right

Step 2

Cross the red (left hand lace) lace over to the right hand side beside the white (right hand) lace.

Picture shows the red (left hand lace) crossing over to the right side so it sits beside the white lace

Step 3

Cross the white lace over to the left hand side to create an X.

Picture shows the white lace crossing over to the left hand side to create an X

Step 4

Take the end of the red lace (with your right hand) and place it under the X (top to bottom).

Picture shows the end of the red lace placed under the X (top to bottom)

Step 5

Pull the red lace (with your right hand) and white lace (with your left hand) together at the same time.

Picture shows the red lace and white lace being pulled together at the same time

Step 6

Pull both laces tight.

Picture shows both laces pulled tight

Step 7

Make a loop (bunny ear) with the red lace about the size of your thumb.

Secure the loop with your thumb and index finger. Your fingers should touch the shoe.

Step 8

While still holding the red loop (bunny ear), pick up the white lace in your left hand and wrap it around the red loop (bunny ear) in an anti-clockwise way.

Picture shows someone wrapping the white lace around the red loop (bunny ear) in an anti-clockwise way

Step 9

When you have wrapped the white lace has been completely around the red loop (bunny ear), put the white lace down at the left side of the shoe.

Picture shows someone placing the white lace down at the left side of the shoe

Step 10

Using your index finger (pointer finger), push the back of the white lace (wrapped around the red loop (bunny ear) through the hole where your right thumb rests.

Step 11

Push the white lace through the hole and then pull the lace from the front to create another loop (bunny ear).

Picture shows someone pushing the white lace through the hole and then pulling the lace from the front to create another loop (bunny ear).

Step 12

Pull the new white loop (bunny ear) through the hole until it’s the same size as the red loop (bunny ear).

Picture shows someone pulling the new white loop (bunny ear) through the hole until it's the same size as the red loop (bunny ear)

Step 13

Pinch both loops (bunny ears) and pull them together in an upwards and outwards motion.

Picture shows someone pinching both loops (bunny ears) and pulling them together in an upwards and outwards motion.

Step 14

Well done!

Picture shows the laces fully tied and someone with their thumbs up