Contents
We are all aware that learning how to tie our shoes is not exactly rocket science that requires a Ph.D. to get done. All of us can probably do this in our sleep because of how to lace boots and shoes is a skill we learned in kindergarten. Now, that we are all adults, we might benefit from learning how to lace up our work boots because it can be done in four different ways to ensure that our footwear will always remain snug.
Some Industries Need Special Boots
Some of us have special work boots for our field, especially if we work in a risky industry. Steel toe boots are the best boots for those who work in the field of construction. That’s why there’s a wide array of construction boots for men because of the hazards of the job. The last thing anyone wants is missing toes because bear our weight.
Those who work in the manufacturing or processing industry, especially those with wet work areas need waterproof work shoes. In cases like this, the last thing we want is to slip on the laces. Thus, we have to ensure our waterproof work boots are tied correctly.
Shoes don't simply hold all our weight, they protect our feet from imminent danger. Firemen don’t just need steel toe boots, but they also need fire retardant ones to keep them safe from burning flames. These work shoes can be:
- steel toe
- nanotech toe
- carbon fiber toe
- waterproof
- fire retardant
Why Must We Tie Our Laces Properly
Having the perfect bow sitting on top of our work boots is not just mere vanity but a necessity that keeps us safe from falling. Of course, it helps if we look neat and pristine, but falling flat on our face due to improperly tied laces is not a pretty sight. Not only is it embarrassing but it is actually very dangerous. Lacing up our shoes is not just cosmetic but functional to avoid getting hurt or distracted.
As we age, our bones become brittle, so we may actually do more than bruise our ego and our body. We can break our bones, too, which are one of the hardest body parts to fuse and heal. The best thing to do is to be careful by tying our shoes well. Here are four different ways to get it done:
The Traditional Display with A Twist
This technique is one of the classic older methods that makes our boots neat and tidy. It prevents floppy and messy bows from inhibiting our steps. This starts with the traditional way of doing our laces. Start as how we normally would when we tie our shoelaces with the X pattern.
However, we finish this by lacing the ties over and into the top loops. Think of doing this last part by inserting from the outside in. Then we have to tuck the extra laces on either side of our feet. This ensures that there are no ribbons seen on the top.
This is a very safe method because you tighten it as you got then you seal it by inverting the flow of the tie on the last hole. Then with the laces tucked into the shoe by our feet, there are no ribbons to be seen. This is how we usually see them on store displays, hence the name.
The best thing about this when we use it for work, there is no possibility of the ribbons getting untied because they are hidden inside our feet. Ergo, we won’t be distracted by having to tie them again and again. There is also no possibility here of tripping on our own shoelaces.
The Ladder Method
As the name implies, looking at the boot laces all lined up neatly in a horizontal manner will remind us of a standard ladder. With this lacing method, we ditch the traditional X pattern in lieu of crisp, straight, and horizontal lines plying the tongue of our boots.
To get this right, we start by placing the first to holes as we normally would. However, instead of proceeding with our usual criss-cross in the holes as we go up, we follow a different pattern. We take on lace and bring upright through the very next hole and we stay on the same side. We do the same with the other side, but we skip a hole. Then we bring the first lace over into the opposite hole, which is the mirror of what we just skipped over. Then we do the inverse with the other lace until we reach the very top. En voila! We now have a ladder pattern.
To finish this off, we can use the traditional display method and tuck the extra laces within our shoes. We can also opt to do a ribbon. Just remember, if you do a ribbon method for your work boots, you have to make sure they are tight. Double knot for good measure if you have to, so you have to keep on bending to re-tie them.
The Runners Tying Secret
This fourth and final lace-up method is perfect for those of us who are on the go. If we often find ourselves running on the job, then it is important to keep our boots from slipping off our feet as we go. This method keeps traction and deters blisters, keeping them at bay.
Here, we lace as we normally would through the third to the last hole. In the last segment, we must jump over the second to the last hole. We lace in through the top or last hole, then crossover and lace back out of the second to the last hole on the other side. We repeat this on both sides and finish it with a bow.
Final Word
As we can all see, shoes are more than just a fashion statement. They keep our feet safe. They also have the important job of carrying our weight throughout the day. When we are on the go, the last thing we need is uncomfortable shoes that always get untied because we can trip on the laces.
Leave a comment