How to Tie Shoes With One Hand: Step by Step

Tying a bow normally takes two hands. That is not possible when your arm is in a plaster cast, when you are recovering from a stroke or when rheumatism makes your fingers stiff. Yet you still want to be able to put your shoes on yourself. You can tie shoes with one hand, using a lacing and a knot designed for the job. If you would rather not tie at all, there are good alternatives too. This blog takes you through both, step by step.

In short

• With a single lacing and a loop at the top, you can tie a shoe with one hand.
• The lace is anchored at the bottom with a knot. So you only work with one loose end.
• Flat laces of 8 mm are the easiest to grip.
• Elastic laces with a lock only need adjusting once. After that you step in without tying.
• An occupational therapist can take a look with you if putting the shoe on is difficult too.

How to tie shoes with one hand: the preparation

The trick is to lace the shoe differently. Normally a lace has two loose ends that you tie around each other. With this method you anchor one end at the bottom, so that only one end is left at the top. The lacing is something you do once. Feel free to ask someone to help with that. After that you tie your shoes yourself every day.

1. Take the lace out of the shoe completely.
2. Tie a firm knot in one end, close to the aglet.
3. Push the other end from the inside outwards through the bottom eyelet. Choose the eyelet on the side of your good hand. Pull the lace through until the knot sits against the eyelet on the inside.
4. Take the lace straight across to the bottom eyelet on the other side and from there diagonally up to the next eyelet on the first side.
5. Repeat that all the way to the top. On the outside you see straight bars across the shoe.
6. Let the lace come out at the top on the side of your good hand.

The one-handed knot in 4 steps

1. Tighten: put the shoe on and pull the loose end upwards until the shoe feels comfortable.
2. Make the first loop: take the end over the top bar of the lacing and feed it back under that bar from below. Do not pull it all the way tight. A small loop remains.
3. Make a second loop: fold the loose end double and push that fold through the first loop.
4. Pull tight: pull on the second loop until the knot is snug. You now have a bow with one loop.

Undoing it is every bit as easy. Pull on the loose end and the loop comes free. Practise it a few times with the shoe on the table before you try it on your foot.

Because the lace has only one loose end, the normal length leaves you with more lace than you are used to. Tuck the excess under the lacing or go one step shorter. The length for each number of eyelets is in the shoelaces length guide.

Rather not tie? The alternatives

Solution	How does it work?	Suits
Elastic laces	Lace and adjust once, then step in. The lace stretches with your foot and is held by a lock	Anyone who never wants to tie again
Knot behind the top eyelet	The lace is held by a knot on each side. The shoe becomes a slip-on	Low-top sneakers that can sit loosely
Bow with one loop, as above	Tie and untie it yourself every day with one hand	Shoes that need to sit firmly

Elastic laces are the easiest solution for most people. You set the tension once, click the lock shut and cut the lace to size. After that the shoe sits firmly and still gives as you step in. The adjusting is a two-handed job, so ask for help with that. The steps are in the guide how to fit elastic laces. Read more about how they work in no tie laces.

How to secure a lace with knots and no bow is explained in how to hide shoelaces.

Which laces work best with one hand?

• Flat and not too smooth: a flat lace of 8 mm is easier to grip than a thin round cord. The knot holds better too. Take a look at the basic flat laces.
• Not too long: long ends get in the way. One step shorter is often more comfortable.
• An intact aglet: with a frayed end you cannot get the lace through the loop. How to repair an aglet is explained in what is an aglet.

Tips for putting your shoes on

• Sit down and rest your foot on a stool or on your other knee. Then you do not have to bend as far.
• Loosen the lacing generously before you step in. A shoehorn helps to get your heel in.
• Choose shoes with a firm heel and a tongue that stays upright. They do not fold shut as you step in.
• If putting shoes on and taking them off remains difficult, ask an occupational therapist for advice. They also know about aids for putting on shoes and socks.

Frequently asked questions

Does a bow with one loop stay tied?

Yes, if you pull it firmly tight. The knot clamps against the lacing. With a smooth round lace it can come undone sooner. A flat lace holds better.

Can I use this method on high shoes too?

Yes. The lacing works with any number of eyelets. With hooks you take the lace around the hook instead of through an eyelet.

Are elastic laces sturdy enough for walking?

For everyday walking and going for walks, yes. You decide how tightly you set them.

Can a child learn to tie laces with one hand?

Yes, with the same method. Practise first with the shoe on the table and use a flat lace that is easy to grip.

Browse the elastic laces or read in no tie laces who they are useful for.