“When you know better, You Do better.”–Maya Angelou
It can be difficult enough to tie shoes with both hands—much less one hand! And, for folks who only have the use of one arm or hand, here’s a technique that will work for you!
Whether faced with an upper extremity amputation, living with hemiplegia, or any reason for loss of limb, performing one-handed self-care skills can be tricky enough– especially when it comes down to tying shoes.
The 21st Century is loaded with a plethora of contemporary bells and whiles, thrills ‘n’ frills, and conveniences unimaginable. So why tie your shoes one-handed when you can just buy slip-ons, pre-tied, velcro, elastic shoe laces or even the newfangled plastic snap-on types?
Because, “when you know better, you do better,” Maya Angelou. Have the know-how, skill-set and ability of the one-handed shoe tying strategy and never be left in the lurch again. Also, when you know the one-looped bow with one lace technique, you can wear that favorite pair of tie shoes relinquished to the back of the closet and without the need for expensive modern day lacing systems.
And, have the satisfaction of knowing you can do better!
Interested? Here’s how—
- To begin, find a pair of tie shoes for practice.
2. Remove shoelace from shoe.
3. Tie a knot at one end of the shoelace directly above the aglet which is the plastic covering at the tip.
4. Take the shoelace and draw it under and through one of the eyelets nearest to the tip of the shoe (nearest to the toe-box).
5. Continue to thread shoelace under and through each eyelet by criss-crossing over the tongue of the shoe from side-to-side.
6. Continue to thread shoelace up and through the last eyelet closest to the tongue.
7. With your fingertips, form a loop with loose end of shoelace.
8a. While still holding the loop, place it underneath the last threaded section of the shoelace.
8b. Continue to bring loop underneath last section of shoelace.
8c. The loop has been successfully brought underneath the last section of the shoelace. Hint: you’re still holding original loop with fingertips.
9a. Now, place your thumb and index finger through the original loop. Grasp the loose end of the shoelace and pull it up and through the original loop.
9b. Continue to pull loose end of shoelace up and through original loop.
10. Pull tight and adjust tautness to your liking.
11. Voila, there it is! The one-handed loop. You may need to cut the loose end of the shoelace to your desired length.
12. To untie shoelace, just pull on the loose end of the shoelace.
The know-how, skill-set, and ability of the one-handed shoe tying technique takes practice. Once mastered, it extends your repertoire of one-handed techniques so when you know more, you can do more.
Again, the takeaway is, “do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” (Angelou, M).
If you found this post helpful or have any feedback, please leave a comment. Thank you for reading my post.
References:
Angelou, M. (n.d.) Quote. Retrieved (2019, February 6) from https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-quotes/7525-do-the-best-you-can-until-you-know-better-then
Really creative — thanks! And I love the picture with your dog!
Dear Chris, I’m so glad that you think the one-looped bow with one lace is creative and I certainly hope that this one-handed shoe tying technique works well for you and is effective. Please keep me updated on your progress and any further suggestions that you may have in the future. Thanks for liking the photo of our canine good citizen,–Shenandoah is a really big super motivator, loving companion, and our precious fur-baby. Remember, to embrace independence and love life.