Laces that repeatedly work loose are not always a sign that the lace is “bad.” The bow can be tied in an unbalanced direction, the tails can be unusually long, the lace surface can be slick or worn, or the shoe can be moving enough that every step keeps working the knot. Start by checking the knot itself, then look at lace condition and overall fit.
A balanced bow should sit across the shoe, not twist vertically
Tie the shoe normally and look at the finished bow. If the loops naturally lie across the shoe, the knot is usually better balanced than a bow that points up and down the length of the shoe. Retie slowly and reverse the direction of the final crossing if the bow keeps twisting vertically.
The goal is not to pull harder. A strong knot comes from the knot structure and even tension, not from crushing the instep under excessively tight laces.
A 2017 mechanics study of shoelace-knot failure found that repeated shoe impact can loosen a knot while the swinging motion of the free lace ends contributes to failure; it also distinguished a stronger square-knot-based bow from the weaker granny-knot-based version. See the peer-reviewed study.
Very long tails can swing and work the knot loose
After tying, check how much lace remains beyond the loops. If the free ends are much longer than needed, they move more with every step and can catch on the opposite shoe or ground. Replace excessively long laces with an appropriate length rather than wrapping them around the shoe in a way the design did not intend.
If the laces are too short, the knot may also be weak because the loops and tails are tiny. The practical target is enough length for a secure bow without large swinging ends.
Inspect the lace where it bends through the upper
Look for polished, flattened, frayed or stiff areas. A worn lace can behave differently from the same lace when new, especially at the places that repeatedly pass through lace holes. Replace a damaged lace before experimenting with additives or coatings.
Do not use a sticky treatment as the first answer if the lace itself is fraying. A new correctly sized lace is easier to reverse than altering the lace surface with wax, glue or other products.
Excess foot movement can keep stressing the knot
If the foot slides inside the shoe, the upper and laces keep changing tension while you walk. Check the size and heel hold before assuming the knot is the only problem. Our published sneaker-fit guide separates length, heel hold and lacing pressure.
If the tongue also drifts sideways, use our published shoe-tongue guide to recenter the tongue and balance the lace tension.
Current lace-up shoes use different uppers, so the same knot can feel different
The current Platform Lace Up Contrast Sneakers list PU leather and rubber and publish a foot-length chart. The Casual Lace Up Sneakers list suede, nylon and rubber. Different upper stiffness can change how tension is distributed even when both shoes use laces.
The Round Toe Lace Up Sneakers list PU leather and rubber and provide another current lace-up construction.
Browse the Sneakers collection for current lace-up styles.
FAQ
Why do my shoelaces keep coming untied while walking?
Knot structure, long swinging tails, worn lace surfaces and changing shoe tension can all contribute.
Should I just double-knot every shoe?
A double knot can reduce movement, but first check that the basic bow is balanced and the lace length is appropriate.
When should I replace the laces?
Replace them when they are frayed, flattened, damaged or the length is clearly unsuitable for a secure bow.