Paracord Shoelaces

   Ever since Paracord and Canvas first met, they've been best friends. So, it only makes sense that they should be together, like on converses. This Instructable will show you how to switch out your lame old shoelaces for some hardcore 550 Paracord.
  Psst! (This is in the paracord contest... You should vote for it...If you want to, thanks!)

Step 1: Materials

 To successfully up the cool factor of your shoes, you'll need:

@ 550 Paracord, about the same size as other shoelaces. (If you're buying new paracord just for this, because I'm so convincing (Ha!) I would get no more than 50 feet.) You'll use about 4 feet per shoe, depending on what kind of shoe you have.

@ Scissors, or a Pocketknife, if you prefer.

@ A Pair of shoes (Shoelaces Optional)

@ A Cigarette Lighter

Step 2: Measuring the Paracord

  You'll need to measure out the paracord, to make sure that it is the same length as your shoelaces. Remember measure twice, cut once. You don't need a ruler for this, just take out one of your shoelaces and straighten it as much as you can,  then put one end of the paracord next to one end of the shoelace, and wind out the paracord, and cut it at the end of the shoelace, so it is the same length as the shoelace. It doesn't have to be perfect, but close enough. Done with step 1!

Step 3: Fusing!

  Achtung! There is fire involved with this step, so be careful, unless you like melted Nylon on your skin / pain.

  For this part, you'll want to fuse the paracord, not whip it, fusing will just make it easier to work with, and double as aglets. If you are using a brand new bundle of paracord, or are at the very end of the cord, one end will be fused already. If not, you'll just have to do this step twice.

  Holding near the frayed end of the paracord, but not at the very end, light it up! Wait for the inner cords to start melting. It's alright if there's a tiny flame, it will probably burn itself out, but be careful!

Step 4: Lacing

  Now, lace your shoes up any way you want, there are a myriad of instructables about just that (1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.) I laced mine up the normal way, but it's all up to you. You'll find that it helps that you fused the paracord, it makes going through the holes easier. It is a bit different using paracord, but you get used to it. Once you're done lacing your shoe, put your foot inside and tie that sucker!

 If you are planning on lacing both shoes with paracord, repeat this process twice.

Step 5: Closing Comments

  Well, now you're ready to hit the town in style, knowing that your shoes will fall apart before your shoelaces come apart!
   Secretly, I was planning on taking this off after I was done, and switching back to my old shoelace. But, I'm really happy with the results, and am sticking with this.
  Thanks for reading!!