Introduction: How to Shorten Your Shoelaces When They've Become Too Long to Single Tie

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About: In the footsteps of my father and grandfather, I've been building and making things for as long as I can remember.
If you are a person like me who wears athletic shoes most of the time, you most certainly have to deal with the annoying problem of shoelace growth.  Over the lifetime of the shoe, everything stretches. The lace holes will elongate bringing them closer and closer together.  This results in shoelaces that must be double or even triple tied in order to avoid catching them on something.   Here is an easy fix for this problem.

Step 1: What You Will Need

You will need:
  • Small diameter heat shrink tubing
  • Hot air gun or similar heat source
  • Super (Krazy) glue
  • Scissors

Most hardware stores carry heat shrink tubing, but in black only. If you want your aglets (that’s what the ends of your shoelaces are called)  to remain clear, or white you will have to spend a few extra bucks and get an assorted pack from Radio Shack. The part number is 278-1610. The assorted pack will provide you with a lifetime supply of tubing for shoe lace shortening.

Step 2: Find Your Shoes

If you are like me, when your shoes are not on your feet, they are hard to find so go find them now. Once found, put one on and single tie them just like you did the first day you got them. Remove the shoe without untying it and place it on your work surface.  Allow the extra lace to splay out to sides of the shoe

Step 3: Select and Cut the Tubing

Cut a piece of the shrink tubing to a length of approx. 3/4 inch (20mm). The ideal piece of tubing should just be able to slide over the existing aglet.

Step 4: Slide the Tubing Into Place and Secure It

Work the tubing all the way down the lace into approximately the same position it was in on the day you purchased the shoes. Once in place, use your heat gun (preferred) or similar hot air producing device to shrink it.  An open flame is not recommended.

Step 5: Cut Off the Extra Length

Using scissors, cut the lace at a point that includes a small bit of the tubing. This will ensure  that your new aglet will have a nice flush end.

Step 6: Glue Into Place

Place a small drop of super glue on the end of the new aglet allowing  it to “wick” into the lace. Place a second drop of super glue where the lace enters the aglet.  Allow to dry.  This step will prevent your new aglets from slipping off over time.

Step 7: Repeat the Same Steps for the Other Lace and the Laces on the Other Shoe

Congratulations! You no longer have the daily annoyance of having to tie your shoes twice as much as necessary.