Buddy in Phoenix told me to always double knot my boots on a roofing job

I thought he was just being paranoid, but after my third time retying that day I finally caved and did it. Didn't even think twice once I was up on a steep pitch carrying a bundle of shingles and felt that lace start to slip. Has anyone else had that piece of advice that felt like overkill until it saved your neck?

3 comments

3 Comments

oliverhernandez16d ago

Isn't it better to just laces that actually hold a knot instead of double tying them?

jenny4716d ago

Ha, I actually used to think the same thing! But in my experience, "laces that hold a knot" is kind of a myth. Even the grippiest flat laces I've tried still come loose on me after a few hours of walking, especially with sneakers that have a wider fit. Double tying is more about locking the first knot in place so it doesn't sag, not just because the laces are slippery. I've had pairs where the laces felt super tight out of the box but still needed that extra loop to keep my heel from slipping. So yeah, your mileage may vary, but I've found double tying works for almost any lace if you want them to stay put all day.

lewis.terry11d ago

Yeah I read about this. Some guy online said the real trick is using the surgeon's knot instead of double tying.