Occupational Therapy advice on learning to tie shoe laces

Shoe laces

• Get two different coloured laces.  Cut each lace in half then tie two different coloured halves together.  So now you have 2 laces of two coloured halves.  Thread the shoe as normal.

• Instructions can now be given as colours and it is easier to see what is happening.
• Top Tips: When making the initial knot pass the lace around twice and pull.  This makes a firm knot before tying the bow. Use flat style laces rather than cord style as these are easier to handle and more secure.

• Make a loop, wrap the other lace around push through and pull.  This method is good for children with reduced finger dexterity and can be done loosely until the method is understood.

Use a story to help your child understand the process:

• Make a bow / loop – this is a rocket and it has a long tail OR make a tree with long roots
• Wrap the second lace around the bow / loop – the spaceman runs around the rocket OR a rabbit runs around the tree
• Push the lace through the small opening / loop made – the spaceman peeps out of the capsule
• The hand that wrapped the spaceman/ rabbit around the bow moves to pinch the spaceship / tree
• The hand holding the spaceship/tree moves to pinch the spaceman / rabbit peeping out
• When both loops are firmly pinched then pull!
• Ensure your child pinches both parts of the lace / bow to pull so that the lace doesn’t pull fully through but makes a firm bow.

Extra advice

• Initially it can be easier to practise shoe laces with the shoe on the table rather than on the foot! Sit behind your child to demonstrate.
• If your child is Left Handed you will need to reverse the instructions.
• When your child is confident with the method and is ready to wear shoes/trainers with laces consider the best position for tying shoe laces.
  • Sat on the floor.
  • Sat on a chair bending down.
  • Sat on a chair with the heel of the foot on the chair.
  • Sat on the bottom step of the stairs or a low stool, chair, box.

Additional Information

There are boots/shoes available as a lace up shoe/boot that also has a side zip. This therefore looks as if the child is wearing lace up boots but can use the zip. If a child is practising laces the zip gives confidence if there is an occasion when speed is important or to provide reassurance.

Consider using a cheaper canvas shoe with different coloured laces until the child is confident with tying laces.

When laces are too difficult consider the followingas an alternative to  Velcro fastening, slip on shoes, and pull on trainers.

Strapz ealstic band laces 

Available on line and from high street suppliers and shoe repair outlets. These fit across each pait of eyelets nad stretch to allow the foot to get in/out of the shoe. Available in different colours to match shoe style.

Zubits Magnetic Laces

These are a strong magnet available in three strengths children and elderly, adults, athletes. They have the advantage that the shoe will open wider to allow easier access for getting the foot in the shoe. The magnet easily pulls together and a twist action pulls the magnet apart. Available in a range of colours to match the shoe.

Push Button Lock Laces

(Ensure the push button style is purchased - the side squeeze locking button will be more difficult)

Lock laces are elastic laces with a draw string to secure when wearing the shoe. The push button lock can be used with the shoes original lace in many cases. The lace can be secured with the mouth or other foot when tightening the lace. Available from a range of on-line suppliers including Amazon, and available in a selection of colours.

• AMLY Elastic No Tie Shoelaces - 4 Pairs, Upgraded Lock, Heavy Duty Reflective Shoe Laces for Kids and Adults
• Hilelife Elastic No Tie Shoelaces - Non Tying Active Stretchy Laces Running Shoe Laces
• INMAKER No Tie Laces for Adults and Kids, Elastic Shoe Laces for Trainers,
• Sukmax Elastic No Tie Laces,100cm Elastic Shoe Laces No Tie Elastic Lock Shoelaces for Kids,Adults,Runners,Disabled
• YIKEDA Elastic Laces 2 Pairs of Reflective Elastic Shoelaces for Adults / Kids No Tie Elastic Lock Shoe laces
• Elastic Laces, Gritin [2 Pack/Black+Blue] Reflective No Tie Elastic Lock Shoe Laces

No Tie Magnetic Laces

These are discreet and look stylish when fitted.  Eliminates the need to tie the lace Whilst the elastic lace gives wriggle room to get the foot in it takes a wriggle and fingers to keep the shoe open.  Using the opening on the tongue for the lace when threading helps. Some accuracy required to clip the magnets together. Make sure you seal the ends before screwing in the magnet to prevent fraying.