zlacker

I mean... it is but... the optimization isn't something worth the time.

>>irjust+(OP)
Ian Knot is dope! Once I learned this existed I was really stoked about tying my shoes for like a week or two, as idiotic as that sounds. Not only is it pretty quick and eliminates stuck knots frustrating untying attempts, which is fine I guess, but it is actually better than whatever the hell I was doing before.

I've felt embarrassed if my shoes became untied, its just kind of unbecoming. Ever tie your shoes and the damn knot goes sideways, with the loops coming from the top and bottom? Well here's the cure to all of your knot compulsions.

Notice just below the instructions on TFA:

   NOTE: If your finished knot comes out crooked, it's probably because you tie your Starting Knot the opposite way to mine. This will result in an un-balanced “Granny Knot”, which both sits crooked and comes undone more easily. See my Granny Knot page for more information.

The Ian Knot is great because the knot works properly wrt how the strings pull against each other. He also explains how and why to have loops and strings come out the sides perfectly, and with the knot round shoe laces like on dress shoes, leather laces, work boots, whatever will basically never come undone.

Good knot, and really easy. It'll take you about 15 minutes to master, an hour or so if you have poor dexterity.

>>cartoo+F
I made the switch a few years ago and it took me 3-4 days to get it down. Now I can’t even do it the other way without thinking.

>>irjust+(OP)
Why not? 2 times 5 seconds saved each day are an hour per decade.

Also the psychological benefits of doing something well.

>>irjust+(OP)
If you look strictly at the # of seconds spared it might not seem important. But those seconds are often spent in an uncomfortable position which makes them worth more. Or it might be when you are out running and don't want to lose the groove. Or you might be teaching your child how to do it, and you want to simplest solution possible.

>>oezi+Wb
Using the slip-on method, I tie my shoes probably once every 6 months or so. They're double knotted.

But now I'm also keeping an eye out for over-optimizing.