Ian Fieggen's shoelace website has evolved from a simple knot tutorial into the internet's most comprehensive resource for shoe lacing and tying, featuring over 100 lacing methods, 25 knots, and decades of human-curated content.
For over two decades, Ian Fieggen has been the internet's go-to expert for all things shoelaces. His website, Ian's Shoelace Site, has grown from a simple tutorial on the world's fastest shoelace knot into the most comprehensive online resource for shoe lacing techniques, knot tying, and shoelace knowledge.
The Ian Knot: A World Record Innovation
At the heart of the site is the famous "Ian Knot," which Fieggen claims is the world's fastest shoelace knot. The technique, which can be tied in a split second, has become the site's signature contribution to footwear culture. As one recent visitor exclaimed: "I actually invented my favorite way to tie my shoes and show off a little bit! I yelled 'HE INVENTED THIS KNOT? I KNOW THAT KNOT!!!'"
Comprehensive Lacing Resources
The site features an impressive collection of over 100 step-by-step shoe lacing tutorials, accompanied by more than 2,700 photos. Users can explore the interactive "Create-a-Lace" tool to design their own custom lacing patterns. Recent additions include "Lug Woven Lacing" for shoes with lugs and "Pentagram Lacing" variations for different numbers of eyelet pairs.
Beyond Basic Knots
With 25 different shoelace knots documented, the site goes far beyond the standard bow. Visitors can learn about the "Equality Knot" created for PUMA during Australia's marriage equality debate, or discover why their current knot might be a "Granny Knot" that sits crooked and comes loose.
Educational Content
The "Learn About Shoelaces" section offers "heaps of knowledge" about shoelace construction, length calculations, and even what the tips are called (aglets, for the curious). The site includes interviews, articles, and Q&As that provide deeper context about shoelace culture and history.
Human-Curated Excellence
In an era of AI-generated content, Fieggen proudly states that his site is built with "H.I." (Human Intelligence) and "Human Effort" over more than two decades. This commitment to human curation has created a trusted resource that continues to attract visitors and donations from around the world.
Community Impact
The site's impact is evident in the heartfelt feedback from visitors. From a 50-year-old learning they'd been tying shoes incorrectly their entire life, to military personnel finding better lacing techniques than official instructions, the site has touched countless lives. As one visitor noted: "A lesson that will at least benefit Mike for the next 50-odd years."
Ongoing Development
Recent updates show the site remains actively maintained, with new content added regularly. Recent additions include interactive diagrams, filtering options for lacing methods, and expanded interview archives. The site continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission of sharing shoelace knowledge.
Supporting Independent Web Content
The site accepts donations, which Fieggen notes are "the catalyst that has kept me going all these years." This model of community-supported content creation has allowed the site to remain independent and focused on quality rather than commercial interests.
Ian's Shoelace Site stands as a testament to the power of niche expertise and long-term dedication to a single topic. In a world of fleeting trends and algorithm-driven content, it remains a valuable, human-curated resource for anyone interested in the surprisingly complex world of shoelaces.
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