Nice ode to the humble lace. Did you know most people tie the bow backward? Google “strong vs. weak shoelace knot.” With some practice, knowing this forever changed the way I lace up. Even habits cemented early are subject to the search for a better way.
I really appreciated your ode. I recall when the Boa wiring system hit running shoes many years ago. It felt unnatural and complicated, so the shoelace prevailed—in running shoes, at least. (I'm pretty sure Boa's wiring system now dominates snowboard boots.)
Thanks! I cut a graf about how the lace has ceded ground in the areas where having a loose string is an issue—cycling, skiing, walking on the moon, children’s footwear. I figured, odes gotta be short and it’s an ode not a critique! ;p
Went to a popular brand's new $250 shoe demo and everyone was stopping to re-tie their laces every half a mile.
Nice ode to the humble lace. Did you know most people tie the bow backward? Google “strong vs. weak shoelace knot.” With some practice, knowing this forever changed the way I lace up. Even habits cemented early are subject to the search for a better way.
What!?? Mike, did you just change my life forever??!
Wonderful ode, worthy subject — I’m eager for (and curious about) the next one.
Woohoo! Thanks, Jeff. I’m excited for the next couple!
I really appreciated your ode. I recall when the Boa wiring system hit running shoes many years ago. It felt unnatural and complicated, so the shoelace prevailed—in running shoes, at least. (I'm pretty sure Boa's wiring system now dominates snowboard boots.)
Thanks! I cut a graf about how the lace has ceded ground in the areas where having a loose string is an issue—cycling, skiing, walking on the moon, children’s footwear. I figured, odes gotta be short and it’s an ode not a critique! ;p
This was a really charming read, thank you! Reminds me of this little ode I wrote a few months back as part of a poetry challenge:
Ode To An Alarm Clock I Bought For £10 On Amazon A Few Years Back
Beep-beep! Beep-beep!
You wake me from my sleep,
but despite my rough demeanour,
and knowing I am eager
to stop your rhythmic blare,
about you I do care.
Beep-beep! Beep-beep!
My gratitude runs deep,
for you remembered that
I can’t stay lying flat:
things do need doing today -
you helped me on my way!
Beep-beep! Beep-beep!
You were relatively cheap
compared to all the other
clocks that had a buzzer.
But darn, aren’t you the best
£10 clock in the West!