The math of shoelaces
Chapter 1
The basic anatomy of a shoelace knot
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Chapter 2
The topology of mathematical knots
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Chapter 3
The lacing grid optimization
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Chapter 4
The physics of the walking impact
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YOUR GOAL
Master of The math of shoelaces
Ch 1 · The basic anatomy of a shoelace knot
dash Shoelace Knot Physics
Stomp loosens the loop—(drop it low!) / Swing whips the ends loose—(there they go!)
Fun Fact
Shoelace tips: The plastic or metal tip at the end of a shoelace is called an aglet, which prevents fraying.
Glossary
granny knot (noun)
An insecure knot made by crossing the ends of a cord twice in the same direction. In 2005, Terry Moore demonstrated at TED how this unbalanced structure causes shoelaces to constantly untie.
An insecure knot made by crossing the ends of a cord twice in the same direction. In 2005, Terry Moore demonstrated at TED how this unbalanced structure causes shoelaces to constantly untie.
Quiz
What is the primary difference between a weak granny knot and a strong reef knot on a shoelace?
Quiz
What mathematical property describes a knot that cannot be untied without cutting the loop?
Quiz
Which knot-tying method, invented by Ian Fieggen in 1982, is known as the fastest way to tie a secure shoelace?