The Berluti knot—sometimes called the Parisian shoelace knot—is my go-to for dress shoes because it’s low-profile, perfectly symmetrical, and stays tied without bulky double bows. Here’s how to tie dress shoes step-by-step so you tie formal shoes cleanly in under a minute, and why this is the best way to tie dress shoes.
The Best Knot for Shoelaces on Dress Shoes
Dress shoes put the bow on display. The Berluti knot creates a compact, centered dress shoe knot with even loops that won’t sag by lunchtime. It adds subtle extra friction in the middle so the knot locks under normal movement, yet still pops loose smoothly when you pull both ends—no wrestling match, no chewed-up laces. If you’ve been wondering how to tie shoelaces dress shoes without fuss—or how to tie dress shoes without laces showing—this is the tidy answer.
Tie Formal Shoes That Stay Put
- Sleek, symmetrical bow that photographs well
- Stays tied during a full workday or event
- Releases instantly when you’re ready to step out
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The best knot for shoelaces when appearance matters
How to Tie the Berluti Shoelace Knot Step by Step
How to Lace a Dress Shoe and Finish Clean
- Start the base: Left lace over right, wrap through, and snug (standard starting knot).
- Make two loops, one per hand.
- Balance the bow: Cross the loops the opposite way of your base (if base was Left-over-Right, cross Right-over-Left).
- Right loop change-up: Feed both the loop and the free end through the middle front-to-back. Pinch to hold.
- Mirror on the left: Feed loop + free end back-to-front through the middle.
- Set and dress: Pull the two loops apart evenly. The center wraps “bite” and keep the bow compact.
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Release on purpose: Pull both free ends together to undo cleanly.
Pro tip for formal shoes tie: Keep loop size modest—roughly the width of your shoe’s cap—to avoid a “bunny ears” look on formal leather. This is the best way to tie dress shoes so the finish looks intentional and the laces stay centered.
Laces That Make the Knot Look and Hold Better
For dress shoes, your knot is only as good as the lace:
- Waxed flat cotton: best grip, neat lay, classic look (ideal when you tie formal shoes).
- Avoid shiny round synthetics: they’re slippery and tend to loosen.
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Check length: too long = floppy loops; pick the right length for your eyelet count (most men’s Oxfords: 75–80 cm; varies by size).
Switching to waxed flats makes how to tie laces on dress shoes way easier—and helps keep the shoelace knot discreet if you prefer how to tie dress shoes without laces showing above the quarters.
Berluti vs Double Knot: Which Should You Use for Dress Shoes?
A bulky double knot can distort the vamp and still look messy in photos. The Berluti knot gives you a tidy, photo-ready bow with reliable hold. If you’re on your feet all day or sprinting between meetings, you can add a discreet “surgeon’s pass” (one extra wrap through the center) for more bite—still cleaner than a double knot and still the best knot for shoelaces on leather uppers.
Quick Fixes for How to Tie Dress Shoes
- Bow off-center or twisted? You probably tied a “granny.” Make sure your second crossover is the reverse of the first.
- Loops droop by noon? Set the center wraps firmly before dressing the loops; consider waxed flats for extra grip.
- Heel slip in slim dress shoes? Use a heel-lock/runner’s loop on the top eyelets, then finish with the Berluti. It anchors the heel without changing the formal shoes’ tie finish.
These tiny adjustments refine how to lace a dress shoe so your result is consistent every time.
Best Way to Tie Dress Shoes: Fast Answers
Is the Berluti knot hard to learn?
No—two or three tries and it’s muscle memory, even if you’re just learning how to tie dress shoes for the first time.
Will it damage fine laces?
Quite the opposite: because it releases cleanly, you avoid the hard yanks that fray thin dress laces.
Can I use it on sneakers?
Absolutely. It looks great on minimal sneakers where you want a clean, centered bow and the best knot for shoelaces that stays put.
How to Tie Dress Shoes the Right Way: Tie Once, Look Sharp All Day
If you want dress shoes that stay polished from the morning commute to the last handshake, the Berluti knot is the move. It’s the rare combo of form and function—the best knot for shoelaces when you care how your bow photographs and the simplest approach to how to tie dress shoes with confidence. Balanced crossovers keep the bow centered, the extra turns add quiet friction, and the guarded release means you’ll untie on purpose—never by accident.
Before you step out, tie formal shoes in a snap with this 20-second checklist:
- Waxed flat laces installed (skip slick round synthetics).
- Base knot snug; second crossover reversed (reef, not granny).
- Loop size modest and even; middle wraps “set” before dressing.
- Need more bite for long days? Add a discreet surgeon’s pass.
Want a quick visual refresher on the shoelace knot? Open the Knot IQ app and search “Berluti knot” for a 3D walkthrough. Tie it once in the morning, forget about it till you’re home, and let your shoes do the talking.
