There are two forms of the common shoelace knot: a weak form and a strong form. We were likely taught the weak form. This TED (no relation) Talk does an excellent job of explaining the benefits of the strong form.
Enjoy: http://www.ted.com/talks/terry_moore_how_to_tie_your_shoes.html

My oldmanlifestyle answer to tying shoes:
ReplyDeletePenny loafers