Mathematicians have decided that of the 400 million different ways you can lace your shoes the most effective pattern is the ‘bow-tie’ [not to be confused with the fastening knot]. I can’t say I’ve witnessed such a method; I tend to fluctuate between the ‘criss-cross’ and the ‘straight’ patterns. I’m intrigued by the 397 million 399,999,997 title=> other options though.