[to3m]

I've had a shoelaces break maybe 3-4 times on shoes I wore regularly for more than 2-3 years. It's annoying out of all proportion to the expense involved.

(The plastic bits at the end can also get frayed and fall off, which happens more quickly, but I'm not sure knot style has much to do with that.)

[__david__]

I think it's so annoying because of the timing. I've never had one break when untying the knot or when just walking around. It's always while tying it which means I was just about to leave and now life has thrown a monkey wrench into my plans. Depending on how close I am cutting things, this may be an event that makes me late. Grrrrrr. Stupid shoelace!

[pkolaczk]

Yes, this! And this happens particularly often, when you use standard cotton laces which make knots harder to accidentally undo. The synthetic ones last much longer, but are slippery and easy to untie.

[mark-r]

If the plastic bit at the end falls off, just cut off the frayed part and dip the end into molten wax from a candle. I can't say I've tried it yet though, even that's so much trouble that I just live with the frayed end.

[EvilTerran]

Heat-shrink tubing is perfect for replacing shoelace ends, if you happen to have some lying around (or have a friend who tinkers with electronics you can blag a bit off).

[mark-r]

Nice idea, if the color works for you.

Edit: I see it comes in clear, which would be perfect. I'll have to pick me up some of that.