If you want to keep wearing your favorite lace-up shoes but need an easier way to get them on and off—especially one-handed—shoe buttons are a smart, OT-approved solution. They help you keep your shoes looking just like they did off the shelf, while making daily dressing easier and safer.
Whether you're living with limited mobility, recovering from injury, or just want to simplify your routine, this guide shows you exactly how to use shoe buttons step-by-step.
What are shoe buttons and who should use them?
Shoe buttons are adaptive fasteners that replace daily shoe-tying with an easy hook-and-loop system—ideal for anyone with limited hand strength or flexibility.
Instead of retying your shoes each time, shoe buttons let you set the laces once, then quickly hook and unhook them to get in and out with ease. They're great for:
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People who prefer traditional lace-up shoes but need more flexibility
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Anyone who wants a discreet alternative to Velcro or elastic laces
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Individuals with arthritis, hand weakness, or limited mobility
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Parents or caregivers supporting someone with dressing challenges
They’re also helpful if you're just tired of constantly tying and retying shoes every day.
👉 Grab OT-approved Shoe Buttons here
How do you install a shoe button on laced shoes?
Remove the lace from the top hole, insert the threaded part of the button through the eyelet, then screw the smooth top on to lock it in place.
Installing shoe buttons is easy and only takes a few minutes:
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Remove the shoelace from the top eyelet (the hole closest to your ankle).
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Take the threaded post of the shoe button and insert it from the inside of the shoe outward.
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From the outside, screw on the smooth cap until it’s snug and secure.
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Repeat on the other side if you’re using a pair of buttons for both shoes.
Your shoe will now have a small button on each side near the top—ready to anchor your laces.
How do you tie a shoe using a shoe button?
Loop the laces around the shoe button, hook the bow in place, and tighten to secure—this creates a fixed lace setup you can reuse daily.
Once installed, here’s how to tie your shoe using the button:
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Tie your shoelaces as you normally would, forming a bow.
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Wrap the bow around the shoe button, then hook it underneath for a snug hold.
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Adjust the tightness so the shoe feels secure but not restrictive.
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From now on, you won’t need to retie—just hook and unhook the lace!
✅ Pro tip: You only need to do this once. After that, you can slip your shoe on and off by unhooking the laces from the button.
Can you use shoe buttons with one hand?
Yes—once the lace is looped around the button, you can unhook it and rehook it using one hand for easier daily dressing.
Shoe buttons are especially useful for one-handed dressing routines. Once the bow is secured around the button:
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Use your free hand to unhook the lace and loosen the opening
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Slide your foot in
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Rehook the lace over the button to close and secure the shoe
No need to struggle with tying a bow—just use the button to hold your lace in place. Many people find this far more manageable than elastic laces or toggles, especially if they prefer the look and structure of traditional shoes.
Are shoe buttons better than elastic laces or Velcro?
Shoe buttons keep the look and function of lace-up shoes, without daily tying—perfect for those who want both style and simplicity.
Let’s compare your options:
|
Feature |
Shoe Buttons |
Elastic Laces |
Velcro Shoes |
|
Looks like traditional laces |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
❌ No |
|
One-time setup |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
|
One-handed use |
✅ Yes |
✅ Sometimes |
✅ Yes |
|
Customizable tightness |
✅ Yes |
❌ No (often too loose) |
✅ Yes |
|
Easy to clean/maintain |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
Bottom line: If you value the look and feel of your current shoes and want more control over fit and appearance, shoe buttons are the best of both worlds.
Where can I buy OT-approved shoe buttons?
You can buy therapist-approved shoe buttons online at AskSAMIE, where every product is matched to your needs.
At AskSAMIE, we don’t just sell tools—we help you find the right ones. All our products are:
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Vetted by licensed occupational therapists
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Designed for real-life function
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Focused on safety, independence, and confidence
💡 Browse all OT-approved shoe dressing tools here →
Can shoe buttons help someone stay independent?
Yes—shoe buttons reduce reliance on caregivers or help make dressing feel less frustrating and more confident.
If you or someone you care for:
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Struggles with fine motor tasks
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Is recovering from surgery
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Has trouble bending, reaching, or gripping
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Wants to feel more self-sufficient
…then tools like shoe buttons can make a big difference. They’re not just about convenience—they’re about preserving choice and independence in everyday routines.
Occupational therapists often include shoe buttons in dressing strategies for:
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Aging in place
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Stroke recovery
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Neurodivergent or disabled individuals
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Temporary recovery from injury
Final Thoughts: Don’t Ditch the Laces—Adapt Them
You don’t have to give up your favorite shoes or settle for styles you don’t like. With just a small adjustment, shoe buttons can help you wear what you love—without the struggle of tying laces every day.
They’re discreet.
They’re easy to use.
And best of all—they help you get back to doing things your way.
👟 Ready to try shoe buttons? Click here to order now.
