An instructional shoelace (20,52) is provided having a shoelace body (26,54) presenting a central section (28) and first and second tie sections (30,32), wherein the first tie section (30) has a distinct, perceptible identifier (34) that serves to distinguish the first tie section (30) from the second tie section (32). Preferably, the second tie section (32) has a pair of spaced identifiers (36,38). In use, the central section (28) is threaded through the eyelets (84) of a tie shoe (82) leaving the first and second tie sections (30,32) extended from the eyelets (84). The tie sections (30,32) are crossed over each other to form a crossing (86), and the second tie section (32) is looped to form loop (88). The first tie section (30) is passed around the loop (88) to present a portion (90) between the loop (88) and crossing (86). Thereupon, the loop (88) and portion (90) are pulled in opposite directions to complete the tie. The use of a uniquely identified first section (30) permits an individual learning to tie shoelaces to first grasp the second section (32) to form loop (88), and then to grasp first section (30) to complete the tie. In this way much of the confusion and complexity of shoelace tying is eliminated, allowing the individual more rapidly learn the shoelace tying skill.