The traditional bow knot used for tying shoelaces is simply a reef knot with the final overhand knot made with two bights instead of the ends.
One way to distinguish them is that in the reef knot each loop passes completely over, or completely under (not through) the neck of the other.
For added security, ensure both ends are sufficiently long to tie them into a reef knot.
Wrap backwards up the rope until you have both ends side by side, finish by tying a reef knot.
It is better to tie a reef knot in nearly all circumstances.
The thief knot is much less secure than the already insecure reef knot.
The knot can be locked by making one or more overhand knots with the loose ends in the manner of a reef knot.
The shoelace knot is a doubly slipped reef knot, the original being far harder to undo.
