Are you a hiking enthusiast often frustrated with the laces of your hiking boots? We’ve all been there—the laces can be too tight or loose, and they never stay tied. Fortunately, there is a way to ensure that your laces will stay in place, no matter how long or intense your hike is. Read on for tips on how to lace up your hiking boots properly.
The Anatomy of a Boot Lace
Before you can start lacing your boots, you must understand the anatomy of a boot lace. A bootlace typically consists of two parts: an inner layer, which is made of several pieces of fabric sewn together, and an outer layer, which is usually made from leather or nylon webbing.
The inner layer is usually thinner than the outer layer because it provides more flexibility and cushioning against the foot. It also helps keep moisture away from the foot so that your feet stay dry during long hikes.
Also Rad: How Should Hiking Boots Fit?
How To Lace Hiking Boots | Pro Guide
Traditional Lacing Method
The traditional lacing method for hiking boots is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to get a secure fit. Start by threading one end of the laces through the bottom eyelets of each boot from below. Then cross the laces at the bottom and thread them up opposite sides of the boots.
Continue in this manner until you reach the top eyelets. If your hiking boots have more than four rows of eyelets, make sure that you alternate which side you are threading on as you move up—this will ensure an even distribution of tension throughout the shoe, making it much more comfortable to wear.
Lockdown Method
The lockdown method is another popular way to lace up hiking boots—especially if they are particularly tight-fitting or don’t have many eyelets. To execute this method, start by threading one end of the laces through all the eyelets from below—just like with traditional lacing, but without crossing them over each other in between each eyelet set.
Then pull both ends together and tie a double knot at the bottom for extra security and stability. This method ensures that no matter how much strain is put on your shoes during your hike, they won’t come undone!
Also Read: How To Break In Hiking Boots?
Cinch Lacing Method
Finally, if you need an extra secure fit for particularly vigorous hikes or if you have wider feet, then cinch lacing could be just what you need! To do this lacing style, start by threading both ends of the shoelace through each eyelet from below, just like traditional lacing (alternating sides as needed).
Then after making it to the top eyelet pair, tie a single knot before continuing back down again with both ends going through each pair so that when you reach back down to where you started, two loops are coming out of either side instead of two separate strings pointing downwards.
Pull these loops tightly together before tying another knot at the bottom – this should provide an extra snug fit around your foot, enhancing support and comfort while walking!
Also Read: Are Desert Hiking Boots True To Size?
How Tight Should Hiking Boots Be Laced?
When lacing your hiking boots properly for a comfortable, secure fit, there is no right or wrong way to do it; everyone’s feet are different, and what works best for one person may not work for another.
The main thing to remember is that the laces should be snug enough so the foot movement is limited within the boot but not so tight that they’re cutting off circulation. Generally speaking, you can achieve an ideal fit by looping the top three pairs of “speed hooks” together – or if you don’t have speed hooks on your boots, tie them according to your preference and ensure they’re secured without unneeded pressure points.
As a final check before setting off on the trail, insert your index finger between your ankle bone and the tongue of each boot. If the space allows a finger in comfortably (and thus ample wiggle room), then you’re good to go!
Also Read: How To Style Your Hiking Boots For Any Adventure?
Conclusion:
Whether or not you opt for traditional lacing or one of its variants (lockdown or cinch), it’s important to remember that properly fitted footwear can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities like hiking!
Take some time before getting into action and learning How To Lace Hiking Boots correctly – not only will it help keep them firmly in place, but it will also provide much-needed support & comfort!
So next time when heading out for an adventure – don’t forget about those all-important shoelaces; they could be just what makes or breaks your experience!
