Tying your shoes seems like the simplest task in the world, but hiking boots are a completely different ball game.
There are so many different ways to tie your hiking boots that it can be difficult to know which method will work for you.
Hiking boots need to be sturdy and properly fitted to ensure that you are protected from injuries when hiking so that you won’t lose balance or become uncomfortable when hiking.
There are lots of different techniques that can be used when you are tying your hiking boots and the way that you tie your boots can solve a variety of problems you may have been having with your boots.
There are techniques for tying your hiking boots that can prevent your laces from untying, ease pressure on blisters, and secure your heels in your boots.
Find out how to tie your hiking boots so that you can feel comfortable and secure in your boots when you are on a hike.
This will help to prevent you from constantly stopping to adjust your shoes so that you can go out and not have to worry!
Can The Way You Lace Your Boots Make A Difference?
The way that you lace your boots can definitely make a difference to your hiking experience.
If you are suffering from constant discomfort, there is a good chance that your boots need to be broken in, especially if they are brand new.
However, if this has been happening for some time, then learning different ways to tie your laces will help to improve your hiking experience as you won’t have to worry about being in pain on your hikes.
How Should I Tie My Hiking Boots?
The way you tie your hiking boots can help with any problems you may have been experiencing with your boots.
Here are the different ways you can tie your hiking boots and the problems that tying your boots this way can help.
Heel Lock Lacing
Heel lock lacing does exactly what it says, it helps to keep your heel inside the boot and stop it from lifting out with every step that you take.
This lacing can also help to prevent blisters as your heel won’t be moving as much and also helps to prevent your toes from hitting the front of your boots when walking downhill.
Firstly, place your foot inside your boot and make sure that your heel is as far down the back of the boot as possible.
Lace your boots up as you normally would, but stop at the point on your ankle where your foot meets your leg.
Instead, tie a surgeon’s knot (see below), hook the laces onto the hooks above and tie another surgeon’s knot.
Finish by lacing your boots as normal up to the top of the boot.
Surgeon’s Knot
The surgeon’s knot is a type of knot that is very secure and very efficient when lacing your boots as it will stop your laces from becoming loose.
If your laces keep coming undone or you feel like your boots become loose when you are hiking, the surgeon’s knot will help to keep your laces securely in place.
When you are ready to tie your surgeon’s knot, begin to tie your laces as you normally would by wrapping the ends of your laces around each other but don’t pull them just yet.
Repeat this step again, wrapping the laces around each other for a second time, and pull the laces tightly together. You should only have one line of wrapped laces.
Tie with a normal knot to secure the surgeon’s knot or continue to lace the laces around the hooks before tying a knot.
Window Lacing
Window lacing stops the feeling of pressure at the top of your feet when you are hiking, so if you feel any discomfort at the top of your feet in your hiking boots, tying your laces with window lacing will help relieve the stress on your feet.
If you have high arches in your feet, this lacing will allow you to feel more comfortable.
Before putting your foot in your boot, find the point on the top of your foot where you feel the most pressure in your boots.
Once you have identified the point, put your boots on and lace your boots just below this point.
Instead of crossing your laces to lace them over this point, go straight up to the next hook, avoiding crossing over the pressure point.
Lace as normal up to the top of your boot.
Advantages
Comfort
By tying your hiking boots correctly and minimizing any discomfort you may be having, you will be able to hike without feeling any pain.
This will prevent you from having to stop to adjust your boots so that you will be able to hike as far as you like!
Preventing Injuries
Tying your boots this way will help prevent injuries as you will be reducing pain and pressure on your feet which will help to reduce the risk of any long-term damage.
It will also prevent you from falling or tripping as you won’t have to walk unnaturally to try and reduce any discomfort.
Disadvantages
Learning Slowly
If you need to re-tie your boots during a hike, you may not have memorized how to lace up your boots the way that you need them to be.
It can be difficult to learn the new lacing straight away, but the more you practice, it will come naturally.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, tying your boots correctly will help you to feel more comfortable and enjoy your hike instead of feeling pain.
If you lace your boots based on any discomfort you are having, this will help to reduce the strain on your feet and protect them from any long-term damage or aches.
It is important to tie your hiking boots properly as your feet need to be secure when walking on uneven surfaces so that you can minimize the risk of injury during your hike.
