Best hiking boot lacing techniques.

If you’re a keen hiker, you already know how important it is to choose the best hiking boots. Did you know that hiking boot lacing techniques can also have a big impact on your hike? 

When it comes to hiking boots and trail shoes, finding the correct size and fit should be your priority. If you want to find true comfort on the trails, it’s also worth trying out some new hiking boot lacing techniques. It could make the difference between blisters and bliss. 

Does changing your hiking boot lacing style really make a difference?

Different hiking boot lacing techniques provide varying levels of support for different parts of your feet. For example, if your toes feel a bit squashed, you can relieve this pressure by skipping the first set of loops. Or—if your feet are moving around too much—you can use a Surgeon’s Knot lacing technique to stabilize your heels.

What are the best lacing techniques?

There are countless different ways, but the most common and effective lacing techniques for hiking include:

• Criss cross
• Surgeon’s knot (also known as the heel lock, Tibetan trekking knot, or Sherpa knot)
• Window lacing (also known as box lacing)
• Ladder lacing
   

How to do the criss cross lacing technique.

This is the standard lacing technique that your boots usually arrive in. It’s a perfectly safe and comfortable lacing method if you have no issues or injuries.

1. Start by threading the laces in a straight line on the inside through the bottom two eyelets. Thread the laces in a diagonal pattern up the shoe, looping through or hooking onto the opposite sides each time.
2. Tie a knot at the top after the final eyelets or hooks.
    

How to do the surgeon’s knot lacing technique.

If you feel your feet moving around in your boots, this is a great lacing technique to try. It provides extra support around the heel and stabilizes the foot for long days on the trail.

1. Start by threading the laces in a straight line on the inside through the bottom two eyelets.
2. Thread the laces diagonally (just like criss cross).
3. When you reach the final two sets of hooks or eyelets, cross the laces horizontally while also twisting them around each other.
4. For extra stability, you can start this process further down the shoe.
5. Tie a knot at the top as normal.
    

How to do the window lacing technique.
 

This is a great option for anyone who experiences pain or pressure around the middle or top of the foot. This method can be modified depending on what part of your foot needs the pressure relief.

1. Start by threading the laces in a straight line on the inside through the bottom two eyelets.
2. Thread the laces diagonally (just like criss cross).
3. When you reach the pressure point, skip the criss cross by taking the laces vertically and looping through the next eyelet or hook on each side.
4. Proceed with the criss cross pattern and tie a knot at the top as normal.

How to do the ladder lacing technique.
 

If you need extra support all over, this super-secure boot lacing technique is the one for you. This boot lacing method is widely used in the military so you know it’s effective and reliable.

1. Start by threading the laces in a straight line on the inside through the bottom two eyelets.
2. Move the laces up vertically on each side and down through the eyelet.
3. Cross the laces horizontally by twisting them around each other.
4. Feed the lace underneath the laces that are already placed near the eyelets on each side.
5. Move the laces up vertically and down through the next eyelet.
6. Repeat until you reach the top and tie a knot as normal.

Ready to test out your lacing
techniques?