The Best Lacing techniques for Walking Boots

The Surgeons Knot

This is an essential knot that can be used either on its own, or in conjunction with some other methods.

It is a knot that is quick and easy to do, but allows for superior customisation of different parts of the boot.

For example, you can keep the lower lacing tight and loosen the upper. 

Similar to the standard granny knot but with one more wrap, it provides superior hold and stays tight.

The Double Bow

The double bow is a great knot to be used instead of a normal bow. It allows for a better hold as there is more friction in the system, but it is also faster and easier to undo if you need further adjustment. 

Definitely not essential to use, but is a useful knot to know and can be used for all your shoes. It can be undone by pulling the two loose ends. 

Step 1: Granny Knot

Step 2: Create a loop like you normally would, then wrap the opposing end around twice. 

Step 3: Pull the lace through the double wrap to create the second bow

Technique 1:

We couldn't not mention the classic criss-cross lacing, as there really isn't anything wrong with this method. It is great for frictionless adjustment, as it evenly tightens every area of the boot. Especially if you are finding there to be too much volume or space in the boots, this method is ideal for reducing the volume evenly and increasing foot hold.

The only change we would make is adding a Surgeons knot into the system. This would be ideally placed across the lower ankle before you make your way up the boot. This will create more hold on the ankle preventing heel slip.

Pros:

• Frictionless adjustment
• Even Volume reduction
• Consistent foot hold

Cons:

• No customisation of specific areas

Technique 2: 

Lacing down is probably the most commonly used lacing technique by boot fitters.

It is great for reducing heel slip, and for taking pressure off of the shin. This method can be combined with a some of the other techniques that we will mention later. 

Step 1: Criss-cross the laces up to the ankle

Step 2: Skip at least one eyelet and go to the top

Step 3: Criss-cross back down to the ankle and tie the knot there 

Pros

• Locks the heel in, prevent heel slip
• Takes pressure off the shin
• Can be combined with other techniques

Cons

• Can create a pressure point on the ankle
• May not suit people with high arches

Technique 3:

Similar to above, this technique is aiming to create more hold on the ankle. You are essentially creating a more widespread area of pressure from the laces hopefully allowing you to lace the boots extra tight without restricting blood flow. 

Step 1: Criss-cross to the base of the ankle. 

Step 2: Lace vertically up one eyelet

Step 3: Cross back down and hook through the opposing lace

Step 4: Criss-cross to the top and tie off as normal

Pros

• Excellent ankle hold
• Large area of pressure rather than a tight knot

Cons

• May require longer laces

Technique 1:

This technique is fantastic for creating extra space in specific areas of your boot. It is ideal for people suffering with bunions or similar conditions. The lacing window can be moved to your preferred location on the boot and be adjusted in size, whether you skip one eyelet or more. Using in conjunction with a surgeons knot can help prevent any unwanted movement.

Step 1: Locate the area of the boot where you would like to create extra space and criss-cross to this point. 

Step 2: Then vertically lace past the problem area

Step 3: Surgeons knot, then criss-cross to the top

Pros

• Creates more volume and/or space in specific locations
• Simple and uses less lace

Cons

• May affect the overall hold of the boot on the rest of your foot allowing for unwanted movement

Technique 2:

The military lacing technique allows for better and a more even hold across the boot. It can be combined with the surgeons knot to create different levels of tension throughout the length of the boot.

Step 1: Vertically lace from the bottom through 2 eyelets

Step 2: Once you have reached the ankle, complete a surgeons knot

Step 3: Continue to the top

Pros

• Allows multiple flex points
• Concentrated areas of tension
• If used with a surgeons knot you can change the tension on different parts of the boot 

Cons

• Takes time to do
• Works better with an even number of eyelets

Technique 3:

This lacing technique not only looks good, but also helps create a super tight lacing system that holds the tension throughout the boot really well. 

Step 1: Lace both sides vertically

Step 2: Cross back over and thread through the opposing vertical lace

Step 3: After threading under the vertical lace go back vertically again

Step 4: Repeat to the top

Pros

• Holds the foot
• Reduces volume
  

Cons

• Time consuming and harder to adjust
• Requires a long lace

Heel Lock and Window Lacing

Military lacing and Lacing Down