How to Correctly Lace Walking Boots

Despite it seeming like a simple task, lacing your boots can be the difference between an enjoyable walk in the mountains and black toenails. Are there any videos we've not done that you'd like to see? Let us know!
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[@varun_MRG]

Why am I watching this at 3am, I don't even walk.

[@trekitt]

😂 Thanks for watching anyway

[@beatbasher]

Because the algorithm decided you would watch this.

[@waynewood8840]

Me too. But correct lacing will keep them from falling off your feet while they are propped up in the recliner!

[@ozarksnipehunter3403]

we are still watching this crazy video

[@torresmilochomil]

You fly tho?

[@johnnyunderhillproductions8346]

I was embarrassed to look this up, but now I am so glad I came, wish I’d learned this years ago.

[@trekitt]

Hey Johnny, there's no such thing as a stupid question and everyday is a school day! Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@yankeetango]

As someone who's frequently chased by the cops, these tips will come in quite handy!

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

In California the thugs who are chased by cops lose their pants and fall down because their pants are belted low to show their butt crack. Lol it's hilarious.

[@14bqdonk]

@@thinkingimpaired5663 I really cannot brain why those thugs like to show their underwear and butts. It's like kids who don't know or don't care about it. What's more funny about it many thugs I saw has flat butt, can't even seduce people for a sec😂

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

@@14bqdonk i can only guess it's some type of ignorant fashion statement. Definitely impractical especially if your running from the police.

[@andrewbakken7859]

Are we talking about running from PD. May Be a video on one who wears a belt incorrectly while running from the PD. The correct way to wear a belt will give you a 10 sec advantage. Sry not to take away from this amazing video..

[@ForeverFemcel]

LAMOOO

[@Mau_Paladino]

That was perfect! And somehow I felt so well watching at this, as some kind of ASMR therapy.

[@ninak.5283]

Got these exact AKU boots more than 10 years ago and they are still holding wondefully. Thanks for the lacing tips!

[@trekitt]

I just got a pair of the Men's version, hopefully they last as long as yours!

[@Fiabo4]

KZbin: here's how to tie your shoe Me: well let's see if I'm up-to-date at this. I wasn't.

[@protemkin61]

Legit I had to check if things had changed. Now I find out I should have been doing it much better lol

[@trekitt]

Every day is a school day! Thanks for watching.

[@D__Lee]

I've been wearing "walking" boots almost daily for the past 10 years and I learning something new from this video. Thanks!!!

[@trekitt]

Happy to help!

[@brimstone33]

Nice. When you get to the last step and form your loop, come from underneath rather than over the top. This will result in a "balanced" lace with the bows or loops completely horizontal and not diagonal or vertical, which are more likely to loosen.

[@trekitt]

Good tip, thanks!

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Your double wrap knot is the best I've seen, simple and fast.

[@trekitt]

We love it too!

[@frederichore1890]

Superb tips! I like your method to lace up hiking boots to prevent them from loosening up. I've had this issue in the past, so your suggestions are much appreciated! 🙂 Cheers from Montreal.

[@yanaz1504]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you!

[@ragnarocking]

Mind... blown. I've been tying my shoes using the _Bunny Ears_ method for 42yrs and accepted that it was just a fact of life that laces loosen over time and become undone. This - changes - everything. 😛😁 Thanks. Saved me from wasting money on unsightly plastic shoelace locks.

[@trekitt]

Boom! Everyday is a school day. Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@petersonofbernard4880]

Excellent communication skills, Hannah! Thanks!

[@trekitt]

You're welcome!

[@davidh5500]

Well, everyday is a learning day.. I never knew that double loop trick. It's a bit of a fiddle, but works a treat. Thank you for yet another very informative and well produced vid Trekitt! You have a new customer.

[@trekitt]

Hi David, thanks for your kind comments and welcome aboard. Paul.

[@timhaynes7590]

Unbelievable, I’m 58 and only just been taught how to the my boot laces so they won’t come undone, thank you!

[@trekitt]

Old dog and new tricks eh Tim? Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@lemisosaroni8857]

Such cues make a tremendous difference Thanks!

[@davidhughes4785]

If you tie your bow, and the bow sits diagonally on your shoe-then you tied it wrong A cattywampus bow that has one bunny rabbit ear pointing downward or diagonal, is a type of slipped granny knot. A slipped square knot will have both bunny rabbit ears level. The remedy is to watch the way you tie your shoe The bow part is more difficult to relearn than the base or half knot part You have been making both knots either left over right Or right over left Easiest fix is to change how you tie base knot or half knot If you were using left over right, change it to right over left Then tie bow same as you always do, and your bow will sit level across your shoe This knot will now not only look better, but also be much more secure and less likely to come untied during the day Thank you for making great boot lace videos

[@chriskatthage9079]

Great video - Just something very important to remember to prevent serious injury. Leaving large loops in the tied laces on a speed lacing system is very dangerous. The loop in the tied lace can get caught on the inside speed lace hook. If that happens you WILL fall. Hiking speed and terrain will then determine the severity of your injury.

[@trekitt]

Good tip!

[@johnnylovesannie]

This has transformed my walking experience! Thanks so much!

[@trekitt]

You're welcome, glad we could help. Harry

[@propanbutan4634]

Those are one good looking pair of boots

[@MrNeeeooo]

Its the simple things that can help the most, if you’re in pain how can you enjoy the great outdoors! Brilliant thank you so much !!! Already Subscribed check !

[@colinboxall2692]

Great advice. Just have to remember this !

[@billbutler2452]

Very good explanation, simple sound reasoning. For wearing boots in a 'hiking' or walking mode. I especially like the double loop on the Bow knot. I learned that trick in the mid '60s from a grand ma showing me how to tie toddlers' shoes (pre velcro era) so they stayed tied until the kid actually pulled the shoes off. I also learned from a military Vet to tie my 8" Red Wing lace ups (similar eyelet pattern to the boot in your video) in the 'Ladder ' style. My work was in boiler rooms, steam tunnels. machine rooms, reservoirs, i.e. lots of confined spaces. Could not afford to have boot lace problems, and I never did. I did follow all your basics, plus the ladder style lacing and the granny double loop bow knot. When I'm out in the back woods or fishing, I did my hiking boots as you show, and it is way more comfortable than the ladder style. So whatever the conditions demand, or allow. Thanks for an important, but neglected, daily life factor. (Since I retired I live in my Birkie Sandals.)

[@billbutler2452]

I didn't include, should have, I also tucked the Bows and loose ends down in my boot tops. I did a good job on my boot maintenance, cleaning, brushing loose garbage, keeping them oiled. My big issue was the variety of chemicals used in Boiler and Chiller water daily maintenance and potable water disinfecting. My Red wings would last 2 to 4 years until the leather uppers could crack & split, never was able to wear out the soles. Hope your days get easier.

[@trekitt]

Don't you just love a bit of granny advice? Thanks for watching.

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

I'm 46 and learned something today. Thank you. I'll try this top "double knot" on my brand new Aku Pilgrims at work. Stay safe. (PS: thanks for the fast dispatch!) Manny Essex

[@trekitt]

Thanks for the support 🙌

[@OnTheRiver66]

I thought this was going to be another “you’ve done this wrong all your life” video but it is not - excellent advice for anyone! I’ll start using these techniques today.

[@trekitt]

Everyday's a school day! Thanks for watching, Paul.

[@muzaffarteja]

no matter how tiny or small the issue is but you have explained the significance of it and advised best way of doing it. really like the video. thank you very much.

[@trekitt]

Thank you for your kind comments.

[@Jyotishacharyagaurav]

Very nicely explained. Thanks a ton :)

[@damenwhelan3236]

You're foot is the specs from your elbow to your wrist.

[@kevinkraft9753]

Delightful segment, delightful hostess. Thank you.

[@trekitt]

Glad you liked it.

[@stevestanley5183]

Great video, good information and clear instruction.

[@trekitt]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@Shmity1962]

The laces should be threaded over the eyelets no under. This will maintain a firm tightness. the lace loops are designed to be looped twice, that's why your laces are so long

[@victornunez5466]

Great video, thank you

[@skip123davis]

nice!! i like the suggestion about the knot.

[@trekitt]

Glad to be of service, thanks for watching.

[@bobbyg65]

I can't believe that I could learn anything about tying laces but here I am. I never saw the double loop technique. Thank you!

[@trekitt]

Every day is a school day Bob, thanks for watching.

[@garrettsmawley]

Helpful thanks!

[@dodibenabba1378]

What a lovely video, well done.

[@trekitt]

Thank you very much!

[@Bignewshound60]

I can hear sports physios across the internet taking a sharp intake of breath. This is good advice for fit healthy young people. It’s not what any older walker should be doing. ‘Water & debris ingress’ love it

[@trekitt]

Hi Simon. Thanks for watching. The basic principles apply to everyone, as with most techniques, it's all about personalising to suit your requirements. Paul.

[@jjcavazos5420]

I work at a shoe store and I am personally a shoe addict/shoe nerd and I actually learned some stuff from this video. I really liked hearing about that trick you picked up at the shoe shop aswell. Crazy to think what stuff sticks in our heads. But nonetheless, great video!

[@trekitt]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@dcaudwell]

First of all to say: I love your channel and gear reviews and the production values you maintain! I also agree with you in this video that this a good (if not the only) method to lace and secure your boots. However, I thought it might help some folks if I shared my own journey with boots. About 10 years ago I found the best method for me personally to deal with boots was to loosen all the laces, take the boots off, put them in the cupboard and leave them there..... (where they still are, untouched, 10+ years later!)...and instead to go hiking and backpacking in (non-waterproof) trail shoes! For me this is way more comfortable than even the best fitting boots I ever had (and I've been hiking for about 50 years!) Wet or dry, hot or cold - Scotland, Wales, the Lake District, the Alps, the Rockies, the Arizona desert, the Himalayas, the soaking wet Pacific North West in Canada (where I now live), the Sahara, the Caucasus - I've got wet many times but only once had blisters in an entire decade (seriously)! Prior to that I'd get a blister or two or three every trip and be tired out from wearing heavy boots. I'm never going back to boots (not for hiking/backpacking anyway)! Just thought I'd encourage others who never manage to get on with boots to consider another way...

[@trekitt]

Sounds like you've found a good solution! For those who's ankles are strong enough to cope without the added support, walking shoes are a great option.

[@TheFrog767]

Fantastic information 🥂

[@markgriffiths4350]

Ace video, thanks

[@danielrios1757]

Preciosas,preciosas,preciosas!! 👍😊

[@methylbenzodiazepine]

Great video! Made me 20 minutes late for work.

[@trekitt]

Sorry!

[@boxcartwilly]

Well it just shows you are never to old to learn how to do something that you thought you were doing the correct way. great video thanks.

[@trekitt]

Everyday is a school day!

[@peterjackson2632]

This lady is a brilliant instructor. So convincing I would believe anything she says

[@trekitt]

Peter, she has us under her spell too! Thanks for watching.

[@AhmadAsmndr]

i like every video you make..thank you . again something to learn ..

[@trekitt]

Thanks for your kind comments and for watching.

[@RantzBizGroup]

OK, I thought this was just for fun... but this info is great!!! I could never figure out how to keep the laces from coming undone, thanks so much for the video!!!!

[@trekitt]

You are so welcome!

[@johnemery1096]

Excellent Hannah

[@trekitt]

Thank you!

[@heinrichmokofisi5274]

Dude the double wrap!

[@Doubleoseven502]

Great tutorial!

[@trekitt]

Thank you!

[@kevinbungles]

good tips enjoyed this

[@mountainmantararua8824]

Over here in NZ we have a very dense under story in our forests and many exposed tree roots. It is very important to ensure that if the bow of the lace snags on a root etc., it slips undone, or you will go flat on your face. A very informative video Cheers from the mountains of NZ 😀😀

[@trekitt]

That makes sense! Hope you're enjoying your autumn.

[@vanwalker7086]

Ace thanks Hannah 👍

[@machfive916]

Great video.

[@trekitt]

Thanks for watching.

[@roberto_af]

very interesting. thanks

[@PaulFanMing]

Very useful, thank you so much.

[@trekitt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juliodefreitas157]

Awesome 💙👍

[@pyotrpumpkinhead2223]

Recommendations regarding socks? BTW, the extra loop is a surgeon's or ligature knot (a modified first throw of the reef or square knot).

[@trekitt]

We stock a wide range of socks from Bridgedale, Darn Tough, Sealskinz and Wigwam and have used them all extensively. We'll pop a link below where you'll be able to find different thicknesses, colours, etc. www.trekitt.co.uk/socks

[@davemaxa5263]

My experience - a nylon sock inside a wool sock.

[@yellowdog762jb]

@@trekitt I love the socks by Darn Tough! Merrill makes some nice ones also.

[@user-ky1rd4wf7z]

Thank you

[@DrJohn493]

Nicely demonstrated! Except for that last double loop around the bow, I've been tying my hiking boots this way for years and all that while I thought I made it up myself. Thanks for giving away my little secret!

[@trekitt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnstephenmurphy546]

Good shop and helpful staff

[@trekitt]

Hi John, thanks for your kind comments and for watching.

[@anon-3858]

I recently bought a pair of (cheapish) boots from eBay and I initially felt they may have been a tad short for an 11, but I tried that middle knot tip to push my foot back into the heel and now they feel a bit better, so thanks. My big toe only has to outlast my hip giving out, so I should be fine 😬

[@trekitt]

You may still find them a little short after a few hours of walking as your feet will expand by up to half a size, but see how you get on. Harry

[@mizzprezli]

I tie my shoelaces backwards or for lack of a better term, “the opposite way” you normally tie them. So if you naturally wrap one lace under & over the other, I wrap the opposite lace over & under the other & continue this method for the rest of the “rabbit ear” style knot. Never trip, step on or retie loose or untied laces when I tie them this way.

[@trekitt]

That's a good tip, thanks for watching.

[@night_watch720]

THis is more indepth than I was taught. As long as the rabbit ears are floppy you're golden

[@trekitt]

As they say, "every day is a school day".

[@arupsarkar3827]

Thanks

[@mike393000]

Awesome! Thanks for the video! As someone with slim skinny feet with high arches I always have trouble getting the right amount of tension on the laces to hold my foot and heel in place. I'm using your rule of thumb from now on and also adapting your double wrap tie instead of double knotting my boots... Just as secure and not hard to undue..

[@trekitt]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching.

[@DonovanCYoung]

Just a tip... what you've tied at the end is what's known as a "granny knot" and not a "reef knot" (which is really what you want -- single or double). A "reef knot" will hold tight, whereas a "granny knot" will work itself undone. If your shoes come undone regularly, this is most likely the reason why. To spot this mistake, look at the two loops... they should lie perfectly parallel with the lacing and not perpendicular to it. To fix this, simply reverse the direction you make the first 1/2 hitch (the over/under bit). So if you normally go left over right, go right over left instead, then tie the "bow" part the same. It's surprising how many people get this knot wrong; I was well over 30 before I learned the difference! I sincerely hope this helps... and if your still not clear what I'm talking about, google "slipped reef knot" to learn more.

[@trekitt]

Hi Donovan, thanks for your tip, we'll get "googling".

[@joeswampdawghenry]

@@trekitt lol

[@cappaslangmurderer]

Good job

[@trekitt]

Thanks

[@davidcoxon4710]

49 and I don't know that trick🤔😂 Cheers Hanna and Trekkit. Note to self - double under,double round👍🙌

[@trekitt]

Every day is a school day David! Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@baginatora]

I have a high arch on my foot, so I press my toes against the sole to get some extra space over the foot arch while lacing my boots. That way I don’t get blisters or problems with blood circulation and warmth.

[@andybooth5269]

Many years ago I self learned that double wrap bow knot technique while hunting and passing through briers and brush to keep laces from being undone, the key is to adjust and then snug up the knot. 👍

[@trekitt]

Thanks for watching.

[@markschwartz1565]

I see those Darn Tough socks! The best made and only ones worth the premium price.

[@trekitt]

Everyone here at Trekitt loves them too! They are so damn comfy!

[@andreasr6632]

If the boot has regular riveted eyelets, thread the laces in Xs pattern starting going in the 1st set coming straight out the 2nd set without crossing then going across and then in the 3rd set going again straight up without crossing out the 4th set and so forth until the ankle, so that that the laces only cross over the eyelets away from the tongue and dont create hotspots at the tarsal area. Over the ankle i like to thread them in a spiral way if the same kind of eyelets is used instead of speed hooks. Yeah it takes more time to get the boots on and off but they are much more comfortable to wear that way.

[@kevlarsteiner8978]

Wonderfull

[@hikefulness-mindyourstep1493]

What is the recommended lacing technique for an aching arch which is quite flat? The foot navicular gets swollen maybe its a rubbing problem? Though I dont feel a rubbing pain in the boots at that area. Shall I try window lacing or rather to lock my ankle?

[@trekitt]

It sounds like orthotics would be the first option, then if that doesn't solve the issue, try tightening the laces over the toe area as you normally would, miss out a few eyelets where the aching occurs and resume usual lacing above. Kind regards, Harry.

[@explorer806]

The single most important thing for knot stability is that the bows are tied in the opposite direction to the starting knot. Otherwise you get a granny knot which is prone to collapse, especially with round laces. See Prof. Shoelace's website for an explanation. For me, I always use a Berluti knot. Looks good, lays across the boot nicely and won't come undone if tied correctly.

[@trekitt]

Good advice, thanks.

[@carlnaranjo3962]

I've been using this knot for quite a long time but did not know it had a name. Never comes loose. Now if I can remember the name Berluti then I will be set! Many thanks!

[@sfoeric]

Thanks Hannah. Great new hairstyle too.

[@ThisAdventureFamily]

Thanks 😊

[@trekitt]

Welcome 😊

[@ThisAdventureFamily]

Trekitt keep it up

[@jimporter]

If you do the same double wrap at the ankle line it locks at that level and stops any looseness that may occur at the travelling further down the foot.

[@trekitt]

Good tip, thanks for watching.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Interesting video. I might try some of your little extras. Incidentally, in the army, boots were always tied across from each other, so if you injured your foot, someone could run a kife down and cut all the laces, quickly and easily.

[@trekitt]

That makes sense!

[@MarkT]

Played at 0.5 speed... s..o..u..n..d..s... delightful!

[@trekitt]

Mark, I'll have to give that try. Thanks for watching...s..l..o..w..l..y..!

[@willyi3456]

Hi there, can you tell me what is the watch you are wearing- thanks.

[@trekitt]

It's the Suunto 5.

[@lloydpreston3602]

cheers.

[@zach8025]

There’s a lot more to tying shoelaces than I ever knew. No wonder my feet hurt, making me hate shoes altogether. Could never keep them from coming untied either. Now I know.

[@trekitt]

Glad to be of service.

[@bastogne315]

Right I'm doing that knot for my mums shoes. Thanks

[@trekitt]

You’re welcome 😊

[@chilledoutwill5]

This is a very basic guide and ok. Women require a different lacing due to sensitive ankle area. Wide feet at the front may require a different lacing option along with those that have a high arch again and remember your feat left to right are not the same so lace each boot to suit the foot. Foot beds, volume reducers and socks can fine tune the fit....Each foot can be different

[@trekitt]

Good point, well made. Thanks for watching.

[@NgaLe-vr8zr]

I would appreciate any advice you may have for me on how to purchase good hiking shoes. I am a hiking beginner, and I have trouble with my hiking shoes, my toes are very sore especially the big toe which is bruised and horribly sore from yesterday's hiking. I'm going to buy a new pair of shoes and am also looking for some advice. Some people recommend that I should buy a shoe from 1 to 1.5 sizes larger, is it correct?

[@trekitt]

It sounds like your current boots are too small, it's a very common mistake. The best advice is to visit your local specialist outdoor retailer. They will be able to measure your feet and advise on the correct size and model of footwear. Alternatively, take a look out our video which explains how to fit your footwear at home - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4rMp5aNh5mbjM0 Thanks for watching. Paul.

[@marilynbogue2573]

The loops on my Merrells reached over and grabbed the inside speed-hooks on opposite boots several times now, causing me to fall flat on my face. Two sprained wrists, head gash, lots of bruising. Do you think speed-hooks are safe? How to prevent this?

[@trekitt]

Oh no! Sorry to hear this, hope you've recovered ok. Speed hooks have their place in lacing boots, but as you can attest they can lead to some unfortunate accidents if things don't go to plan. One tip if you continue to use them (and haven't thrown them out in a fit of rage, we wouldn't blame you) is to fold the cuff of your socks down and tuck your lace loops into the cuff, that should hold the loops neatly and out of the way so you hopefully don't come a cropper again.

[@simoncurran6184]

I've always aimed to get the knot at the point my foot meets my leg. Once I get to the speed hooks. I'll go set 2 them up to 3 then down to o e and tie there. This stoppes pinching around my ankle and the top of my boot

[@ak-staryucet7492]

You can put that strand through the holes in your braids and tie them together into one really huge one. It works just like shoe lacing and the final hairstyle looks interesting. 😁

[@trekitt]

We'll let you try that one first and you can let us know how it works out.

[@vittoriobresciani]

nice aku!

[@trekitt]

They're all nice! Thanks for watching.

[@wing8858]

My ankles can sometimes get irritated but not all the time. Suggestions on lacing or tieing can help? thanks in advance

[@trekitt]

It's a difficult one with your ankles as if you loosen the laces around that area, the heel of the boot can become loose and you'll end up with blisters. Socks can make a big difference; something a little thicker and with a higher stitch count (for example, www.trekitt.co.uk/3056/products/darn-tough-mens-boot-sock-full-cushion-black.aspx ) can add extra protection to the area becoming irritated. Kind regards, Harry.

[@avinashkour9783]

I watch from India

[@trekitt]

Greetings from the UK!

[@protemkin61]

I need to relearn how to tie my shoes now..... I constantly have the problem with the knot untying and this should do the trick!

[@trekitt]

Hope it's worked out for you, thanks for watching.

[@moumoulouche]

Cendrillon ,a retrouvé sa pantoufle de verre ...excellent !

[@trekitt]

Thanks for watching.

[@jayvenable4279]

Help! My feet are wet and cold after wearing a pair of merrells and brand new timberland. This doesn’t happen wearing regular shoes. Would my feet be perspiring and causing this? My socks are damp when I take shoes off. Thanks, Jay

[@trekitt]

If you're wearing cotton socks, the chances are you're sweating into them and they're soaking up the moisture. Grab some proper walking socks (such as these: www.trekitt.co.uk/darn-tough) and it'll make a world of difference. Harry

[@jayvenable4279]

Thanks for getting back to me. Why doesn’t this happen when wearing my regular daily Ecco shoes? Why kind of material shoes the socks be from?

[@trekitt]

@@jayvenable4279 It could be because you're not moving as quickly/for as long or the material of the footwear. Most Darn Tough socks are made primarily from Merino wool and have a lifetime guarantee, so that's what I'd recommend!

[@jayvenable4279]

@@trekitt your company isn’t shipping outside uk.

[@RampartPh]

pls do a vid on how to tie a low cut hiking shoe correctly. tnx!

[@timothygeorge2530]

I like you the boots the explanation and all together I love knots like I love pork pies and buttery crumpets and marmite

[@trekitt]

We love beer!

[@KakuiKujira]

I like how damage to your foot is bad, but damage to the boots is the extreme case...

[@trekitt]

Haha, probably not the best choice of wording

[@hetoge]

So how do I stop the laces from coming undone yesterday I was out walking with my dog and somehow my lace came undone (not sure if the did) but the loop caught under the hook on the other boot and It caused me to trip and I was near the curb tripped of the curb and face planted the tarmac/concrete road broke my tooth my nose and damage my shoulder. Thanks Danny

[@trekitt]

Whoops, that doesn't sound fun. If you skip to 03:07, Hannah goes through a useful knot that is unlikely to come undone.

[@feeet6662]

I have never seen anyone explain lacing like that before, Brilliant,

[@trekitt]

Every day is a school day, thanks for watching.