How to Lace a Hiking Boot For Better Fit

[@daschreck1]

You cover every "poor ft" issue and couple it with a solution. Thank you! So well presented. I hiked some steep inclines and declines, yesterday and will have black toes, no doubt. I've just put my arch supports into my hiking boots and, armed with your double over hang knot, I will have some tools for our upcoming week of hikes in the Sierras.

[@tyronewalker5764]

I never thought I'd see the day when I need to relearn how to tie my shoes. Well done young lady.😎

[@linoosprey3906]

Tyrone Walker same here 😅

[@tyronewalker5764]

Why do expensive boots have cheap laces?

[@Growmap]

@@tyronewalker5764 To keep the price down at the risk of the brand's reputation! They shouldn't skimp.

[@18deadmonkeys]

For years and years I have suffered terrible pain with the toes on my left foot after just a few miles on the trail. I've tried different boots, shoes, socks, inserts, etc to no avail. It made me apprehensive about my favorite outdoor activity and always put a damper on our outings. Your lacing tricks solved in 5 minutes what I have struggled with for years. I can't thank you enough!

[@TheSnarfbucket]

Based hiking lady

[@GypsyGirl317]

It's amazing the difference it makes isn't it!

[@sweetsourpork111]

You should see a podiatrist

[@harry11tube]

You rock. You're the first person to explain high arch and low arch boot lacing properly. My Scarpa Manta's will now come out of the cupboard and get re-laced for high arch. Thank you, you're an angel.

[@attheveryend]

I do a medieval martial arts game in large combat boots, and I used to stub my toes on the front of my boots until I watched this exact video and used the techniques you demonstrated. I have not stubbed my toe in two years now. You have saved my effing life. Thank you very much.

[@naughtyskywalker9292]

Could you elaborate more on your medieval martial arts? What you mean its a game? Like a sport? Thank you.

[@crickella]

And the sam thing happens to me. I will try it for sure!!

[@vahinewahine916]

omg i can't wait to try this based on your comment. I love long hikes in the white mts but i DREAD descending because my toe tips end up absolutely wrecked with pain at the end of the hike. I really am hoping this lacing technique stops this from happening!!

[@nacholibre1962]

This is very good advice. I've been wearing mountaineering boots and combat boots for over 37 years and can verify that these tips are sound. One idea I'd add: Switch out your boot laces for 550 (para) cord and wax them with bees e wax to avoid slippage. The laces will outlast your boots and will be handy extra cordage in a pinch.

[@whhswhhs]

Thank you for showing us these lacing options; you are a terrific teacher! Kudos to your camera person too.

[@TheJohnMuirTrail]

Thank you for this video. I've been a backpacker for 40+ years and though I'd come up with some similar lacing methods, mainly for sparing the toes on the downhill, what you show is spot-on, simple, and truly works. Excellent!

[@thebeagles2025]

57 years old and I finally learned how to tie my boots properly. Thank you.

[@Enwild]

You're welcome Richard. Happy trails!

[@James-ke5sx]

68 years old, just bought some combat hiking boots for spring fall cycling. Never once in my entire life did it ever occur to me there are different ways to lace a boot for comfort I really learned something today especially since today is my first day out biking with my new boots

[@robertszallavarysullivan9570]

BE, That is THE most clever way I have ever seen of lacing boots--evening trumping several military explanations. Kudos, Madame!

[@garrettsmawley]

This technical review of lacing is honestly a game changer. I've been chasing new boots and insoles without ever considering lace practice.

[@Enwild]

Great to hear!

[@JoePeddos44]

You have stopped me from throwing away an expensive new pair of boots. I belong to a rambling group in the UK and a lot of members have found your video very helpful. Many thanks for producing it.

[@hambone4402]

Learned a lot with this video. Thanks for sharing and for making a professional video without all the garbage most KZbinrs think is necessary.

[@shaunbrowne3963]

Thank you for producing an excellent and instructional video on lacing hiking boots. In the past, I have not locked my laces, skipped eyelets, or used any of the techniques you've demonstrated here. My walks, both in the city and the country, streets or trails will be more comfortable, so thanks again, Internet person!

[@ericl2969]

This is probably the best video on boot-lacing tips I've seen. For those who'd like to experiment with the trend shown here, I would suggest a tip that I was once told was common knowledge among outdoors folks 80 or more years ago, which I learned from an old timer about 50 years ago and still use. For this trick, when putting the double-overhand knot at the shoe's flex point (right at the ankle where the foot flexes), make that a complete square knot instead. Whether that square knot is based on the double-overhand knot or a single, it won't ever work its way loose, while the simple double-overhand knot can work loose over time and usually will, no matter what other lacing tricks you combine with it. This trick is especially handy on tall, bulky, felt-lined winter boots where the lacing tends to "puff out" at the boot's flex point, leaving you with a very sloppy fit at the ankle (and for people who hate such boots, it turns out that this almost always the reason for it). Working on making that flex point fit snugly every time you put the boots on, finished with a square knot, will break-in the boot so that as time goes on it flexes like a hinge at that location, and also gets easier and easier to establish that fit with this lacing trick. Done properly, it will cure anyone's hatred of bulky, insulated boots! There's also a neat trick for making a tight square knot without the need for basing it on double-overhand knots, but this post is longer than some people will have the patience for already.

[@user-8fna3m0ga]

Thanks for the tip. What is the neat trick that helps one to tie a square knot?

[@honeydooda]

Many, many thanks from a high arch person! That lace technique makes all the difference in the world to keep the tops of my feet from aching.

[@njitram2000]

Wow! So simple, yet I wouldn't have thought of either of these techniques on my own. Thanks.

[@teraczubernat5852]

This was a great video explaining the different lacing techniques. So thankful! Clear and easy to understand - having that ankle stability is a game changer! So grateful!

[@Enwild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Enwild]

Awesome! Glad our video helped and thanks for watching.

[@nomadoftheuniverse]

your video has really helped me! no one teaches stuff like this. I've started hiking recently and my boots kept untying all the time. who knew there was a better way to tie them! thank you thank you thank you, you literally changed my life in terms of hiking.

[@Enwild]

Glad it helped!

[@pushinlinux]

I have used a lacing system I first learned when lacing up the inner and outer of leather ski boots (back in the 60s) , but this has set my mind free, I will not forget this, having seen it once. A great contibution to the cause of happy feet. Don't forget to wear 2 pairs of socks, thin next to skin, and then heavy on top.

[@zoehancock]

This is a thank you: I've been using this lacing technique for years now thanks to this video- really a game changer. I have foolishly wide feet and so have to buy boots that are too long and this makes the whole thing work. Cheers!

[@Enwild]

Glad the video helped! Happy Trails, Zoe!

[@mastercarpenterltd]

Ive had to buy longer boots today due to my wide feet.

[@Sebastopolmark]

Great video. With all the tech. improvements to back country boots now days, many people don't think about lacing techniques. I have a WIDE flat foot. The both of the lacing ideas presented here helped me quite a bit. Thanks

[@jageo48]

This is the best video I've found on boot lacing. What this lady terms as the double overhand knot, I was taught is called a *surgeon's knot*. The other over-under at the top I know as the *heel lock*. Both work well. She also describes a method of keeping the lacing somewhat loose on top of the foot.

[@Enwild]

Thanks John!

[@johncard007]

Excellent video madam! People fail to appreciate how important it is and what a difference it makes to be able to adjust your footwear to fit comfortably. Some great sensible ideas there. Much appreciated presentation. Thank you. John

[@jodymckenzie3828]

This worked great for me with my high instep. I was on the verge of returning a pair of wide hiking shoes and your alternative lacing made my wide hiking shoes keepers. I will use this technique on all of my shoes with laces. Thank you!!

[@Enwild]

So glad our video was helpful to you! That's great to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@SomeRandomAaron]

Wow. I never even knew how useful that double underhand technique was so useful. Thanks!

[@BC9696]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS! I have struggled with boots forever because I have as high arch, 9.5EEE size foot. My toes take a beating on the mountains (especially going downhill) and it doesn't matter how many times I tighten up the laces. Using BOTH options shown in this clip may just solve my problems. How come I never saw this before? Best post on AT yet IMO. God bless you for this. Can't way to experiment!

[@brnesouthwest9915]

Thank you very much for your informative video on how to lace up your boots for different foot shapes and the double tie off enabling the sectionalising of the boot eyelets.

[@Enwild]

You're welcome! We've got more great videos and some great deals on quality outdoor footwear at our website: www.enwild.com/footwear.html?.com&SOE28brAcEc

[@graphmaster]

Thank you, thank you! I have Morton's Toe and my toes always hurt when I hike. This was a lifesaver! No more sore toes.

[@nitefire766]

Just watched this and looks like some good ideas. I been doing the square knot at the end for many years. On taller boots I go around the top one time. It stays tied and is very easy to untie. Good video,thanks! 🛶

[@Enwild]

Great! Thanks much for watching!

[@russdrummond7292]

Wow! Well done! Just tried your technique in my Scarpas and no toe-rubbing! You are a genius! Thanks so much.

[@Enwild]

You're most welcome Russ! Remember us for some great outdoor gear deals: www.backcountryedge.com/?.com&

[@reneebwilson]

Have constant toe banging going on with every pair of boots I have purchased. Sick of buying boots. Going to give your lacing technique a try. Thank you it totally makes sense.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

9 years later and still worth watching. Thanks

[@MistaBean22]

I thought I would never find a pair of hikers that would be wide enough for me, little did I know that the keens I had already doubted after spending 200$ were PERFECT. All I had to do was skip a few crosses at the toes and tension it to a comfortable position and tie up my ankles with your method! Worked perfectly. Thank you dearly.

[@9parasqn656]

Tried this a couple of back and yes, it works perfectly. Thank you so much

[@andrewwest3476]

Well done young lady. Learnt something today and will try them on my next walk. Thanks.

[@Mishudh]

Wish I had watched this video on earlier hiking trips! Now I know how to work better with those laces, thank you, nicely done!

[@emichin7010]

BEST tutorial on lacing options! Thanks a million. My feet/toes thank you 😊

[@biggles1024]

Good video. I've been hiking for >40 years but still learnt something from it. :)

[@randy-9842]

Thanks! -- good examples and good explanations as to "why."

[@steyrproof]

Good video. I have some Keen Voyageur Mids and the top knot would sometimes slip over the short tounge that they put on these shoes. The first tying method solved that problem so thanks !

[@Enwild]

Thank you for the question. In our opinion, it is best to fit your hiking boots to the larger size foot. If you split the sizes, then you would end up with two boots that are a half size off, so neither boot would fit correctly. If you go with the smaller size, there would be discomfort on the larger of the two feet. My best advice is to get fitted at a reliable boot outfitter in a specific pair of boots, because there are some techniques on how to fill the volume of the boot that is too big.

[@brentanderson3465]

I remember learning this tip when working at an outdoor store many moons ago. Makes a huge difference.

[@Goncau]

I find this video extremely useful, I can now adjust how tight(or loose) my boot fit me. Thank you so much.

[@mountainwilliam2979]

Always dealt with foot aches and pinching. Best hiking video I have seen.

[@wayneosman8971]

Thank you for helping me understand better methods for tying boots, I have very high arches causing tremendous pain long after a walk or hike. The simple arch relief helps

[@Enwild]

Thanks for the positive feedback and encouraging comments!

[@jfaseff]

Excellent! I have recently goten back into hiking and on my last hike my toes crammed into the toe of my boots every time I went downhill. Can't wait to try this! THANKS!

[@MrMkirk23]

Amazing video. Had no idea you could do all these things with laces!

[@BrentonCarr]

Super helpful. You probably saved me from abandoning a pair of boots that I had heal slippage in. What a difference!

[@MadeAtTaylor]

Cool! Never even thought there were other ways to solve these issues. Thanks

[@Enwild]

You're welcome, glad you found it helpful!

[@vahinewahine916]

HELLO! i know this is an old video but I found it while trying to solve my issues with my toes being WRECKED by the end of my hikes. This tip was amazing, I made it up and down Mt Washington NH with zero toe injury! couldn't believe it. THANKYOU!

[@Genesis.1-1]

Great information. I can never find a hiking boot that fits well; your techniques will be a great help. Thank you!

[@sweetsusy6]

Thank you so much for sharing this video!!! What a difference with how comfortable my new pair of hiking boots feel. Thank you!!

[@Enwild]

You’re welcome! Stay tuned!

[@bravoj8296]

Going hiking this Saturday and will try one of these techniques out and see how it goes! Thanks!

[@dragnflei]

This was so helpful!! I have bunions and could never find a way to lace my boots so that I had enough room around that part of my foot *and* get the top portion laced snugly enough. The combination of techniques you demonstrate here seems to work really well. Thanks!

[@richardkandalec4128]

Excellent techniques. I have been using the double overhand knot (also known as the nurses knot, I heard) for a while now and it works great. Thanks. Good job.

[@adampolselli597]

This was a fantastic video! I've had problems with finding the right fit for my boots when hiking and I am very much looking forward to trying your lacing techniques.

[@pannyhall4684]

Thank you. That was a great video and very informative. I have a high arch and never knew I could lace my shoes/boots for added comfort. Thanks again.

[@gialoctran1308]

Thank you very much for showing a very good technique to lace a hiking boot.

[@TheWIZELY]

Just tried this on quickly and it feel so much more secure I am very confident it will help while out walking and I will not suffer another black toenail thank you.

[@Enwild]

@teejate So glad our lacing tips were helpful! Thanks for watching and enjoy your new boots!

[@neilreid9005]

This is brilliant. Lots of things I didn't know about lacing options. Wonderful and thank you!

[@Epiha]

So helpful, thank you so much. The double over hang knot, high volume and lock lacing were a tremendous help. Thanks again.

[@johnmatias1668]

Thank you very much for this video, I always have the issue of my toe slamming the front of the boot, can’t wait to try this today... 👍

[@caseyjayneweeks7268]

Thank you so much for this video! It was a great help for me as I am doing the DofE award and have never really Done much professional / excessive walking so wasn't too sure if my boots were going to give me blisters and they were a bit too big. Using these techniques worked really well and I feel a lot more comfortable in my boots now and am looking forward to it! Great video

[@LuisRodriguez-cf4tf]

Just what I needed for my hunting boots. Thank you for sharing this gem of information.

[@endfinum]

just wow.... thanks a lot for these tips! never thought about what a difference the lacing could do

[@sunmaid99]

Thank you for a well thought out lacing approach for different comfort scenarios. It's something I think about a lot because I am the one tying the shoes for my kids' different comfort levels.

[@paulp7692]

Your video fixed my foot sliding forward downhill! Thank you!!

[@colleennolan-dahlstrom3339]

Learned something new about a good lacing technique for my Scarpa's.

[@hereBDBD]

You are Brilliant! Just tried it on a new pair of Alpine boots and it feels great!! THANK YOU!

[@TurinJawn]

What a game changer this video is. Thank you so so much.

[@Enwild]

You're so welcome!

[@TailHappyTV]

awesome tips, thank you!

[@Enwild]

@iMatt65 Thank you! We're glad you liked our video!

[@wolfman0791]

This helped a whole lot .. More stability to my ankle is going to help me out . I can feel it already

[@Enwild]

@mrbeautiful999 You're welcome! Glad we could help and thanks for watching!

[@Belows682]

Super useful lacing methods shown here!! Thanks so much. You likely saved my feet

[@Enwild]

Happy to help!

[@Belows682]

@Enwild 😆 I'd like your opinion on a lacing method. Im breaking in some danner lights, and they are a bit loose around the ankle even when cinched up pretty good. Some of the methods definitely are an improvement, but i can still feel a bit of heel lift on an upstep. I tried the method where the lqces are wrapped around the ankle entirely, and they seem to hold pretty well and are comfortable. My question is: Are there any potential drawbacks to this lacing method that you might be aware of? Damage to the Achilles tendon or maybe faster wear of the boots themself? Would love your opinion as that heel lift really leads to some lasting soreness if i dont get it just right. Thanks, and be well!

[@Enwild]

Glad to hear! Have you tried lowering the eyelet loop technique demonstrated to different eyelets on the boot to redirect the extra hold? Have you tried using a heel cup to make up for the difference in volume in the heel cup?. If you are worried about personal damage we consult a medical expert. We would reach out to the maker for their opinion regarding the excessive wear if the laces are wound around the ankle.

[@ourDreamcatcher]

Good stuff! It also explains why hiking boots always have such long laces.

[@kevinparker9407]

Useful and informative. I will share a tip or two myself. Before I start lacing I kick my heel into the ground to set the heel into the back of the boot before I start lacing. I expect to adjust my lacing after the first mile or so, laces will gradually stretch and loosen. Good socks and sock liners can be a real blister saver. I brush my hands over my socks to check for any debris stuck to them before I put my boots on (and shake out my boots to check for debris and critters) I do not keep suffering if my boot is too tight or loose, i stop to readjust. I try to keep water and dirt out of my boots. A little bit of grit and wet socks can cause a lot of suffering. Consider gaiters, especially if using walking shoes or trainers. I buy inexpensive walking boots and shoes which can be transformed by replacing with good quality but inexpensive insoles.

[@GreatStuffist]

Just bought a new pair of boots and seen this. Awesome! Many, many thanks - something I’ve learnt today. I’ll certainly try the techniques before I go on holiday.

[@Enwild]

@MotivatedFitness1 Thanks for the positive feedback - glad we could help!

[@bobm2368]

This has been really useful and has saved me a lot of pain.... Literally. Thank you so much. Bob

[@kellybyrd5634]

Thank you so much for your advice! I am still getting over my first case of black toes and I feel like I now have something to combat it with!

[@zafiradaima]

The around the ankle lacing technique really helped, thanks! I have high volume feet and need to leave the laces over the instep a little looser than back at the ankle so this really helps!!

[@Cyps36]

Great ideas, will for sure try these methods to see if my feet feel that bit better in my boots. Thanks for sharing.

[@JOHNINCOLUMBUS]

NO ONE has ever told me what that extra hole was for in the top of the shoe, probably because they didn't know themselves. But now I do and I'll pass this along....THANKS!

[@AG-rk5hj]

thanks to you guys I can fit my salomon boots a lot better now. I'm usually a size 9 or 9.5 depending on the what shoe I wear, my Mom got Me the salomon x ultra mid 2's in 9.5 for xmas they feel amazing but just a tiny bit big, the first lacing technique was very very helpful and now my boots feel great on my feet

[@Enwild]

@PineMartyn Thanks, Martin! We appreciate the positive feedback. The techniques demonstrated in the video can be tried on different types of footwear and we hope some of the lacing tips will work with your pac boots.

[@brianwinter1067]

Have only just discovered your video. Some useful lacing techniques here - a great help. Many thanks. Brian (New Zealand)

[@Enwild]

Cheers Brian!

[@geraldwest3428]

Excellent! Thank you....very informative without all the additives and preservatives.

[@Enwild]

Cheers Gerald, we aim to please.

[@username8171]

Good instruction. I have a pair of Vasque's and love them, fit like a glove.

[@Rocstoneau]

I've lost both my big toe nails because of haematomas underneath the nail bed. (black toe) I was going to not use my boots b/c of this. Thanks for your great instructions, I will now lock my heels in with proper lacing.

[@Jarbones]

You're my favorite person today! Thank you!!

[@th3duke1]

This was very simple, and helped me tremendously! Thank you so much for this video - super simple, but so important.

[@gmaent1]

This has saved me while hiking. Thank you so much.