7 Game-Changing Hiking Boot Lacing Techniques

Best for: Naturally great fitting shoes, no foot problems

As you can guess, this is the original lacing method we all know and love. Criss cross lacing is an easy, efficient, and timeless technique, and there’s a reason why it’s our go-to. It’s perfect for any boots that already fit well — assuming you have no foot problems.

1. Thread each lace diagonally up the shoe, pulling each side through the opposite eyelet every time.
2. Continue this criss cross pattern in the same order as you work the laces up your shoe.

Best for: Avoiding unwanted forward foot movement

If you’ve found the perfect boot length, but your feet move around, this lacing method is for you. Surgeon’s knot lacing keeps the heel in place while preventing toe box collisions. It’s great for extra support below the ankle.

1. Lace normally through bottom eyelets, then begin surgeon’s knot at top of foot (below ankle).
2. Cross laces overhand as if tying a knot, but instead of forming loops, cross again to create another twist.
3. Pull boot laces tightly.
4. Thread laces through opposite eyelets and repeat until fit is perfect.

Best for: Avoiding unwanted forward foot movement

If you’ve found the perfect boot length, but your feet move around, this lacing method is for you. Surgeon’s knot lacing keeps the heel in place while preventing toe box collisions. It’s great for extra support below the ankle.

1. Lace normally through bottom eyelets, then begin surgeon’s knot at top of foot (below ankle).
2. Cross laces overhand as if tying a knot, but instead of forming loops, cross again to create another twist.
3. Pull boot laces tightly.
4. Thread laces through opposite eyelets and repeat until fit is perfect.

Best for: Relieving top-foot pressure

Did you know that you don’t have to cross the laces every time you’re lacing boots? Well, good news for those in need of some pressure relief! If your hiking boots make the tops of your feet sore, it’s time to re-lace them using windows.

1. Begin cross lacing your boots through the bottom eyelet pairs, then stop about a third of the way up.
2. Now, tie a surgeon’s knot before threading the lace vertically to the next pair of eyelets.
3. Add in another surgeon’s knot, and voila. Pressure-free feet for days.

Best for: Low-rise hiking shoes with heel slippage

While your hiking boots shouldn’t be painfully tight, they do need to be secure enough that your heel isn’t sliding all over the place. Aside from being a safety hazard, you can score some nasty blisters. (Check out these safety tips to stay safe on your hikes.) The heel lock does precisely what it sounds like — it keeps those heels in place.

1. Tightly lace your boots, stopping at the second eyelet from the top.
2. Then, pull the lace straight up through the eyelet directly above.
3. Finally, feed each lace through the vertical bar you created on the opposite side. Now, your heels should stay put, leaving you blister-free!

Best for: Adding extra security

Try the ladder method if you need some extra security from your work boots. This grid-like lacing technique is ideal for any laced shoes that are a bit too flimsy for comfort.

1. Like military-style, lace straight across, pulling upward through the bottom eyelets, then moving the laces vertically through the second eyelet pair.
2. Pull the boot laces straight across, wrapping each lace under the previously created vertical section.
3. Feed the lace down through the next eyelet pair, and repeat.

Best for: Easy tightening and loosening

Friction is the sworn enemy of all garments. That’s just life! So when laces rub together in traditional crossover techniques, it causes them to wear out faster. The solution? A friction-free lacing, of course.

1. First things first: if you have an odd number of eyelets, thread the bottom eyelet outward, but if you have an even number, thread downward.
2. Begin with classic diagonal lacing, but alternate entering the eyelet pairs inside and outside. Over under lacing reduces friction on the laces, so you can enjoy them for years to come.