Lacing Style Alternatives
Feet come in all shapes and sizes. Long, skinny, wide, short and all kinds of combinations in-between. Boots come in a few shapes and sizes too but not nearly as many as there are different feet. This makes finding the right boot fit sometimes tedious.
There are a few tricks to making your hunting boots fit more comfortably though, like the socks you wear or the insoles you use. One of the most overlooked ways of adjusting the fit and comfort of your hunting boots is how you lace them. When we say overlooked, we mean vastly overlooked. It’s just not something you hear discussed much when it comes to hunting boot comfort and fit.
Changing the way you lace those boots that don’t quite feel right might save you from exchanging, selling, or just plain having to eat the cost of a pair. Lacing can change fit and comfort drastically. Before you move on from that pair of hunting boots that don’t feel quite right try these 3 simple lacing tricks. They might just save you a lot of money and turn those boots into your favorite go-to-boots when hunting.
<< READ THE FULL ARTICLE OVER AT MULEY FREAK >>
Crispi Guide to Hunting Boot Lacing Techniques
When you're heading out for long hunting trips, having your boots properly laced is crucial for both comfort and performance. Correct lacing techniques can prevent issues such as heel blisters, foot fatigue, and ankle pain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several boot lacing techniques that ensure your hunting boots fit like a glove, minimizing discomfort and maximizing efficiency. Using methods like the heel lock lacing technique, you can lock your heel in place and enhance your boot’s fit for better stability on uneven terrain. Let’s dive into these essential boot lacing patterns.
1. Heel Lock Lacing (Boot Lacing to Prevent Heel Slip)
The heel lock lacing boots technique is a game changer for preventing heel blisters. By keeping your heel securely locked in place, you prevent excess movement inside the boot, which reduces friction—one of the primary causes of blisters.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to executing the heel lock lacing technique:
Step 1: Secure the instep
Begin by lacing your boots snugly over the top of your foot (the instep). Make sure it’s tight enough to hold your foot securely, but not so tight that it restricts circulation or feels uncomfortable.
Step 2: Skip the criss-cross pattern
Once you reach the point where the boot transitions to open quick-lace hooks, run each lace straight up to the next set of hooks, skipping the criss-cross lacing pattern you would typically use.
Step 3: Add a surgeon’s knot for tension
Tie a surgeon’s knot (a double-overhand knot) below this point. This knot helps maintain the tension over the instep, keeping your foot secure.
Step 4: Thread the lace through the opposite lace
Take one lace and thread it underneath the opposite lace between the two hooks (or hook and eyelet). Repeat this with the other lace. This method locks your laces in place, ensuring a snug fit.
Step 5: Secure the rest of the boot
After the heel lock is secure, continue criss-cross lacing normally for any remaining eyelets, and tie off with a secure double knot at the top.
Using this method, you can apply pressure over your foot’s upward curve to lock the heel in place, reducing slippage. This makes heel lock lacing boots ideal for tackling steep terrain or extended walks through rugged environments.
2. Overhand Lacing (Classic Boot Lacing)
The classic overhand lacing is one of the simplest yet most effective boot lacing techniques for everyday use. This method is perfect for when you need an all-around snug fit without excessive pressure points.
Step 1: Begin with a criss-cross pattern
Starting at the bottom, lace your boots using the standard criss-cross pattern, pulling each lace snug as you work your way up.
Step 2: Secure the ankle area
Once you reach the ankle, you can opt to loop the lace through a pair of hooks a second time to add additional security around the ankle. This is helpful for extra ankle stability, especially on uneven terrain.
Step 3: Finish with a secure knot
After lacing the boot all the way up, finish with a secure double knot to prevent the laces from loosening during the day.
The classic overhand method is the go-to for most hunters, offering a solid fit without complicated patterns. It’s a versatile choice that pairs well with most boot lacing patterns.
3. Window Lacing (Pressure Point Relief)
If you experience discomfort or pain in certain areas, particularly around the top of your foot or instep, window lacing can relieve the pressure. This technique creates a "window" by skipping a portion of the boot’s lacing, reducing pressure points.
Step 1: Lace normally until you reach the painful area
Use the standard criss-cross lacing method until you hit the pressure point.
Step 2: Skip the problem area
At the problem area, instead of criss-crossing the laces, run them straight up through the next set of eyelets. This skips lacing over the painful spot, giving you some relief.
Step 3: Resume normal lacing
After bypassing the problem area, continue lacing in the standard criss-cross pattern. Tie off with a double knot as usual.
This method is ideal for breaking in new boots or managing hot spots that may develop during long hunts.
4. Surgeon’s Knot Lacing (Enhanced Tension Control)
The surgeon’s knot is a powerful knot that offers additional security in your boot lacing. It’s perfect for hunters who need to keep the lower part of their boot tight while giving the upper part more flexibility.
Step 1: Lace your boot as usual
Lace up your boots using a criss-cross pattern until you reach the ankle or any area where you need more control.
Step 2: Tie a surgeon’s knot
At this point, tie a surgeon’s knot by wrapping one lace around the other twice before pulling it tight. This locks the laces in place, preventing them from loosening during long hikes.
Step 3: Finish lacing
Once the knot is secure, continue lacing the boot to the top. The surgeon’s knot creates a divide between the lower and upper part of the boot, allowing you to customize the tension in each section.
This knot is commonly used in hunting boot lacing techniques to ensure a custom fit based on the terrain or activity of the day.
