Backpacker Magazine – April 2003

Common Hiking Boot Lacing Techniques...

...From The Experts At Montrail

by: BACKPACKER Editors

The standard lacing technique works well for many people but not everybody. Correct lacing is taut, but not too tight, from the toe up to the top of the boot or shoe. There should be no loose lacing and the lacing should contact the boot evenly and firmly.

Below are a few tried-and-true techniques. Use this as a starting point and experiment with your own.

Loop: If laces are slipping on a hook, lace "down" a hook instead of "up" creating a loop.

D-ring lock: By bringing the lace around through the eyelet from the top, pressure is applied on the lace.

Overhand knot: The most common means of locking off tension below the knot.

Surgeon's knot: this is a very secure means of locking off any chosen tension below the knot.

Marathon loop: Improves heel lock for low-cut shoes.

Common Techniques

Other Lacing Techniques
Low-Cut Shoe Heel Lock
Boot Heel Lock
Low Volume
High Instep
Cuff Pressure

Special Knot Techniques
Granny Knot
Square Knot

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