Lacing hacks for outdoor footwear

...Lacing them boots for comfort!!!

I am sure that all of us would have had some kind of problem with our feet at some stage in our tramping career...be it black toe, blisters, shin splints or some other foot ailment. Usually it is a result of wearing poorly fitted footwear...boots/shoes which are too tight, small or narrow for our feet.

My boot clad feet up the Waimakiriri River in 2017..

One way to combat foot problems is with some fancy lacing styles on your footwear...how you lace your boots can determine your level of comfort. Lets have a look at some different lacing options.....

Some possible lacing options for your footwear!!!

Lacing hacks for outdoor footwear...

1. Wide Forefoot

If you have a wide forefoot you will often find that the front of your boots/shoes will feel tight on the front of your foot and can cause pain & blisters. You can and should buy wide lasted footwear if this is a major problem but for those with feet only slightly too wide a different lacing pattern may help.

My Lowa Tibet boots with a wide foot last....

If you use the wide forefoot lacing method you will allow the footwear to expand across the forefoot while still maintaining a secure hold around ankle and heel. This should provide just enough extra space to make this problem go away. 

2. High arches

Some people have unusually high arches on their feet...unfortunately there are no manufacturers making shoes/boots to alleviate this problem. Pressure on the arches can be crippling and can led to long term foot and leg problems.

The high arch lacing method is firm around the front of the feet, heel and ankle yet loose over the arches. This gives the boot some ability to expand in the arch area and will often assist those with these high arch spans.

3. Heel slippage

One of the worst type of blisters you can get is one on the back of your heel...they are excruciating to walk on as your heel is more or less in constant contact with your footwear. I have personal experience of this while tramping the Travers-Sabine Circuit in 2018 and it is a pain I would not wish on anyone. 

Climbing to Travers Saddle...three hours of uphill = badly blistered heels....

The usual cause is loose footwear around the heel which allows the foot to rise and fall with each step.

This lacing method firmly locks the boot and heel together at the ankle..if the footwear is immobile it cannot cause friction and hence damage the feet. 

4. Shoes feel too tight

This lacing method is for people who's shoes/boots just feel too tight all around their feet...it allows for the maximum amount of space on the foot-bed. The downside of this method is that the boots can be too loose and can allow excess side to side movement which is a sure fire way to get blisters.

Incidentally, this is the lacing method we used in the New Zealand Army..partially to alleviate tightness in our universally awful full leather boots. Mostly because it looks good when you view a whole rank of squaddies lined up for a parade.

Early 1990's New Zealand military issue boots...

Thankfully the troops are now issued with high quality Meindal boots so they dont have the same trouble with their feet we had back in the day!!!

5. Black toenails/toe pain

Black toe is bruising to the toes caused by pressure on the feet from footwear which is too small or loose. Lose footwear allows the wearers toe to impact the front of the boot/shoe when walking down hill...long term this damages your feet.

Tops travel puts strain on feet and footwear!!!

 Additionally, as you walk your feet heat up and swell so if there is no expansion space you will also have problems. Blacktoe normally happens on your big toe but all toes are susceptible. It can be very painful and is something you should try to avoid if at all possible. 

Classic hikers blackened toe due to tight footwear....

Ideally it is a good idea to go a half to full size larger than your feet when buying new footwear...the extra space gives your feet somewhere to go once they expand. You can try this lacing method...it locks the whole foot in place and will stop the feet from slipping forward in the boot/shoe on a slope. 

If you suffer from one of these complaints I recommend you have a try using these lacing methods to see if they make a difference. I am sure you will be surprised with how effective simply re-lacing your shoes/boots can be.

Additional thoughts on footwear...

You should always buy your new boots/shoes from a reputable brand and make sure they are correctly fitted to your foot size, shape and width. Make sure you are using good quality tramping/running socks as a good sock can enhance any footwear system.

Wear appropriate quality tramping socks for best comfort...

Maintain your footwear following the manufacturers advice...keep them clean, dry and conditioned so that they will be in their best shape when you really need them. When not in use store them appropriately and carry out any required repairs early in the piece...

Remember...happy feet make for a happy tramper!!!