How to lace walking boots for a better fit

The basics: lace in zones

Think of your boot laces in two zones. The lower zone, over the toes and forefoot, should be snug but not tight, so your toes can spread and blood flow is not restricted. The upper zone, over the instep and ankle, holds your heel back in the boot and should be firmer.

Before lacing, kick your heel back into the boot so it sits in the heel cup. Then pull the laces up from the bottom, eyelet by eyelet, rather than just yanking the top. That removes slack evenly and stops pressure points.

Many walking boots have eyelets at the bottom and open hooks at the top. The hooks make it easy to change tension between zones.

Heel-lock lacing for heel lift

Heel-lock lacing, also called a lace-lock or runner's loop, is the single most useful technique for walking boots. It pulls the ankle part of the boot tighter around your heel, which stops it lifting on climbs and sliding forward on descents.

1. 1

   Lace normally up to the last hook below the top.

2. 2

   Take each lace straight up to the top hook on the same side, from the outside, without crossing over.

3. 3

   This forms a small loop on each side between the two top hooks.

4. 4

   Cross the laces and thread each one through the loop on the opposite side.

5. 5

   Pull down and outwards to tighten, then tie as usual.

More fixes for heel slip →

Window lacing for instep pressure

If you feel pressure or numbness over the top of your foot, often because of a high instep, try window lacing. Unlace down to below the pressure point. Instead of crossing the laces at that point, take each lace straight up to the next eyelet on the same side. This leaves a window with no lace pressing down. Then cross and continue as normal above it.

Window lacing is also useful over a sore spot such as a prominent bone or a healing bruise.

Surgeon's knot to hold two tensions

A surgeon's knot is an extra twist in the lace that stops tension from one zone creeping into another. Tie it at the point where the forefoot zone meets the instep zone, usually where the eyelets change to hooks.

To tie it, cross the laces and wrap one around the other twice instead of once, then pull tight. The friction holds the lower laces at their tension while you lace the upper zone tighter. This is especially useful to keep toes from hitting the front on descents: a firm upper zone holds the foot back without squeezing the toes.

1. 1

   Lace the lower zone snug.

2. 2

   At the change point, cross the laces and wrap them around each other twice.

3. 3

   Pull tight, then continue lacing the upper zone firmer.

4. 4

   Finish with a heel-lock at the top if needed.

Choosing and replacing laces

Walking boot laces are usually round or flat braided nylon or polyester. Round laces slide through hooks easily; flat laces hold tension slightly better. Replace laces that are fraying or have lost their tips before they snap on a walk.

Measure the old lace or count the eyelets and hooks to choose a length. Walking boots typically need longer laces than shoes, often well over a metre, especially if you use heel-lock lacing. Carry a spare lace in your rucksack; it weighs almost nothing.

Note:If you feel numbness, tingling or pain that does not ease when you loosen the laces, stop and reassess. Persistent foot pain is worth discussing with a GP or podiatrist.

When lacing is not enough

Lacing can fine-tune a boot that is close to fitting, but it cannot fix one that is the wrong length or shape. If your heel still lifts badly, your toes still hit the front or the boot presses hard however you lace it, the boot may not suit your foot. Read what size walking boots and consider a different last; our guide to walking boots for wide feet and the best walking boots for UK hills list alternatives to try.

Frequently asked questions

How tight should walking boots be laced? Snug enough that your heel barely lifts and your foot does not slide forward, but not so tight that toes go numb.

Should I relace for downhill? Many walkers tighten the upper zone before a long descent to keep toes off the end of the boot.

What length laces do walking boots need? It depends on the number of eyelets and hooks. Measure the old lace and allow extra for heel-lock lacing.

Why do my laces keep coming undone? Try a double knot or a surgeon's knot at the top, and replace worn, slippery laces.