Walking boots with BOA lacing explained

How the BOA system works

A BOA closure has three parts: a dial, thin cables (steel or textile) and low-friction guides that route the cables across the boot. Turning the dial winds the cable in small steps, pulling the boot evenly around the foot. Pulling the dial out releases the tension so you can take the boot off. Some boots use one dial; others use two, one for the forefoot and one for the ankle.

BOA is a separate company that licenses the system to footwear brands, and it publishes repair and warranty information for its dials.

Pros and cons

The table summarises the trade-offs compared with traditional laces. Individual boots vary in how well the system is integrated.

Where BOA works well

BOA suits people who want quick, even tension without fiddling with laces, such as those with reduced finger strength or dexterity, walkers in cold weather wearing gloves, and fast hikers who like to make small adjustments on the go. The even pull around the foot can feel very comfortable on good paths.

It also avoids laces coming undone, which some walkers find a constant irritation.

• Cold-weather walking with gloves.
• Reduced hand strength or dexterity.
• Quick changes between walking and resting.
• Walkers whose laces often come undone.

Limits on rough ground

Good lacing lets you set different tension in the forefoot and the ankle and use a heel lock to stop heel lift on steep climbs. A single-dial BOA tightens everything together, so it may not hold the heel as precisely on steep, rough ground. Dual-dial systems address this to some extent.

Our guide to heel slipping in walking boots explains why heel hold matters, and how to lace walking boots shows the lacing techniques that BOA cannot fully replicate.

What if a BOA dial breaks?

Cables and dials can be damaged by rocks or wear. BOA offers replacement parts and a guarantee on its dials for the life of the product it is fitted to, according to its published policy; check the current terms with BOA and the boot maker. Replacement kits are small and light, so carrying one on a long trip is sensible.

On a remote multi-day route, a broken laced boot can be fixed with any cord, whereas a broken dial needs the right parts. That is a reason many long-distance walkers stick with laces.

Note:A loose boot on steep or rocky ground increases the risk of a slip or rolled ankle. If a closure fails, stop and secure the boot before carrying on.

Should you choose BOA?

If you value speed and simplicity and walk mostly on good paths, a BOA boot is worth trying. If you walk steep, rough ground, carry heavy packs or go far from help, traditional laces remain the most adjustable and repairable option. Fit matters more than closure either way. Our guides to the best walking boots for UK hills and best boots with ankle support focus on laced boots with a secure heel hold.

For other alternatives to laces, see walking boots with zips.

See boots with ankle support →

Frequently asked questions

Are BOA walking boots any good? They are quick and comfortable on good paths. On steep, rough ground, well-tied laces give more control over heel hold.

Can you replace a BOA dial yourself? Often yes, using a replacement kit. Check BOA's repair information for your dial type.

Do BOA boots fit wide feet? BOA spreads tension evenly, which some wide-footed walkers like, but the boot's last matters more than the closure.

Are BOA boots waterproof? The closure does not affect waterproofing; that depends on the boot's membrane and upper.