{"id":7423,"date":"2019-11-12T17:12:50","date_gmt":"2019-11-12T16:12:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/?p=7423"},"modified":"2024-08-30T16:09:53","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T14:09:53","slug":"how-to-lace-hiking-boots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/how-to-lace-hiking-boots\/","title":{"rendered":"How to lace Hiking Boots"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>An extensive hiking tour in magnificent sunshine lifts the outdoor aficionado\u2019s spirit. Lacing your hiking boots correctly is, however, the most important thing before you start. Because pinching shoes quickly spoil the party. To avoid pressure marks and blisters, the right fit of your trekking or hiking boots is just one thing to consider. Tying them properly is at least as significant. Here, you\u2019ll learn what&#8217;s important when it comes to lacing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After hiking, blisters on your feet are a nuisance \u2013\nespecially if you\u2019re on the road for several days in a row. How important it is\nthat trekking or hiking boots fit perfectly doesn&#8217;t need to be emphasized anymore.\nWhen buying your shoes, it\u2019s best to get advice from a specialized shop and try\non different models until you\u2019ve found the perfect one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Buy your hiking boots in the afternoon. Your feet are slightly bigger\/thicker than in the morning right after getting up. This resembles the situation of your feet while hiking, since they usually swell a bit. In our <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/how-to-treat-and-avoid-blisters\/\">blister guide article<\/a>, we tell you what other ways there are to prevent blisters and how to treat them if you do get them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, proper footwear doesn\u2019t guarantee that your\nhiking experience will be free from blisters. It\u2019s equally important to pay\nattention to a few things when you tie your shoes before and during a tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Hiker tying his hiking boots.\" class=\"wp-image-17889\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Basics for the proper lacing of hiking boots<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The tongue needs to be centered <\/strong><br>\nA shoe\u2019s tongue (flap) slipping to the side can cause unpleasant pressure marks\n\u2013 especially if this creates a crease. The pull of the straps cannot spread evenly.\nMake sure that the tongue is located in the middle and check every now and then\nduring the hike whether everything is still in place. Some hiking boots also\nhave a hook that fixates the tongue in the center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tie up from time to time<br>\n<\/strong>Half an hour after\nyou started your hike you should lace your hiking boots again, since your foot\nchanges through activity and temperature. On longer hikes, it makes sense to\ntie your shoes again from time to time. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><em><strong>Reading tip:<\/strong>  <a href=\"\/en\/are-cows-dangerous-for-hikers\/\">Are cows dangerous for hikers?<\/a><\/em><a href=\"\/en\/are-cows-dangerous-for-hikers\/\"> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Two zone lacing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you tie\nyour hiking boots normally, it can happen that they are very tight at the top,\nwhile you don\u2019t have enough support at the bottom or vice versa. Two zone\nlacing helps you to create the right tension in both areas independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uphill<\/strong> it is recommended to tie the instep area (the\nlower part) a little tighter. This will give you more stability. At the top of\nthe shaft, a loose lacing will give you more freedom of movement. <strong>Downhill<\/strong> it is good to tie the shaft\narea tighter from the bend upwards. This helps to fixate your foot and prevents\nit from gliding to the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two zone lacing needs a deep-draw hook (=locking eye), which most hiking shoes have. These are the eyelets at the transition from instep to shaft, which are slightly further out than the rest of the eyelets. Now thread the thrust straps <strong>from top to bottom through the locking eyelet<\/strong>, creating <strong>two friction points<\/strong>. This creates two zones and the tension is maintained perfectly in both the shank and the clamping area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking boots with deep-drawing hooks for two-zone lacing.\" class=\"wp-image-17891\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/wanderschuhe-richtig-binden-schnuer-technik-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The pulley technique<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s especially uncomfortable when your heel slips out\nof your shoe while walking. The heel rubs against the shoe with every step and\ncauses painful blisters and chafed areas. The pulley technique provides a\nremedy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this lacing technique you thread the shoelaces\ndirectly from the last eyelet into the two deep draw hooks. Do not cross the\nlaces. Next, thread the opposite end through the lace that connects the eyelet\nto the deep draw hook. If you now pull on the laces, your foot will be pulled\ndeeper into the shoe. The heel has more stability and there is less friction. Above\nthe \u201cpulley\u201d you tie your shoe normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- PRODUKTINFORMATION START   ---------------->\n<div class=\"produkt--information\">\n\t<div class=\"produkt--image\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.tatonka.com\/images\/product-tile-x2\/1558274a.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking Backpack Storm by Tatonka\" width=\"142\" title=\"\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"produkt--text\">\n\t\t<span>hiking backpacks by Tatonka<\/span>\n\t\t<p>Your hiking boots are ready, only the right backpack is missing?<\/p>\n<p>Find the right <strong>hiking backpack<\/strong> for your next tour at Tatonka. With ventilated carrying system, with lid or zipper opening and with different volumes.<\/p>\n\t\t<p class=\"produkt--information--btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tatonka.com\/en\/hiking-backpacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To the hiking backpacks<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- PRODUKTINFORMATION ENDE   ---------------->\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Omit intersection and relieve pressure points<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you already have a pressure marks on your foot or\nnotice that your shoes are pressing sideways on the back of your foot or the\nforefoot, the following trick can help: Simply leave out a cross at the\nappropriate point and thread the shoelace directly from eye to eye without\nchanging sides. This will give your foot a little more space in this area. The\npressure mark is relieved on this specific area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use the right bootlaces<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The laces of hiking boots match the shoe. You shouldn&#8217;t change them prematurely. On the one hand, the thickness of the straps exactly matches the diameter of the eyelets. This enables self-locking deep draw hooks to function properly. On the other hand, laces are flexible so that they can adapt perfectly to the shoe and foot\u2019s shape. If you use a tight string instead, this flexibility is lost, resulting in pressure marks. So if a shoelace is broken or torn, it&#8217;s worth finding an adequate replacement before the next tour, instead of using the first available string.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\"><em><strong>Also interesting:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/en\/tips-for-the-care-of-your-hiking-boots\/\">Tips for the care of your hiking boots<\/a><\/em><a href=\"\/en\/tips-for-the-care-of-your-hiking-boots\/\"> &#8211; Protecting what protects you<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use suitable hiking socks to avoid blisters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Proper socks are essential to keep blisters and\npressure marks to a minimum. They provide cushioning at problematic areas such\nas the heel and ball of the foot. Especially with waterproof shoes necessitate\nsocks that absorb a lot of sweat without feeling wet. Socks made from\nMerino-wool are a good choice. Cotton is not suitable. It loses its shape when\nsoaked with water, wrinkles, and starts to stick to the skin. There shouldn\u2019t\nbe any friction between foot and shoe to avoid blisters. Therefore, it\u2019s\ncrucial that the socks fit perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If\nyou tend to get blisters, you can try wearing thin and tight nylon socks under\nyour hiking socks. In doing so, the fabric of the hiking socks does not rub\nagainst the skin, but glides gently across the nylon socks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Hiking-in-the-Rain-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"Two men and a woman hiking in the rain.\" class=\"wp-image-7427\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Hiking-in-the-Rain-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Hiking-in-the-Rain-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Hiking-in-the-Rain-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Hiking-in-the-Rain.jpg 1306w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The proper shoe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The lacing\ntechniques are similar for all types of outdoor shoes \u2013 provided the shoe\ncloses above the ankle. However, lacing low shoes is usually not a big problem\nanyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending\non where and how you travel, different types of shoes are suitable. Ideally,\nyou know the purpose of the shoe beforehand, so that you can try on different\ntypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your shoe is pinching, it doesn&#8217;t mean you have to buy new outdoor shoes immediately. Just try changing the lacing. It only takes a few minutes. Once you know <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=XQgkMAE2_BA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a few techniques<\/a>, you can make adjustments during a tour until you find the ideal tension.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An extensive hiking tour in magnificent sunshine lifts the outdoor aficionado\u2019s spirit. Lacing your hiking boots<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":17886,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-7423","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hiking-tips"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7423"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7423\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tatonka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}