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Different lacing systems for tactical boots

For all types of tactical boots, sneakers, or any other kind of shoe or boot, there are different lacing systems for how to get the most out of […]

Why does lacing your boots properly matter?

The answer to this question is actually quite simple – lacing your tactical boots properly will only provide you with great benefits. If you learn how to use different lacing systems it will help give your feet more support, make them more comfortable, and achieve better functionality for a variety of purposes and terrains. Based on the anatomy of your feet you’ll probably want to lace your boots in certain way. Someone with narrow heels might need to use a technique that tightens around the heel and ankle to help prevent the heel from slipping.

A person with wide feet might want to use a technique that will provide them with “more” space in the front of the boot, where your feet are the widest.

Examples of lacing systems

There are many different techniques when it comes to lacing. As mentioned before, each method provides your feet with the support needed for any mission. Down below we will explain how to use different lacing systems for your tactical boots, systems such as Ladder lacing, Criss Cross lacing, Straight Bar lacing, Army lacing and Four Point Lock lacing.

Ladder Lacing

This is one of the most popular techniques. It’s probably the most supportive lacing system for tactical boots and tightly secures the foot and ankle. However, it sometimes requires longer laces than normal. Try with the shoelaces that comes with the boots first to see if you need longer laces. Ladder Lacing comes in two variations with the difference being in the finish.

Image of tactical boot laced with the ladder lacing system
Closeup of ladder lacing for tactical boots.

 

How to – Ladder Lacing:

  • Start straight across on the inside (grey section) and out through the bottom eyelets.
  • The ends are run straight up the sides and in through the next higher set of eyelets.
  • At each eyelet pair, the ends run straight across, feeding under the vertical lace sections on the opposite side before continuing straight up and in through the next higher set of eyelets. Repeat until lacing is completed.
  • At the top, the ends can optionally be fed under the vertical sections once again before being tied (see variation 2).

Variations 1 & 2 – Ladder Lacing:

  • Variation 1 has the ends tied across the top as usual.
  • Variation 2 finishes with Lace Locks, where the ends are once again fed under the vertical sections on the opposite sides before tying at the middle. This looks consistent plus offers additional tightening.

 

Criss Cross Lacing

Also called the ”Over under” method. This lacing system reduces friction on the laces and makes it easier to tighten and loosen the laces. Read the how to below.

Image of tactical leather boot with criss cross lacing
Closeup of Criss Cross lacing on tactical leather boot

 

How to – Criss Cross Lacing:

  • Begin straight across on the inside (grey section) and out through the bottom eyelets.
  • At each eyelet pair, cross the ends, feeding under the sides and out through the next higher set of eyelets. Repeat until lacing is completed.

 

Straight-Bar Lacing

This style provides a very clean, neat look and it alleviates pressure on the top ridge of your feet. However, your boots must have an even number of eyelets for it to work. This method of lacing is also referred to as “Lydiard Lacing”

Image of tactical boot laced with straight bar lacing
Closeup of tactical boot laced with straight bar lacing

How to:

  • Begin straight across on the outside (grey section) and in through the bottom eyelets.
  • The left (blue) end runs straight up on the inside, then straight across on the outside.
  • Both ends run straight up on the inside, each skipping one eyelet and emerging two eyelets higher up.
  • Both ends continue straight across on the outside and in through the adjacent eyelets.
  • Alternate running up on the inside and across on the outside until lacing is completed.

 

Army Lacing

This pattern is used most frequently by the military. This technique also makes it possible for you to flex the sides of your boots much easier.

Image of tactical boot laced with the army lacing system
Closeup of briwn tactical boot with army lacing

 

How to:

  • For even numbers of eyelet pairs, begin straight across on the inside (grey section) and out through the bottom eyelets.
  • For odd numbers of eyelet pairs, begin straight across on the outside (grey section) and in through the bottom eyelets.
  • At each eyelet pair, alternate between a crossover on the inside and out through the next higher set of eyelets or running straight up on the outside and in through the next higher set of eyelets. Repeat until lacing is completed.

 

Four-Point Lock Lacing

Also known as “lock lacing”, this method will help secure your heel to prevent it from slipping inside your boots. This is a good technique if you have narrow feet. Four point lock lacing comes in three variations with difference being how the laces are secured at the end.

How to:

  • Lace the shoe up to the second-from-top eyelets using any lacing method (eg. Criss Cross Lacing is shown here
  • The ends run straight up on the outside and in through the top eyelets.
  • The ends are crossed, then each end is fed under the vertical section on the opposite side.
  • The ends are returned to the middle for tying, which pulls the vertical sections inwards.

Variations 1, 2 & 3:

  • Variation 1 has the lace ends emerging from the top eyelets before passing under the “locks”.
  • Variation 2 has the lace ends emerging from the second-from-top eyelets before passing under the “locks”. This results in the knot sitting slightly lower.

Variation 3 replaces the vertical “locks” with locking “loops”. These are less effective at tightening but more effective at locking, which helps with slippery shoelaces.

Choosing the right lacing system.

Choosing the right lacing system isn’t just a matter of picking one and sticking to it. Since each lacing technique serves a different purpose and your missions may vary from day to day, learning how to use a few different lacing systems is definitely a good idea. Whichever technique you decide to use it’s important to remember that you should tie your boots up in a kneeling position. Make sure that the front of the boot is positioned so that your shin touches its surface. This effectively ensures that the foot is positioned correctly in the boot and that the laces aren’t put under too much pressure.

Remember, fit and comfort are not only determined by how you lace your boots but also by the lace type. Different types of laces have different properties, such as shape (round/flat), elasticity, thickness, and length (which can be crucial depending on your lacing system). For optimal support and comfort, make sure you select the right laces and lacing technique for each mission.

Don’t miss our guide on everything you need to know about choosing the right tactical boots. 

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