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There are literally trillions of lacing variations. Fortunately, you only need to learn one or two to properly lace your hiking boots. But, just for fun, I've included links to learn even more. The king of shoelace lacing and shoelace knots is Ian Fieggen. He's got dozens of lacing methods and seventeen ways to knot your shoes or boots. Check out his website at:

http://www.fieggen.com/shoe lace/index.htm

Ian's website will show you how to use each of the lacing methods mentioned below.

LACING

The dominant lacing method is the "criss cross". It's dominant not necessarily because it's the best, but because it's easy and adequate. It is indeed adequate for your boots, but sometimes adequate doesn't cut it.

You may need to increase or decrease pressure on your foot or heal. If so, you'll want to check out Segmented Lacing or Lock Lacing.

Or you may need to shorten your extra long laces. If so, you'll want to check out Ladder Lacing.

Or you may want to simply make your laces look cool. If so, check into the Lug Lattice Lacing method.

Hiking footwear is designed to lace through eyelets, lugs, or a combination. Most lacing methods can be used for any of these, but there are some special lug lacing options. You can check 16 of these methods at Ian's website:

http://www.fieggen.com /shoelace/luglacingmethods.htm

ALTERNATIVES TO LACING

While possibly not secure enough for hiking boots, some trail runners, adventure racers, and day hikers have adopted the triatheletes' trick of using a speed lacing system. This is a lace that uses a cord lock for quickly tightening the lace with a simple tug. You can check an example out at:

http://www.speedlaces.com/

T HE KNOT

Lacing would be complete without a knot (unless using a cord like as with speed laces). Everyone knows the standard shoelace knot. We may have learned different ways of tying it (does the one bunny ear or two bunny ear method ring a bell?), but we end up with the exact same knot either way.

There are other ways of tying off the ends of a shoe lace. Check out Ian's website for knot inspiration:

http://www.fieggen .com/shoelace/knots.htm

I hope this article helps. If you need help choosing hiking footwear, see these other Helium articles:

http://www.helium.com /tm/227322

http://www.helium.co m/tm/226996

Happy Trails!

Learn more about this author, Joseph Hazelbaker.
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