How to Lace Work Boots
Time to read 5 min
With numerous work boots on the market, you might've discovered the benefits of wearing lace-up boots. From customizable comfort, to stability and support, there's a reason you see lace-up work boots on construction sites, in manufacturing plants, on the farm, and on the feet of many hard-working professionals in various industries. However, wearing work boots that are not correctly laced can often result in discomfort or pain—even leading to injury in some cases. Whether you've worn work boots for decades or are new to wearing lace-up work boots, understanding how to lace your shoes up properly will ensure you stay safe and comfortable all day.
Classic Lacing Techniques
There are various ways to lace up work boots, but a few classic techniques are tried and true for those who wear lace-up work boots daily. If you're looking for an easy way to lace up your boots, consider one of the following techniques.
Straight Bar Lacing
- Begin by inserting the lace ends into the boots' bottom eyelets, ensuring they are even in length.
- Cross the laces over each other and feed them straight up through the opposite eyelets.
- Repeat this pattern, lacing straight across and feeding the laces up through the eyelets until you reach the top.
- Tie the laces using your preferred method—make sure the tie is snug and secure.
Criss-Cross Lacing
- Start by inserting the lace ends into the bottom eyelets of the boots.
- Cross the laces over each other and feed them diagonally up through the opposite eyelets.
- Continue crossing the laces and feeding them through the eyelets in a crisscross pattern until you reach the top.
- Tie the laces securely, making any necessary adjustments for a comfortable fit.
Over-Under Lacing
- Insert the lace ends into the bottom eyelets, ensuring they are even in length.
- Cross the laces over each other and feed them up through the next set of eyelets.
- Instead of crossing the laces again, bring each lace straight down and feed under the horizontal section of the laces.
- Continue this pattern, alternating between crossing over and feeding under until you reach the top.
- Tie the laces tightly to make sure they don't come undone or become loose.
Determining the best lacing technique for your work boots depends on factors like the type of boots, the shape of your feet, and, of course, what activities you will be doing. Each technique offers its own benefits when it comes to adjustability, support, and fit. Experiment with these methods to find the one that suits you best.
To achieve a snug fit while wearing work boots, follow these tips:
- Adjust the tension of the laces evenly throughout the boot to avoid pressure points.
- Consider using lace-locking techniques like the surgeon's knot, or heel lock, to secure the upper part of the boot.
- Pay attention to the overall lacing pattern. Make sure it conforms to the shape of your feet for optimal comfort and stability.
Creative Lacing Techniques
Unconventional lacing techniques can add a unique look to your work boots. These creative methods enhance the visual appeal of your boots.
Lattice Lacing
- Begin by inserting the lace ends into the bottom eyelets of the boots.
- Cross the laces over each other and feed them diagonally up through the opposite eyelets.
- Instead of crossing the laces again, bring each lace straight down and feed them under the horizontal section of the laces.
- Repeat this pattern, creating a lattice-like design until you reach the top.
- Tie the laces securely at the top for a clean, stable look.
Spider Web Lacing
- Start by inserting the lace ends into the bottom eyelets of the boots.
- Cross the laces over each other and feed them up through the next set of eyelets.
- Instead of crossing the laces again, bring each lace straight down and feed them through the adjacent lower eyelets.
- Continue this pattern, crisscrossing and feeding the laces through the lower eyelets, creating a spider web-like pattern.
- Tie the laces tightly, making any necessary adjustments for a comfortable fit.
Checkerboard Lacing
- Insert the lace ends into the bottom eyelets, ensuring they are even in length.
- Cross the laces over each other and feed them up through the next set of eyelets.
- Instead of crossing the laces again, bring each lace straight down and feed them through the adjacent lower eyelets.
- Repeat this pattern, alternating between crisscrossing and feeding through the lower eyelets, creating a checkerboard pattern.
- Tie the laces to ensure a snug fit.
Feel free to experiment with different lacing patterns and colors to express your style and creativity. You can mix and match laces of varying shades, creating eye-catching contrasts or coordinating with your work attire.
Lacing Techniques for a Customized Fit
Many factors contribute to the unique needs of your feet: your job, genetics, the way you walk, the kinds of sports or activities you have participated in, etc. Fine-tuning your lacing habits can help provide necessary support to any areas of weakness or generally boost comfort levels. These techniques reach beyond aesthetics and focus on targeting the perfect fit for optimal stability.
High-Arch Lacing
- Start by inserting the lace ends into the bottom eyelets of the boots.
- Feed the laces straight up through the eyelets on both sides without crossing them.
- Continue lacing in a parallel manner, ensuring the laces run straight up the sides of the boots.
- Tie the laces, allowing for proper arch support and alleviating pressure on high arches.
Benefits: High-arch lacing helps distribute pressure evenly across the foot, providing relief for individuals with high arches.
Wide-Foot Lacing
- Insert the lace ends into the bottom eyelets, making sure they are even in length.
- Cross the laces over each other and feed them diagonally up through the opposite eyelets.
- Repeat this crisscross pattern, but leave a wider gap between each set of eyelets.
- Tie the laces tightly at the top to allow for a more spacious fit in the forefoot area.
Benefits: Wide-foot lacing provides extra room for individuals with wider feet, reducing discomfort and preventing constriction.
Runner's Loop Lacing
- Begin by inserting the lace ends into the bottom eyelets of the boots.
- Feed each lace diagonally up through the second set of eyelets on the same side.
- Take each lace and cross it to the opposite side, feeding it through the adjacent eyelet.
- Continue this pattern, creating a loop on each side until you reach the top.
- Tie the laces securely to create a fit that prevents heel slippage.
Benefits: Runner's loop lacing provides additional support and stability, particularly if you are doing high-impact activities.
By incorporating specialized lacing techniques into your work boots, you can address specific foot conditions, improve support, and reduce the risk of injury. Consider exploring and experimenting with these techniques, tailoring your lacing to your unique needs and working conditions.
It's also important to note that factors like temperature, humidity, and duration of wear can impact the tightness or looseness of your laces. Regularly assess the fit and adjust as needed to keep you ready for whatever the workday throws your way.
Lace Up for the Work Day
Knowing how to lace work boots properly will enable you to work hard without worrying about possible injury from a lack of support or untied laces. When you're working long days—indoors or outdoors—you want peace of mind knowing that you have customized support from your chosen lacing technique. Whether you need a technique for a foot issue, or want the custom support of lace-up work boots, it’s time to get tying.
Learn more about the Twisted X Work Boot Collection by visiting our website or exploring our collection at a local retailer near you.
