Thru-hikers always work hard to accessorize with color wherever they can; most of the time, this is in gaiters. Ever want more shoe pop, or had a low-quality pair of hiking boot laces ruin your experience on the trail?
Laces breaking or constantly untying happens far too often… it’s happened to me when pushing too many rough miles.
Nothing is worse than tripping over loose ends, painful foot blisters (because the laces fit too loose), and excessive build-up of dirt and grime.
Even high-end expensive boots aren’t immune to these frustrating issues, which is why selecting the right hiking boot laces is so crucial.
In particular, you need boot laces that are exceptionally durable, comfortable, and stylish. After all, just because you’re hiking doesn’t mean that you can’t look outstanding while doing it.
Not all boot lace materials are created equal, which is why you need to know which are the best for your hiking boots.
According to our research, there are 5 hiking boot lace types that you should carry with you at all times:
Each of these laces provides a distinct advantage for hikers, so let’s take a more in-depth look at each one.
Rope Shoelaces
A sturdy pair of cotton rope laces are most hikers’ go-to option when lacing up their boots, and it’s pretty easy to see why.
Our rope laces are specially designed to have the perfect amount of elasticity to provide a comfortable yet firm fit to keep your feet in place while hiking – which will prevent blistering and foot pain.
Then there’s the longevity.
High-grade cotton rope laces will easily outlast cheaper laces featuring poor-quality materials. LoopKing rope laces take this a step further, as they often outlast other brands by 3x.
In short, a reliable pair of rope laces will stick with you through thick and thin, and they’re robust enough to survive many cleanings should they get dirty.
Leather Laces
Leather hiking boot laces simultaneously achieve maximum visual appeal and ruggedness – easily making them a staple for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nothing will make your boots look more high-end than thick, beefy laces featuring fine leather.
The added thickness makes your boots stand out and accentuates the premium materials of both the laces and your boots.
LoopKing leather laces contain embossed gold aglet tips for an extra touch of flair and additional prevention from fraying.
Speaking of fraying, what’s great about leather laces is that they won’t stretch out like cheap polyester or nylon, in turn making them last longer. Leather hiking boot laces also boast exceptional strength, so they can easily withstand harsh outdoor elements.
Whether you’re taking on a tough trail or are going out to dinner with friends, leather boot laces are versatile enough to tackle both situations with ample style and support.
Waxed Shoelaces
Waxed laces are hikers’ best friends due to the special wax coating they have.
What does the wax do?
It reinforces and protects the lace, preventing it from tearing, fraying, and accumulating dirt and grime.
In other words, these are the perfect shoelaces for lovers of the outdoors. Even if the going gets really rough (and messy) during your hike, LoopKing waxed laces will stay high and dry – and they’ll automatically be ready for your next endeavor.
The embossed gold aglet tips will further reinforce your laces, so you’ll never have to worry about dealing with ugly frayed ends.
Our flat waxed laces feature high-grade cotton that’s extra dense and contains the perfect amount of elasticity, which is why our laces outlast other brands by such a wide margin.
Lock Laces
Are you not a fan of tying your boots?
Then lock laces are a must-have for you, as they’ll ensure that you never have to tie your boots or trail runners again.
Lock laces are the next evolution of convenience for boot and shoe owners. Installation is effortless, and the laces lock and unlock with a simple mechanism that’s similar to a zipper. As such, you’ll be able to put on and take off your hiking boots in seconds.
Besides saving you a ton of time (the average person spends 973 hours of their life doing nothing but tying shoes), lock laces also provide extra comfort and support, which is ideal for hiking.
There’s also no need to worry about which length to order, as one size fits all, and the laces have adjustable tension.
That way, you can tweak the tension until it’s picture-perfect for you, and then you’ll never have to touch your boots again!
Glow in the Dark Laces
Last but not least, you should always have a pair of glow-in-the-dark hiking boot laces in your pack for night hiking.
Even if you head out during the day, you never know when you may feel like staying out longer.
With glow-in-the-dark laces, motorists and pedestrians will always be aware of your presence, which just might save your life.
So if you’re still hiking when the sun starts to go down, don’t hesitate to don your phosphorescent laces to stay safe and to make your trail runners look amazing.
Glow-in-the-dark laces also look super cool and are a ton of fun to wear at night.
Bonus: 3 Lacing Styles to Fortify & Support Your Feet
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize – the way you lace your boots has a direct impact on how they feel and perform.
While most of us don’t learn much about lacing beyond tying shoes in the most basic way, there are a ton of ways to lace boots, shoes, and sneakers.
Here are 3 creative lacing styles that you can use to relieve foot pain and keep your feet from sliding around in your boots.
1. Window-Lacing
If the tops of your feet constantly ache after returning from a hike, this is the lacing method you should utilize, as it leaves a gap on the top of the boot to relieve the tension.
- Lace your boots until you’re directly below the sensitive area of your foot.
- Leave a ‘gap’ by going straight up on the sides to the eyelet (or hook) directly above.
- Continue lacing your boots as normal until you reach the top.
Note that you can leave a gap wherever you like when lacing the boot, not just near the top – so feel free to leave a gap where you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity.
2. Surgeon’s Knot
Have problems with your heels slipping during hikes? Then you need to learn the surgeon’s knot to keep your feet firmly in place.
- Pull out any slack in your boot laces, so they’re nice and tight.
- Go to the eyelets that are behind the area where your foot begins to flex.
- Wrap each lace around the other twice while running the loose end up to the next eyelet to secure the tension.
- Repeat this step on the set of eyelets directly above.
With this tight knot in place, you won’t have to worry about your laces coming loose.
3. Skip-Toe Lacing
If your toes are particularly sensitive, you’ll benefit from skipping the toe box when lacing up your boots. When lacing up your boots, skip the first set of eyelets to avoid the toe box completely.
With your toes free of any pressure, you should experience less discomfort on the trails.
Final Thoughts: 5 Hiking Boot Laces You Can’t Ignore
Whether you’re taking a quick hike around the block or are navigating an uncharted path, the shoelaces on this list will keep your boots performing at an optimal level, all while looking effortlessly stylish.
Learning different lacing methods will help you get the most out of your boots and laces, especially if you experience regular foot pain or sensitivity. To pick up any of the 5 shoelace types for your hiking trips, don’t wait to check out LoopKing laces.
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