How to Lace Hiking Boots

Most of us learned to tie our shoes before we could even ride a bike, right? But here’s the thing—lacing hiking boots is a whole different ball game. If you’ve ever dealt with heel slippage, sore toes, or pressure across the top of your foot mid-hike, your lacing method could be the culprit.

In this post, we’re diving into three pro-level lacing techniques that can drastically improve comfort and keep your feet feeling fab, even after miles on rugged trails. Whether you're dealing with hot spots or just looking for a better fit, these methods are worth knowing.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to use the Surgeon’s Knot to stop heel slip

• How Window Lacing relieves pressure on the top of your foot

• Why Toe-Relief Lacing can save your hike when your digits start screaming

Why Lacing Techniques Matter

Alright, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight: these tricks won’t magically fix ill-fitting boots. If your boots don’t fit properly, no lacing in the world is gonna fix that. For the best fit, always get sized by a footwear expert (REI has some great ones, by the way).

But assuming your boots are the right size and style, a smart lacing method can:

• Prevent blisters and hot spots

• Relieve pressure points

• Keep your foot snug without being tight

• Give your toes breathing room on long descents

Let’s break each method down step-by-step.

1. Surgeon’s Knot: Lock That Heel In

Ever feel your heel lifting with every step? That’s not just annoying—it can lead to blisters and reduced control on tricky terrain. Enter the Surgeon’s Knot, a simple way to lock your heel in place.

When to Use It:

• Heel slipping inside the boot

• Loose fit at the top of the foot

How to Tie a Surgeon’s Knot:

1. Pull out slack in your laces to snug them around your foot.

2. Locate the two sets of lace hooks just above where your foot starts to flex.

3. Wrap the laces around each other twice (like you’re tying a double knot), then pull tight.

4. Move directly up to the next set of hooks and repeat the knot.

5. Lace the rest of your boot normally.

🎯 Pro Tip: Surgeon’s knots create a “locked” zone that holds tension and won’t loosen up over time.

2. Window Lacing: Give That Pressure Point a Break

If your boot feels great—except for that annoying spot pressing into the top of your foot—you’re probably dealing with a pressure point. Time to open a window... in your lacing!

When to Use It:

• Pressure or soreness across the top of the foot

• Bumps on the top of the foot or a high instep

How to Do Window Lacing:

1. Unlace the boot down to the hooks just below the sore spot.

2. Instead of crossing the laces over, lace them straight up to the next hook—this is your “window.”

3. Resume crossing the laces as normal above the window.

4. Optionally, use surgeon’s knots above and below the window to keep everything tight and secure.

🎯 Pro Tip: This method removes tension right where it hurts, without compromising the overall fit of your boot.

3. Toe-Relief Lacing: Emergency Exit for Sore Toes

When your toes are crying for mercy halfway through a hike, you need a fast fix. That’s where Toe-Relief Lacing comes in. It’s a quick adjustment that opens up the toe box and lets your feet breathe.

When to Use It:

• Toes feel cramped or bruised

• You’re hiking downhill a lot

• Blisters or black toenails starting to form

How to Do Toe-Relief Lacing:

1. Fully unlace your boot.

2. Re-lace—but skip the first set of hooks nearest your toes.

3. Continue lacing normally above that.

🎯 Pro Tip: This trick is best used mid-hike when you’re already feeling pain. Long term? You’ll want to check your boot size and shape—it might be time for a roomier toe box. Think something wider-fitting like Meindl or Merrell!