Hiking-boot lacing: ease pressure and reduce heel movement

A small lacing change can ease pressure in a boot that otherwise fits. Try it on a short walk first; laces cannot add missing toe room or change the shape of the boot.

Know the parts

• Instep: the top of your foot beneath the laces.
• Eyelets: the closed holes the laces pass through; hooks are the open fittings higher up many boots.
• Toe box: the space around your toes.

Pressure over the instep: window lacing

1. Undo the laces to just below the sore spot.
2. Run each lace straight up its own side, skipping the crossing over that spot.
3. Resume normal criss-cross lacing above it. Walk a little and adjust.

Heel movement: hold the lower tension

REI suggests two surgeon’s knots at the hook pairs near where your foot flexes forward. Wrap the laces around each other twice, snug them, then take each lace directly up to the next hook. Repeat at the next pair and finish normally. Keep the hold comfortable rather than squeezing the foot.

Toe pressure: a short-term adjustment

Skipping the lowest pair of eyelets can ease pressure over the forefoot. It does not solve toes hitting the end on a descent. Persistent pain means the fit needs reassessing.

Before the next trip

I would try the adjustment with my intended walking socks, then walk up and down a slope before committing to a long day. Replace frayed laces with the same shape and length so they work properly with the boot’s fittings.

Read next: Compare hiking boots and trail shoes.

Sources and photo credits

Sources checked 3 October 2026.

• REI: hiking-boot lacing techniques
• Columbia: tying hiking boots

Photo: Illustrative gear photograph; not ReGear stock. Wanderschuhe.jpg — Liesel. Public domain. Resized for display.