How To Lace Up Logger Boots: 3 Lacing Patterns To Learn
How to lace up logger boots? There are a few different methods to doing it, but we're going to teach you a few different ways besides the standard shoelace pattern.
Naturally, you don't want to stop what you're doing to retie your work boots every few minutes. You have work to do! Not only that, but unsecured footwear may in fact be a major hazard in your line of work.
So, let's talk about ways to lace up your logger boots to give your feet and ankles more support, so that you get the best function out of your boots.
Heel-Lock Lacing For Your Logger Boots
The Heel-lock lacing pattern is fantastic for logger boots or any work boots in general, and - in fact - hiking boots, hunting boots or any outdoor footwear involving laces. This pattern has been used by hikers and mountaineers for ages.
The benefit of the heel-lock lacing pattern is greater security in the tie, but also a tighter hold on the heel compared to the traditional criss-cross and bow tie knot. However, that's how it's mostly made, so it's very simple.
It's can be done with eyelets or hooks, and in fact really only concerns the last two pairs of hooks or eyelets.
Lace your boots normally, with the typical criss-cross pattern until you get to the last two pairs of hooks or eyelets. Run each lace up vertically, so each goes straight up from one eyelet or hook to the one above it. Thread each lace under the opposite lace, just above the top laced eyelet or hook.
Pull the laces tight, and then tie the standard bow knot.
It's not very complicated, barely differs from the basic way everyone ties their shoes or boots, and gives the upper a bit more rigidity. Some people find the upper can "bite" a little, but the heel-lock method is a tried and tested method for securing outdoor footwear.
Lacing Pattern For Work Boots: The 2-1-3 Method
Another method that's great for logger boots or other work boots is the 2-1-3 lacing method, which we very much recommend for use with our boots. A complaint of many lacing methods is "lace bite," where the lacing feels a little too tight for comfort or pinches on the top of the foot and front of the lower leg.
The 2-1-3 method allows a little more room without sacrificing security.
Start by identifying the three pairs of eyelets around the ankle. Lace your boots as normal from the bottom of the upper to the bottom pair of eyelets in that area. With an 8-eyelet boot, this should be the fourth eyelet from bottom to top, though it can be the fourth or fifth if your boots are lace-to-toe.
The lace should go across to the second (middle) of the three eyelets around the ankle, then back across to the first (bottom), and then across and up to the top (third) eyelet in the ankle area.
Then, lace as normal to the top of the boot.
The effect of the 2-1-3 method is that the ankle has more room, but is still snugly held. This gives you the security you need in the lacing, but without any unpleasant lace bite. For best results, we also recommend the laces be wrapped fully around your boots at the top.
This is our recommended method for tying a pair of Nick's boots, whether it's a pair of our firefighter boots or even our light duty casual work boots. This gives you the best of all worlds.
Ladder Lacing For The Utmost Of Support For Logger Boots
Ladder lacing is a more time-consuming method, but also gives you the utmost in support. Once tied, your boots hold tight. If you need generous support with the utmost in security, this is a great lacing method. The downside, however, is that it's hard to tighten once your boots are fully laced.
Start by running the laces through the back of the bottom eyelets. Run up to the next eyelet vertically, then through the top to the back of the upper and across to the upper side. Run the lace under the opposite lace, and pull tight. Then pull the lace up and place it through the next eyelet up from the lace end vertically and repeat the process until you get to the top, then tie normally.
This creates an interlocking ladder pattern, where each lace is held in place under the other, all the way to the top. This lacing method is another favorite of hikers, mountaineers and reportedly also paratroopers and other military personnel who spend a long time on their feet in the field.
The principle drawback is that it takes a minute or two per foot to get the laces adjusted to your satisfaction. You can loosen the lacing in spots and tighten it in others, but - again - you have to spend some time doing so. However, once completed, your laces stay tightened.
