How to tie your hiking boots?

While you likely mastered tying your laces long ago, lacing a pair of hiking boots is very different. Using the right lacing pattern ensures the boot fits your foot shape and prevents slipping, which can cause painful blisters. Paired with our Navic Fit™ technology to lock down your foot so it doesn’t slide around, a lacing system makes all the difference on the trail.

At Columbia Sportswear®, we aim to make outdoor adventures accessible to everyone. Our footwear and hiking clothes for women and men are designed for all types of hikers, terrains, and conditions. Whether you're a day hiker or a multi-day backpacker, we've got your adventures all tied up with our expert lacing tips.

What are the two essentials for a comfortable hike? The answer is wearing the right-sized boots and tying them correctly. But if your leather hiking boots are the correct size but still feel tight or uncomfortable, check you've got the basics right:

• Seat your foot: Don hiking socks and ensure your heel is pressed as far back in the hiking boot as possible. Once your foot is in the boot, tap the heel against something solid, like a step, to ensure it's pushed back fully.

• Tension the laces: Start lacing at the toe-end of the boot and work up through the eyelets.

• Tying the bow: Aim the bow's loops to sit straight across your foot. If they twist or point along the foot, they will likely come undone while walking.

• Check your boots: After tying your laces, take your boots for a walk to check for any pressure points and ensure they're comfortable.

Going to be hiking in a warm climate and looking for lightweight gear? Light hiking shoes or a low hiking shoe are lightweight and versatile for faster hikes or when you need more flexibility. And don’t forget a waterproof hiking jacket, just in case! But if you prefer snow covered trails, our warm and cosy snow boots and winter mountain hiking shoes have thermal insulation. And for those wet winter days, you’ll need a pair of hardworking waterproof shoes for men.

There are several different lacing systems that allow you to tighten or loosen the boot around your foot. Most men's and women's hiking boots have long laces, so you can use these techniques with your existing laces. If your laces are frayed and worn, try replacing them before your next hike. Just don’t forget to double check the fit afterwards to make sure your foot is secure and comfortable. Here are three of the most common techniques for tying hiking boots:

This technique lets you secure your boot laces at any spot on your foot, allowing greater flexibility to accommodate various foot issues. To tie a surgeon's knot, you must begin at the bottom and lace up your walking shoes or boots just as usual. Then, at the point where you want to make your knot, loop the laces around each other. But rather than make two bows loop the laces around each other again. That's all you need to do to create a surgeon's knot. For extra security, you may want to loop it a third time. Continue lacing up the rest of your shoe, and tie the laces in a normal bow at the top. You'll likely want to create two surgeon's knots in a row on successive hooks for an extra secure fit. To avoid the risk of your foot sliding or heel slipping, tie the surgeon's knots on the eyelets on top or below your ankle.

This lacing technique can help reduce pressure on your foot to create a lace-free 'window over the sore or sensitive area. Start lacing just as you normally would. When you reach the area where you want the window, take the laces straight up rather than crisscrossing them. Continue lacing up for as many hooks as you need. Once you're beyond the sensitive area, continue crisscrossing the laces. Some hikers use a surgeon's knot at the beginning and end of the window for extra security.

The runner's loop, also known as heel lock lacing, secures the hiking shoe in place. Lace your men's or women's hiking shoes up to the very last eyelets, leaving them and the extra ones behind them unlaced. Make a loop in between these two remaining eyelets. Repeat this on each side. Take the loop you've created on each side, crisscross the laces over the front, and thread them through each loop. Pull the laces firmly and tie the shoes as usual. This will keep your foot snuggly in place and secure it towards the back of your instep.

Now you know these steps you can start practicng the best lacing method for your next hike. These lacing techniques make it easier to skip uncomfortable areas, especially if you have high arches. You can ensure that wearing your hiking boots is a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Make sure you’re ready for the trail and browse our range of all-terrain shoes and comfortable hiking shoes. You’ll find everything you need including hiking sandals for men.

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