How Do You Lace Hiking Boots to Prevent Heel Blisters?

Hiking is a fun and exciting activity that many people enjoy. But it can also be dangerous if you don’t have the right equipment, including properly laced hiking boots. Having your boots laced correctly can help prevent heel blisters, which can be painful and make it difficult to continue your hike.

1. Choose the Right Boot

The first step in preventing heel blisters is to choose the right boot for your needs.

You want a boot that fits snugly on your foot, without being too tight or too loose. Make sure there is enough room in the toe box for your toes to move freely without rubbing against the sides of the boot.

2. Tie Your Laces Securely

Once you have found a boot that fits correctly, it’s time to lace it up.

Start by threading the laces through each eyelet from top to bottom and tying them securely at the top of the boot. Make sure you tie them tight enough that your foot won’t slip around inside the boot, but not so tight that it causes discomfort or cuts off circulation.

3. Use a Lacing Technique

Once you have tied your laces securely at the top of your boot, there are several different lacing techniques you can use to help prevent heel blisters and give yourself a more secure fit:

  • Heel Lock Lacing: This technique involves crossing both sides of the laces over each other as they travel down towards the ankle before pulling them tight. This helps keep your heel locked in place and prevents any slipping inside of your boot.
  • Loop Lock Lacing: This technique involves creating loops with each side of the lace as they travel down towards the ankle before pulling them tight. This helps keep both sides of your foot locked in place and prevents any slipping inside of your boot.
  • Surgeon’s Knot Lacing: This technique involves tying two knots close together at the top of each eyelet before pulling them tight.

4. Wear Socks That Fit Properly

Finally, make sure you are wearing socks that fit properly with your boots and provide cushioning where needed such as on heels or toes prone to blistering easily. Also make sure they are made from moisture-wicking fabric so that sweat is wicked away from skin quicker which helps prevent hot spots where blisters may form on feet while hiking.

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Conclusion

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Lacing up hiking boots correctly is an important step in preventing heel blisters while out on a hike. The right lacing technique combined with well fitting socks will help ensure that feet stay secure in boots throughout long hikes, thus reducing chances for blister formation due to friction or moisture buildup between skin and fabric within footwear .

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Chris Powell