Credit: Sura Nualpradid
Rarely do shoes ever fit “like a glove.” Even if you bought a pair that felt great at the time, there is still no guarantee that problems won’t occur with the fit. Trail runners and hikers can experience some common complaints with their footwear, such as pressure along the top of the foot, heel slippage, or even black and blue toenails when shoes don’t fit right. Mountain bikers can even run into more specific problems, such as laces snagging on undergrowth or getting caught in chains or cranks.
The good news is that the solution can be as easy as changing the way you lace up your shoes. Different lacing techniques can help alleviate pain or just solve an annoying problem.
One technique called Lock Lacing is great for creating a tight finish. Runners often use it to help prevent heel slippage. It is also used by rock climbers to prevent any movement or twisting of the shoe under the stresses of climbing. Another technique is called Hiking or Biking Lacing. This lacing method helps distribute pressure evenly while also keeping the knots and ends to the side.
For detailed descriptions and pictures of how to do these techniques, plus many more, check out this Shoelace Site that I found.
Oh, neat site! I’ve always wondered if I was lacing my hiking boots up the right way.
I have narrow feet and even narrower ankles and have long used the “lock lacing” method (which I’ve always called “back lacing”). I figured it was why there’s that extra set of eyes on the mouth of my running shoes.
Who knew we had so many choices…..thanks for the info!
I just bought a new pair of running shoes and love the fit – but my heal has been slipping and thought that I was going to have to look for another pair again. Needless to say, my run was “really perfect” this morning – thanks for the great tips!!! The weather was beautiful too!
Yep, lacing through that extra hole at the ankle truly saved my feet! I learned how to do it years ago, even punching a hole when necessary, because my narrow heel has a tendency to pop in and out of my running shoes. Irritating!