How to Tie Combat Boots? Techniques, Tips, and Expert Advice!

1. Quality Boot Laces

The first requirement for properly tied combat boots are laces that are up for the job. Here are some factors to consider when selecting boot laces:

• Material: Nylon and cotton laces with a rounded shape provide smooth gliding through the eyelets. Cotton tends to be softer while nylon has very high durability.
• Length: The laces need to be long enough to comfortably lace up the entire boot. See the chart below for general sizing guidelines based on the number of eyelets:

Number of Eyelets	Lace Length Needed
5-6 pairs	45 inches
6-7 pairs	54 inches
7-8 pairs	63 inches
8-9 pairs	72 inches

• For each additional pair of eyelets, increase the lace length by approximately 9 inches.
• Durability: The laces need to stand up to frequent tying, dirt and debris exposure, water, and general wear and tear. Inspect laces regularly for fraying, cuts, or damaged areas and replace at first signs of wear.

2. Sturdy & Supportive Boots

The second key item is having properly constructed combat boots. Ideal features include:

• Durable leather, suede, or synthetic uppers
• Firm attachment of eyelets to the boot upper
• Enough eyelet pairs for a secure fit, usually 7-10 pairs
• Rigid heel counter and shank for stability
• Ankle support through padding and height
• Vibram outsoles for traction
• Shock absorbing midsoles such as EVA foam

Well-designed combat boots combined with the right lacing technique will keep your feet protected in the roughest terrain.

May you need: How to style combat boots with skinny jeans

Now that we’ve covered boot components, let’s get into the various methods for lacing up your tactical footwear. Each style has different benefits depending on comfort needs and degree of ankle support required.

1. Standard Criss-Cross Lacing

The most common and easy to implement technique is criss-cross or diagonal lacing. It offers a balance of comfort and support for general wear.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

1. Start by fully loosening the laces of the boots. Make sure there are equal lengths of lace on each side.
2. Holding both lace ends together, feed them through the bottom eyelet pair from the inside of the boot to the outside.
3. Separate the lace ends and cross them diagonally over each other through the next set of eyelets up, again coming from the inside of the boot to the outside.
4. Repeat this crisscross pattern, alternating which lace crosses on top, until you reach the top eyelet pair.
5. Tightly tie the ends together with a square knot.
6. Tuck the remaining lace ends into the boots or use a boot band to keep them secure.

Pros of Criss-Cross Lacing:

• Very quick and easy method to lace up boots
• Allows for adjustable tightness based on comfort needs
• Provides decent foot stability and ankle support

Cons of Criss-Cross Lacing:

• Not as much support as ladder or Army lacing techniques
• Can come loose more easily than other styles

This is the ideal starting point for new boot wearers or those who prefer a looser feel.

2. Straight Bar Lacing

Straight bar lacing results in clean, uniform-looking rows across your boots. It also takes pressure off the top ridge of the foot. This method only works for boots with an even number of eyelet pairs.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. As with all methods, begin by fully loosening the laces with even length on each side.
2. Take both lace ends and thread them through the bottom eyelets, going from the outside of the boots to the inside.
3. Pick up the right lace end first. Feed it through the eyelet directly above, coming from the inside to the outside.
4. Take that lace end and go straight across to the opposite side eyelet, putting it back through to the inside.
5. Now take the left lace end and feed it through the eyelet above on that side, inside to outside.
6. Bring it straight across to the opposite eyelet, skipping the one already filled, and thread it to the inside.
7. Repeat on each side, alternating the eyelets skipped until reaching the top.
8. Tie both laces together with a square knot and tuck ends away.

Pros of Straight Bar Lacing:

• Very uniform, straight look along the boot
• Alleviates pressure points on top of foot
• Prevents laces from unevenly overlapping

Cons of Straight Bar Lacing:

• Only works for even number of eyelet pairs
• Less ankle support than other styles

Use this method if you value comfort and a tidy appearance.

3. Ladder Lacing

Ladder lacing is the gold standard for support and stability in tall tactical boots. It fully locks down the foot and ankle, making it popular with paratroopers and ceremonial guards. The intricate ladder pattern also looks incredibly sharp.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. As always, completely loosen the laces starting with equal lengths on both sides.
2. Take both lace ends and feed them through the bottom eyelets from the inside to the outside.
3. Now take both laces straight up through the eyelets directly above, threading them from the outside to the inside.
4. Holding the laces together, crisscross them in an X shape and feed them under the vertical sections you just created.
5. Separate the laces again, take them straight up through the third eyelets from the bottom, outside to inside.
6. Recross the laces underneath the second set of verticals and continue the pattern up the boot.
7. When you reach the top, tightly tie both laces together and tuck away the ends.

Pros of Ladder Lacing:

• Maximum ankle support and stabilization
• Keeps foot locked firmly in place inside the boot
• Very sharp, clean aesthetic

Cons of Ladder Lacing:

• Most complicated technique to learn
• Requires very long laces
• Can feel too restrictive for some

Use ladder lacing when stability is your top priority in activities like parachuting, marching, or hiking uneven terrain.

4. Army Lacing

Army or bowtie lacing has been used across military branches worldwide to combine ankle support with flexibility. It has a visually striking look as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Fully loosen the laces first, per usual.
2. Take both lace ends through the bottom eyelets, feeding from the inside of the boot to the outside.
3. Go straight up through the eyelets directly above, putting the laces back to the inside.
4. Separate the laces and crisscross them diagonally through the next set of eyelets.
5. Now bring each lace straight up through the following eyelets.
6. Repeat the diagonal crisscross on the next pair.
7. Continue alternating diagonal and vertical patterns until finished.
8. Tie both laces tightly together and tuck away excess.

Pros of Army Lacing:

• Excellent ankle support while allowing some flexibility
• Visually appeals with crisp diagonal and verticals
• Combination of control and comfort

Cons of Army Lacing:

• Not as supportive as pure ladder lacing
• Can loosen more over time than other methods

Choose this technique if you want a good blend of structure and flexibility.

Once you’ve fed the laces through every eyelet pair using the desired pattern, firmly tie them together at the top.

The most secure knot for combat boots is the basic square knot:

• Take the left lace end and put it over the right lace end.
• Loop the right end under and through the left loop.
• Pull it snug but don’t cinch it fully yet.
• Now take the left end over the side you just pulled through.
• Push it under the right loop and feed it through.
• Firmly pull both ends tight to complete the square knot.

An extra measure is the double knot – tie an additional square knot loop on top of the first knot.

Check that both knots are flush together with no space between them. Pull firmly on the lace ends to fully tighten down the knot.

Finally, tuck the excess lace ends into the boot shafts or use a boot band wrapped around the top to contain them.

Credit: kellac.com

Using the right lacing method for your foot type and boots is crucial, but you also need the proper fit for comfort and performance:

1. Tie Boots Kneeling Down

Always tie combat boots from a kneeling position with your shin pressed into the front of the boot. This ensures your foot is all the way back in the boot rather than sliding forward as you snug up the laces.

Having the foot fully seated prevents:

• Excess pressure on shins leading to bruising or shin splints
• Lace bite marks on the ankles
• Loss of circulation from laces tied too tightly
• Toes jamming into front of boot resulting in black nails or blisters

2. Wear Suitable Boot Socks

Quality boot socks enhance comfort and prevent rubbing that causes blisters. Features to look for include:

• Moisture wicking and breathable materials
• Cushioned shin, ankle, and foot zones
• Snug heel and arch support
• Padding on pressure points
• Smooth toe seams
• Antimicrobial to minimize odor

Change socks daily to avoid bacteria buildup. Bring extras on longer missions.

3. Break Boots In Gradually

Brand new rigid boots need to be broken in slowly to match the shape of your feet. Wear them initially for short periods such as around the house.

Use moleskin, bandages, or extra socks to protect tender spots as the leather softens up. Alternate between two pairs of boots to give them time to recover.

Properly broken in boots will provide the support you need with customized comfort.

4. Experiment with Lacing Techniques

The final piece is trying out different lacing methods once boots are broken in. The level of flexibility versus stability needed varies by foot structure, gait mechanics, and activity.

For example, ladder lacing may be too restrictive all day on base but perfect for field exercises. Straight bar lacing could feel loose when jumping but offers relief if you have high arches.

Finding your optimal lacing style takes experimentation – play around until you dial in what works best!

Properly tied combat boots are vital footwear for military personnel. This guide covered selecting proper boot components, step-by-step instructions for popular lacing techniques, tying methods, and achieving an ideal fit.

Key takeaways:

• Invest in quality laces and supportive, well-constructed boots
• Ladder lacing provides maximum stability while criss-cross is most flexible
• Always tie boots from a kneeling position to get proper foot placement
• Tie a square knot or double knot and tuck in excess laces
• Break boots in gradually and experiment with lacing styles

Remember, a combat zone is no place for loose boots or unstable footing. Applying the recommendations in this guide will ensure you move confidently and complete your objectives, no matter how rough the terrain.

In my opinion, ladder lacing is the most effective method for active duty boots. The exceptional ankle stability it provides makes up for the complexity of properly setting the ladder pattern. I relied on ladder lacing during my time in the service and recommend it to anyone who wants ultimate boot security. That said, Army-style lacing is also an excellent blend of flexibility and support.

Overall, taking the time to properly lace your boots is just as important as marksmanship, physical training, and other military skills. As the saying goes, loose laces sink missions! Hope this guide helps you achieve a secure footing in any environment. Let me know if you have any other tips for ideal boot lacing and fit.

How often should I replace my boot laces?

I recommend replacing your boot laces at the first signs of wear and tear such as fraying, cuts, or damaged areas. Every 3-6 months is a good rule of thumb depending on usage intensity. Don’t wait for total failure, be proactive!

Will excessively tight laces restrict circulation in my feet?

Yes, lacing too tightly can potentially constrict blood flow, especially with ladder or Army-style lacing techniques. Be sure to tie firmly from a kneeling position but not so tight that your feet tingle or feel numb. Some loosening during the break-in period may be needed.

What’s the most effective way to break in stiff new combat boots?

Wear them initially for short periods around the house to gently shape to your feet. Use moleskin, bandages, or extra socks to protect hot spots. Alternate between two pairs of boots each day. Stay consistent and patient!

Is there a way to rapidly remove combat boots in an emergency?

Yes, using a Navy SEAL-style quick release knot allows boots to be kicked off immediately by cutting the laces with trauma shears. This is a good trick to know for tactical operators.

Should I use any products to care for leather combat boots?

Definitely, routinely apply wax-based polishes and conditioners to waterproof leather boots and keep them supple. Remove mud after use and avoid storing them wet. With proper care, they’ll last for years!