Combat boots have evolved from their military origins to become a key element in diverse wardrobes, offering a unique combination of functionality and style. Whether for tactical use or fashion, the way you tie your combat boots can significantly impact their effectiveness and appearance. This guide delves into various techniques for lacing your best combat boots, tailored for tactical functionality and fashion flair.
Tying Combat Boots for Tactical Uses
Introduction
In tactical scenarios, the way you lace your combat boots is crucial for ensuring functionality, comfort, and safety. A well-tied boot can be the difference between a secure footing and an avoidable misstep.
Tactical Lacing Techniques
Diagonal Lace Method
- Step 1: Start at the bottom eyelets. Thread the laces straight across and out, ensuring they’re even.
- Step 2: Cross the laces diagonally and thread them through the next set of eyelets from the bottom up.
- Step 3: Continue this diagonal pattern up the boot, maintaining even tension throughout.
- Step 4: Once at the top, secure the laces with a sturdy knot that won’t easily come undone.
Army Method
- Step 1: If your boots have an even number of eyelet pairs, start by lacing straight across the bottom eyelets from the inside out. For an odd number, start from the outside in.
- Step 2: Cross the laces diagonally on the inside and bring them out through the next higher set of eyelets.
- Step 3: Continue alternating between straight across on the inside and diagonal crosses, creating a crisscross pattern.
- Step 4: Finish at the top with a secure knot, ensuring the laces are snug but not restrictive.
Ladder Lace Method
- Step 1: Begin by running the laces straight across the bottom eyelets from the inside out.
- Step 2: Bring each lace end up vertically to the next eyelet and then run them straight across on the outside.
- Step 3: Continue this pattern – vertical up on the inside, straight across on the outside – resembling a ladder.
- Step 4: Once you reach the top, secure the laces with a reliable knot to prevent loosening.
Securing the Boot
After lacing your boots, securing them properly is essential. The final knot not only keeps your boots on but also affects the comfort and support of your feet throughout the day. Below are step-by-step instructions for two common and effective knots: the bow knot and the double knot.
The Bow Knot
The bow knot is the standard knot used for tying shoes and boots. It’s simple and quick to tie, making it a popular choice for everyday wear.
- Crossing Over
- Begin by crossing the left lace over the right lace to make an “X” shape.
- Loop and Pull
- Fold the left lace into a loop and hold it between your thumb and two fingers. Wrap the right lace around this loop, going behind it, and then pulling the lace through the gap closest to your ankle to form another loop.
- Finishing the Bow
- Now, you have two loops – one in each hand. Tie these two loops in a simple knot by once again making an “X”, then pulling one loop through the bottom of the “X”. Adjust the loops and dangling ends to ensure the bow is tight and even.
The Double Knot
The double knot is essentially a reinforcement of the bow knot and is especially useful in activities where the laces may come loose, like hiking or running.
- Tying the Initial Knot
- Start with a simple bow knot as described above.
- The First Double
- Take the two loops of the bow knot and tie them together in the same way you would tie two pieces of string together (left over right and under, then right over left and under).
- Securing the Knot
- Pull on both loops and the dangling ends to tighten the double knot. Ensure it’s snug but not overly tight, to avoid difficulty when untying.
- Final Check
- Give a gentle tug on the loops and ends to make sure the knot is secure. It should not come loose easily.
Tying Combat Boots for Fashion
Introduction
When it comes to fashion, combat boots offer a versatile base that can complement a variety of looks, from street casual to edgy high fashion. The way you tie your boots can become a statement in itself, transforming a functional piece of footwear into a trendsetting component of your outfit.
Fashion Lacing Techniques
In the world of fashion, the way you lace your boots is a subtle detail that can define the entire ensemble. Unlike the tactical lacing methods, fashion lacing focuses more on aesthetic appeal and less on functionality.
Part 2: Tying Combat Boots for Fashion
Combat boots have transcended their military origins, carving out a space in the fashion world. A symbol of both resilience and edginess, they are as much a fashion statement as they are a nod to practicality. The way you tie these boots can speak volumes about your personal style, making an ordinary pair of combat boots an extraordinary part of your wardrobe.
Fashion Lacing Techniques
In fashion, lacing techniques are chosen for their visual appeal and the statement they make. Here’s how to achieve some of the most stylish looks:
Straight Bar Lacing
- Step 1: Start by running the lace straight across the bottom eyelets and up into the next set of eyelets.
- Step 2: Continue threading the lace straight across on the outside and then straight up on the inside, keeping the bars parallel.
- Step 3: Repeat this process until you reach the top of the boot.
- Step 4: Tie off with a neat bow knot, tucking the ends for a clean finish.
Cross Lacing
- Step 1: Begin with the lace at the bottom eyelets and cross over to the opposite eyelets.
- Step 2: Alternate the cross-lacing pattern, ensuring each cross starts from the outside and goes in.
- Step 3: Once at the top, secure with a bow or double knot, depending on your preference.
Loose Lacing
- Step 1: Lace the boot using a straight or cross lace method but keep the tension very loose.
- Step 2: Skip the top set of eyelets to allow for a relaxed fit around the ankle.
- Step 3: Tie a bow knot but leave it looser than you normally would for a casual, draped look.
Styling Tips
Pairing combat boots with the right outfit can make a significant impact:
- With Jeans: Cuff your jeans just above the boot or tuck them in to showcase the lacing.
- With Tailored Trousers: Let the trousers fall naturally over the boot for a juxtaposition of formal and rugged.
- With Joggers: Go for a street-style vibe with loosely laced boots and cuffed joggers.
Knots and Ties for Style
Just like with tactical lacing, the way you tie your knot can add to the style of your boots.
The Bow Knot
- For a classic and neat appearance, the bow knot is your go-to. It’s simple, easy to untie, and keeps your look polished.
The Double Knot
- If you’re going for a more secure fit but still want to keep it stylish, the double knot works well. It’s practical and ensures your laces don’t come undone as easily.
Summary
Combat boots have cemented their place in the fashion world, and the way you tie them can personalize your look. Whether you prefer a neat bow or a double knot, the right lacing technique can complement your personal style and make your combat boots a statement piece.
FAQ Section
How do you hide combat boots laces?
To hide the laces on combat boots, you can use several techniques. One common method is to tuck the tied ends of the laces inside the boot, near the tongue, after tying them. This creates a clean, streamlined look. Alternatively, for boots with long laces, you can wrap the excess length around the ankle before tying.
Why do you wrap laces around boots?
Wrapping laces around boots serves multiple purposes. Tactically, it helps secure loose lace ends, preventing them from getting caught or untied during activities. In fashion, it’s often a style choice, adding an edgy or rugged look to the boots. Additionally, wrapping can provide extra ankle support.
Should boot laces go over or under?
Whether boot laces should go over or under generally depends on the lacing method and personal preference. In most standard lacing methods, the laces go under the eyelets first for ease of tightening. However, for certain styles or comfort preferences, you might choose to lace over the eyelets.
Are you supposed to lace boots all the way up?
Whether to lace boots all the way up depends on both the function of the boot and personal comfort. For tactical or work boots, lacing all the way up provides maximum support and protection, which is essential in rugged or demanding environments. In casual settings or for fashion purposes, lacing up partially can be a stylistic choice, often offering more flexibility and comfort.
