5 Boot Lacing Techniques For Your Tactical Boots

If your boots aren’t laced properly, you’re not getting the best performance or safety out of them. In fact, over 40% of work-related injuries occur to the feet and ankles. Whether you’re on duty, in the field, or hiking rough terrain, the right boot lacing technique can prevent heel slip, eliminate pressure points, and provide a secure fit that keeps you focused on the job. Let's break down exactly how to lace your boots for maximum comfort, stability, and durability.

Step-by-Step Boot Lacing Techniques

Different tasks and foot shapes require different lacing methods. Follow these step-by-step guides to achieve the best fit for your boots.

How to Do Standard Criss-Cross Lacing

  • Insert both lace ends into the bottom eyelets from underneath.

  • Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next set of eyelets.

  • Continue this pattern up the boot until you reach the top eyelets.

  • Tie a secure knot to finish.

Best for: General wear, work boots, and military boots.

How to Do a Heel Lock Technique

  • Lace your boots as you normally would until you reach the top two eyelets.

  • Instead of crossing, loop each lace straight up through the top eyelets on the same side.

  • Thread each lace under the opposite loop before tying them together with a square knot.

  • Pull tight to lock your heel in place.

Best for: Preventing heel slip, hiking, and narrow heels.

How to Do Ladder Lacing

  • Insert the lace ends into the bottom eyelets from underneath.

  • Run each lace straight up to the next eyelet on the same side and insert from the top.

  • Cross the laces over and thread them under the vertical section on the opposite side.

  • Continue this pattern up the boot until fully laced.

Best for: Military boots, tactical operations, and heavy-duty work boots.

How to Tie a Surgeon’s Knot

  • Cross the laces and tie a simple overhand knot.

  • Wrap the laces around each other twice before pulling tight.

  • Continue lacing the boots as needed, repeating the knot at pressure points.

Best for: High arches and ensuring laces stay tight all day.

How to Create Lacing Windows

  • Lace your boots normally until you reach a pressure point.

  • Instead of crossing the laces, skip one or two eyelets on each side.

  • Resume normal lacing after the skipped section.

Best for: Reducing pressure on high-instep feet and relieving tight spots.

Proper Lacing Can Fix Common Boot Fit Issues

Proper boot lacing isn't just about comfort—it can also help prevent injuries and provide extra support for those with foot conditions. Here’s how you can adjust your lacing to accommodate common issues:

  • Heel Slip: Use the heel lock technique and ensure your laces are snug at the bottom eyelets.

  • Narrow Feet: Ladder lacing provides a tighter hold.

  • High Arches: Adjust your boots fit with surgeon’s knots and lacing windows.

  • Foot Fatigue: Loosen laces around pressure points while tightening them at the ankle for added support.

  • Wearing Thicker Socks? Loosen the bottom eyelets slightly to accommodate extra volume without sacrificing security.

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Use a modified criss-cross lacing pattern while skipping the eyelets over the most painful part of your foot. This relieves pressure while maintaining a snug fit.

  • Tendonitis or Arch Pain: Surgeon’s knots at key pressure points help secure the foot and prevent excessive movement inside the boot.

  • Weak Ankles: The heel lock technique provides additional ankle stability, reducing the risk of rolling or twisting.

Tactical Lacing Strategies for Different Environments

  • Work Boots: The heel lock technique ensures a stable, all-day fit.

  • Hiking Boots: Quick lace systems and lock lacing improve grip on uneven terrain.

  • Military Boots: Army lacing enhances durability and security.

  • Long Patrols & Foot Marches: A surgeon’s knot combined with square knots prevents shifting.

The Right Gear: First Tactical’s Footwear

Your lacing system is only as good as your boots. First Tactical designs work boots, military boots, and hiking boots that support perfect fit adjustments, secure lacing, and all-day performance.

Why First Tactical Boots?

  • Lightweight & Durable: Composite shank design provides superior stability without the weight.

  • Breathable and Comfortable: Engineered with Ortholite foam and breathable mesh for all-day wear.

  • Superior Traction: Aggressive rubber outsoles prevent slipping on oil, wet surfaces, and rugged terrain.

  • Stay Flat Pull Tabs: Allow for rapid and secure donning of your boots.

  • Lace Garage Feature: A pocket in the tongue of all our footwear that tucks the laces inside to reduce snagging and provide a professional look

If you need boots that perform in any situation, First Tactical has the gear to keep you ready for action. Explore our full collection  here.

Boot lacing isn’t just about keeping your boots on it’s about optimizing fit, reducing fatigue, and ensuring you’re ready for any mission. By following the right boot-lacing techniques and pairing them with high-performance boots, you’ll be able to move with confidence in any environment.

Need gear that works as hard as you do? Check out First Tactical’s line of professional-grade boots built for tactical operators, first responders, and law enforcement professionals.

Back to Blog