BOOT LACES - A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

[chief38]

Seems like each time I need to replace a part or an item a whole complicated world opens up. Sometimes I hate being OCD!

A few years back I purchased a pair of Thinsulate Kangaroo Hunting Boots from LL Bean for Upland Hunting. The Boots have proven to be excellent, lightweight, really strong as well as being very comfortable and warm. The problem is that the Briars have destroyed the laces in short order and so I went to replace them. I discovered more than I wanted to know about the lace industry and how many different types of laces there really are. After wading through all the different types, shapes, tips blah blah blah..... I purchased a set of Kevlar laces that are supposed to be the best thing since sliced bread! Well, I will put them to the test soon and see if they live up to the hype. Man....... I thought buying a set of new boot laces would be as simple as going into a local store, NOT - they didn't have 72" laces in brown - so that's why I would up on the Internet. Never thought Boot Laces could be so complicated. Whew, time for a cup of Coffee..........

 

[Jessie]

After having a couple of dogs that LOVE shoelaces, I have become an expert in replacing them.
I know what size, construction, where I can find them and the available colors.
I'm glad they're cheap!

 

[max]

My main complaint about laces has to do with the stretchy laces that never stay tied. I have had to replace them whenever they are in new boots.

 

[ejeli]

The problem I find with the Kevlar is that only the inner is Kevlar. In no time the briars or sparks etc damage the outside to the point it separates and wads up at either end. All you have left is Kevlar strands with a ball on both ends, only way to get them out is to cut them.
e.

 

[Salty RI]

I always replace my laces with rawhide.

 

[NCTexan]

I've never met a shoelace that would stay tied for me... unless double tied.

 

[Jack Flash]

Time to take a deep breath!

Maybe another cup of coffee is the last thing you need!

 

[pinduck]

I bought a roll of camo para cord and use it for my boot laces, simply cut the length you need then fuse the ends with my lighter, problem solved.
Glen

 

[USAF385]

I only use speed laces on my boots.

 

[just jim]

I wear a slip on boot, not going to mess with laces. Lol

 

[eveled]

20 years ago, I found a partial roll of boot lace. The flat woven stuff that doesn't stretch. I think it was a 1000 foot roll. I could have taken 20 rolls in different colors. Like a dope I only took the one black roll. Any way I am still using it up and will cry a river when it is gone.

The best part is having it in a length I want. I tried using para cord and it is too stretchy.

An old hunter I used to know, would say never have a boot re soled more than once because the eyes become sharp and cut the laces.

Kevlar boot laces sound interesting, let us know how they work out.

 

[SmokeStack Lightning]

I bought a couple of pair of boots from Cabela's that use what is called the 'Boa' system.

The boots are laced with thin wire that travels up to a locking knob on top of the boots.

Putting on and taking offf is now a breeze after unlocking the knob.

Just turn the knob to tighten, pop the knob, pull on the tongue and your feet slip right out.

They've been using the Boa system on sno-shoes, ski bindings and sno-boards for years now, so I thunk I'd try them.

A real plus is when you want to wear boots loosely for easy off and on, there aren't any laces flopping around.

 

[Qball]

How strange it is,
I se a thread on bootlaces , and mine snapped right now

How 'bout a thread on winning the lottery instead
I have a few tickets to check

i really need to win the jackpot

 

[30-30remchester]

My kids said I used to have OCD. Lately they say I have progressed to CDO. They say that CDO is simply OCD put in alphabetic order.

 

[NYlakesider]

I've never met a shoelace that would stay tied for me... unless double tied.

Well as a construction worker and hunter I have went through my share of boot laces. To keep them tight and snag free for years have used that old time square knot as a tying method. You can keep the laces shorter with little hanging out by using a square knot and it’s quite successful at not untying. Square knot is easy to tie and untie, do it right not as a “granny knot” and you will learn to love it!

Working as a welder I have learned not to blouse pants but let them overhang my shoe/boot tops and you can get a lot more mileage out of laces that way.

 

[chaparrito]

I am breaking in a new pair of Chippewa boots at the moment. They came with flat laces. They appear to be cotton but are heavily waxed and don't stretch at all. The stay tied all day. I'd love to find a lifetime supply of these.

 

[Maddog 521]

There you go chaparrito---------------I was wondering when WAX was going to be mentioned. Waxed boot laces are the key to work boots staying tied.

 

[msinc]

550 para cord will last a long time but it must be double knotted to stay tied. I have often thought of making a set out of fast flight bowstring...would be a bit pricey but should last and with the bowstring wax stay tied.

 

[LVSteve]

Feeding your OCD with coffee? This may not end well.

 

[Mule Packer]

I'm old school...real old school. I'm a big fan of White's rawhide laces. They're heavier duty than your standard rawhide lace, but believe me, they are tough.