Laces

Laces on offer at the Sportano shopChoosing the right trekking or hiking boots is one thing, but you can't forget an equally important element: the laces. They may seem like an insignificant detail, but in fact they play a key role in ensuring comfort, safety and performance while hiking. Inadequate laces can lead to blisters, slipping of the foot in the shoe or even loss of balance in difficult terrain.Types of laces: materials and structuresWhen choosing the right laces for your trekking or hiking boots, it is worth paying particular attention to the materials they are made of and their structure. Here are some points to consider:Materials Polyester: this is one of the most popular options, due to its high abrasion resistance and flexibility. Polyester laces are also moisture-resistant and dry quickly. Nylon: nylon laces are strong and flexible, but can be less abrasion resistant compared to polyester. They can also soak up moisture, which is a disadvantage. Cotton: cotton laces are soft and comfortable, but less abrasion and moisture resistant, which can be problematic in rough terrain. Kevlar: this is a high-strength material that will perform well in extreme conditions. Laces made from Kevlar are also resistant to high and low temperatures. Structures Flat: flat laces are widely used, easy to tie and usually provide a stable and secure fixation. They also give greater flexibility, making them easier to tie in a way that prevents the foot from slipping in the shoe. Round: round laces are more durable and usually more abrasion resistant, but can be more difficult to tie in secure and permanent knots. With reinforcements: some shoelaces have special reinforcements or coatings to make them more durable and abrasion resistant, which is particularly important in rough terrain. Turnbuckles: some modern laces are equipped with turnbuckles or interlocks, allowing the knot to be tied and untied quickly and easily. Choosing the right shoelaces is not only a matter of aesthetics, but above all functionality. Finding the perfect combination of material and structure to meet your individual needs can make a significant difference to the quality of your hiking experience and your comfort during long days outdoors.Weather resistance: how do shoelaces cope with moisture and mud?When we set out on a trek or hike, we often cannot avoid the changing weather conditions. This is why it is worth paying attention to the resistance of shoelaces to moisture, mud or even snow. Laces made of synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, are generally resistant to moisture and dry quickly. As a result, even after walking through muddy areas or water puddles, these laces do not soak up water, meaning that the shoes remain firmly closed. Cotton laces, while soft and comfortable, can soak up water and become heavy, which can affect stability and walking comfort. Kevlar laces are even more resistant to extreme conditions, offering resistance to moisture and high and low temperatures.Tying methods: techniques and knots for different conditionsTying laces is not just about the simple knot we learned to tie as children. There are several techniques and knots that can make a significant difference to comfort and stability when hiking in different terrain conditions. Classic knot: this is the simplest and most common way of tying laces. However, it offers less stability and can untie, especially if the laces are wet or slippery. Double knot: this is an improved version of the classic knot, where a second knot adds extra stability. It is ideal on wet and slippery terrain where the classic knot could untie. Surgical knot: this offers very high stability and is excellent on difficult terrain. However, it is more difficult to untie, which can be problematic in situations where shoes need to be removed quickly. Cross knotting: this is a technique where the laces are tied in an alternating pattern to form a cross pattern. It offers good stability and is often used in trekking boots. Parallel tying: this technique involves running the laces parallel through the eyelets instead of alternating. This is more aesthetically pleasing and usually offers a better fit to the foot, but can be less stable on difficult terrain. Length and thickness: how to choose the perfect laces for your shoes? The length and thickness of laces are two criteria that are often overlooked when shopping, but can significantly affect the comfort and functionality of shoes, especially in the context of outdoor activities like trekking or hiking. Laces that are too long can not only be uncomfortable but also potentially dangerous, especially on uneven terrain where tripping is easy. Conversely, laces that are too short can prevent the shoe from closing properly, which in turn will affect stability and can lead to corns or other foot problems. The length of the laces depends primarily on the number of eyelets in the shoe and the tying style. The width and thickness of the shoe also play a role. If you have shoes with a large number of eyelets and prefer complicated tying methods, such as a surgical knot, you will need longer laces. Otherwise, shorter laces should suffice. When it comes to thickness, the rule of thumb is simple: the thicker the laces, the more durable and abrasion-resistant they are. Thicker laces are also easier to tie into a stable knot. However, shoes with small eyelets may require thinner laces, while trekking shoes with large metal hooks can easily accommodate thicker laces. It is also worth noting whether the laces are elastic or not. Elastic laces can offer extra comfort by allowing the foot some range of movement, but may be less stable on difficult terrain. Your final choice of shoelace length and thickness should be based on a combination of all these factors: shoe type, binding preference and personal comfort and functionality needs. Remember that properly chosen laces are not only a matter of aesthetics, but above all practicality and safety.