Posted: 10/17/2008 10:12:42 AM EDT
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Well it's time to get some new ones for my hiking boots, and I was wondering if anyone has any special thoughts/ingenious ideas on replacements... 550 cord, leather, "something fancy", etc. Are boot laces six one way half a dozen the other? What works best? Thanks. |
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Some sort of braided nylon. Black nylon laces are widely available, and cheap. Earth tones are less common, but also around, if you look. An important factor is the internal diameter of the grommets of your boots. Any lace should ideally be of the largest diameter which can be easily threaded through the grommets in the dark. OEM speed-lace grommets should be sized to accept such laces easily. One thing to consider is if a speed lace grommet should lose the outer portion, which is subject to snagging and fatigue. Most often, the rivet that secures the speed lace to the boot is hollow, and in such cases, a braided nylon lace that will fit through the hollow grommet is indicated. This scenario happened to me recently, and my braided nylon laces did fine until I could have my cobbler fix the problem. Without access to my cobbler and his specialized tools, expertise, and materials, I could still lace up my boot fully, although it was a minor PITA. If I had had laces of a larger diameter, such as 550 cord, I would have been SOL. |
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get the ones w/ kevlar in them. They are very expensive but have lasted longer than 2 sets of 550 and originals, plus tie very well. I dont know the brand name but they are worth it, especially on hard use items. I would have never used them until I went to the army navy store, where they sell outdoor gear for AK workers-they work great |
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550 cord works very well, has many other uses in a pinch, and is easily replaceable (i.e, you probably already carry extra). A lot of guys use it in the military for replacement bootlaces, Depending on your footwear you may need to gut it. Also, be sure to melt the ends. If you don't have any, PM me and I'd be happy to find some in a big tanglef*ck I'm pretty sure I got from the riggers and have lying around somewhere and mail you enough for bootlaces. -Greg |
