Certainly not the most sexy gear topic, but I am curious what laces you use to tie up your hiking boots. I just got a new pair of Keen Targhee Mid Vent boots, and they came with the standard round laces-which I do not like as they come untied too easily.

I used to wear Merrell boots, which came with their famous blue round laces... which I loved. Very distinct. But... you're right, they do untie too easily, but they also wear and break much faster than flat laces. I found a shoe-tying technique that kept them tied, though. First step is to use a surgeon's tie as you lace them up the top hooks. As you hook them, use the crossover knot like you would ordinarily begin when tying your shoes. But cross the lace twice instead of once. Next hook, double cross again. Once you get to the top, do the same. The double cross of the surgeon's "knot" keeps them from loosening. Then the magic begins.

Instead of making one loop, tying looping the other end around then pulling through, make two loops, and tie them the same way you snugged up your laces. Do a crossover with the two loops, then tuck one loop back through the gap, and then grab the two loop ends and pull them snug down. This will stay tied until you pull on one end or the other. It won't loosen with wear/walking.

Surgeon's shoelace knot guide

I know some people who tie a standard knot, but wrap the first loop twice before pulling the other side through.

But to answer your question, now I wear Asolo hiking boots when backpacking and LL Bean boots in the BWCA, and they both come with round laces, but they're much more durable than the old Merrell boot laces and I haven't had to replace either yet. These laces are more textured and they stay tied with the sugeon's knot and I haven't had to consider replacing them in years.

double tie? never had an issue with laces. sorry can't help you.

It only took about 35 years, but once I realized I was tying my shoes with a granny knot versus a square knot & retrained myself to always use the square I have not had a problem with shoes getting untied.

I use Bean boots and after I tied them for the first time I cut the excess lace and melt the ends.that way I don't have to deal with several inches of lace flapping around.the ends are not in a bow like sneakers just a knot with a inch or so left.

I've been using Ironlace laces for 4 or 5 years now after discovering them. I've been using the same set of laces for all these years, and they've been used in all of the worst conceivable conditions including in wetlands and on burns when I used to do prescribed fires. Other than fading, they're still in perfect shape and always hold a knot (though I tie my boots with a reef/square knot to avoid having loops that can get hooked and pulled).

Try just wrapping the laces around each other once, rather than just crossing, before going through the hooks then again before tying the bows, Then just knot the bow loops again snugly (not tight). I hike for miles this way and never have laces come undone.

Duct tape. Haha. My battle too Mark.

I have enjoyed the simplicity and ease of the Chota laces, but have not replaced those in my other boots, yet. This thread got me thinking how much I hate the cotton flat laces in the NB Abyss. My Red Wing work boots have a very nice lace that has rough edges that grip, never come loose with the granny tie and bow. I tuck the ends in so they do not flap or get caught in something.

It could be the material the round laces are made of instead of the shape being the problem. Three strand polypropylene comes to mind. Shoelaces that break Irk me so I looked for the toughest laces I could find. I bought a set of Rhino laces that are pricey but I'm looking at using them not only on the boots I have now but on my next pair too. They are round but don't feel slippery at all. Just the opposite, they feel a bit sticky and I don't see these being a problem coming untied.

I wore steel toe RedWing leather boots every day for 40 years. To prevent the laces from coming loose you just tie another tie with the loops.

Savage Voyageur: "I wore steel toe RedWing leather boots every day for 40 years. To prevent the laces from coming loose you just tie another tie with the loops. "

This is all I've ever done, too; hardly ever have a problem. I just use whatever laces come with them, but there are these if you need the toughest bootlace out there. I don't know how well they stay tied though.

alpinebrule: "Try just wrapping the laces around each other once, rather than just crossing, before going through the hooks then again before tying the bows, Then just knot the bow loops again snugly (not tight). I hike for miles this way and never have laces come undone. "

Interesting. Will give this a try.

So it sounds like I just need to learn how to tie my shoes...;-)

BuckFlicks: " Surgeon's shoelace knot guide "

My mum taught me this way a long time ago...

Mark:
Took me a bit to find the Brand. American Legacy Hickory Brand

Both thick flat and round styles. I use both according to the boot lacing needs. Flat for all eyelet, round for speed and stud lacing.

butthead

butthead: "Mark:
Took me a bit to find the Brand. American Legacy Hickory Brand


Both thick flat and round styles. I use both according to the boot lacing needs. Flat for all eyelet, round for speed and stud lacing.


butthead"

When I originally posted this, I was waiting for you to throw me a line! Thanks, Ken.

Missed ya at Copia, maybe latter at Old Chicago!

butthead