How to tie your bootlaces: Functional and style guide

At Panama Jack, we design tough and timeless footwear, created to accompany you on any adventure, whether in the city or out in nature. But did you know that the way you tie your bootlaces could make them more hard-wearing, and make them better adapted to your stride and your personal style? In this post, we want to show you how a pair of well-tied boots don’t just impact comfort, but also style and durability.  

If you have ever asked yourself how to tie or lace up Panama Jack boots, this guide will show you several practical and stylish ways.  Discover how a simple detail can transform your look and your comfort. 

Why is it important to tie your boots properly? 

It may seem like a simple thing, but choosing the right way to lace up your boots not only increases your comfort, but also influences the durability of the footwear and how you flaunt your outfit. Find out why this little detail makes a difference to every step you take.

• Comfort and fit: A proper tying method prevents rubbing and discomfort, ensuring that the foot is properly secured without excessive pressure. It also enables a firm and stable stride, which translates into a more pleasant user experience, particularly if you spend several hours walking. 
• Footwear durability: Although it may seem like a minor detail, badly tied footwear may speed wear and tear of the materials. If the laces are too loose or too tight at strategic points, the boot will undergo more tension in certain areas, affecting the leather and the structure over time, and thereby reducing its useful life. 
• Personal style: The way you lace up your boots may give a completely different air to your look. From a tough adventurous style with tightly-tied laces, to a more relaxed and urban style with looser and more casual laces. They become a key element in customising your footwear and expressing your personality. 

Flat or round laces?

The choice between round or flat laces may seem a simple aesthetic detail, but it actually influences the fit, style and functionality of your Panama Jack boots. 

Round laces tend to be tougher and more durable, as they are designed to provide a firm and secure fit. They are ideal for mountain boots or all-terrain models because their cylindrical shape allows for smoother threading through the eyelets and prevents them from easily becoming undone. They also tend to include waxed or braided materials that improve their hold, making them perfect for long hikes or demanding terrains. 

In contrast, flat laces are an excellent choice if you want your footwear to have a more relaxed urban feel. Because of their larger contact surface with the eyelets, flat laces tend to stay in place more without having to be pulled too tightly, which makes them ideal for casual looks and everyday use. As they are wider, they also provide additional comfort by not creating pressure points on the upper part of the foot. If you are looking for a balance between functionality and style, flat laces could be the perfect choice for a modern look without giving up on comfort. 

4 Ways to lace your boots

Laces can transform your style and fit, depending on how you tie your boots. They can give you greater stability, a more relaxed look, revamp how your boots look… no matter what the reason is. Here, we show you 4 ways to lace up your boots so that you can choose the one that is best for your adventure. 

• Classic criss-cross lacing: The most traditional and functional method. It provides a secure and firm fit, ideal for comfortable everyday use. It consists of crossing the laces and feeding them through the following set of eyelets from the inside out. Once at the top, adjust the tension before tying the final knot. It works well for any type of boot, as it is the classic and best-known system. 

• Straight lacing (Bar Lacing): This is a sleek and minimalist way of lacing your boots and is ideal for a sophisticated urban style. It is achieved by taking one end of the lace inside the shoe and bringing it up at the next eyelet on the same side. Then alternate the pattern until you reach the top. It works particularly well on casual ankle boots.
  
  
• Military or hiking lacing: This method maximises ankle stability and support, which makes it perfect for difficult terrains. Feed the laces across the first eyelets. From the third eyelet, feed the laces in a loop shape through the sides before crossing them. This is ideal for robust models, and hiking or military looks.  

• Relaxed lacing (Loose Lacing): This is for you if you’re looking for a more relaxed and comfortable look. Feed the laces into the eyelets without tightening them too much and, for a casual effect, leave the lace ends slightly loose. Don’t tighten the knot too much either, to allow the foot more flexibility. This tends to be used on casual ankle boots.

Personalise your style with Panama Jack

Now that you know how to tie Panama Jack boots and how to lace up Panama Jack boots, it’s time to take your style to the next level. There is no correct way to tie your boots; each method provides a different fit and adds a personal touch to your look. Would you like a more urban style? Try straight lacing. Do you need more grip on demanding terrains? Opt for the hiking lacing. 

Laces can completely change the appearance of your boots, giving them a revamped feel without the need for new footwear. Experiment with different techniques and find the one that is best for you. And if you want more inspiration, take a look at our article: Use your bootlaces to reinvent your look

Try playing around with the details and give your boots a unique twist. Because walking in style is a matter of attitude… and good lacing!