Boot care for beginners
TIE THE PERFECT BOOT KNOT BY ALLEN MACARTNEY One frustration haunts all hikers: how to tie boot laces so they don’t loosen. Loose laces invite falls and sprains, so the rougher the trail, the more important properly laced boots become.
And there’s more to it than that. Specific lacing techniques help boots feel more comfortable for different foot sizes and shapes and the lacing method employed by boot makers is not necessarily the best for your foot. But before we look at some techniques that work, remember that not all laces are created equal. Some round laces loosen almost spontaneously regardless what you do. I prefer laces with a rectangular cross-section – not round. They hold their knot even over the roughest terrain. And before hitting the trail with your newly laced boots, try wearing them around the house for several days to make sure you have them adjusted right. That way you’ll find out if laces loosen too easily. If they do loosen, tame them by changing the tension around foot and ankle. Do this by looping
It’s discouraging to buy expensive outdoor boots only to watch the leather become cracked and leaking even after a casual splash through mud. Avoid this with attitude. Make caring for your boots a pleasure by thinking about upcoming trips as you clean and apply oil. Start by gently washing away any mud or grit off your boots, including under the laces. Allow them to dry completely, then apply a thin coat of Mink Oil or Neatsfoot Oil – both work. Don’t apply too much. Let it sink in and dry for several days before applying a second, heavier coat. Reapply every month, depending on use. Those boots will remain soft, pliable and waterproof.
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