Round laces or flat?

[Neil]

I've been going back and forth between each type of boot lace and can't make up my mind as to which is superior: flat or round laces.

What do you prefer and why?

 

[cushetunk]

What, no poll?

Flat laces fo' shizzle. The round ones are always coming untied.

 

[Paradox]

I've been using the pentagon laces made from UHDPE/carbon fiber, available direct only from Schlameal.com. The weight savings are pretty good about 1000 picograms per foot. Shed the high mica content mud better than any other available shoe tie. Serves double duty as a first rate dental floss for teeth with no proximal neighbor.

 

[JoeCedar]

Once tied, I don't think the shape makes any difference.

More important than the shape is the material of constuction. Some polymer fibers are slippery and tend to come untied easily. Cotton stayed tied well, but is not very durable and does not dry quickly.

Unfortunately, manufacturers make them more for appearance than for functionality or durability.

 

[iceNsnow]

Black Laces are sweet.....

fo-Shizzle! 'specially w/ Leather

 

[Paradox]

More important than the shape is the material of constuction. Some polymer fibers are slippery and tend to come untied easily. Cotton stayed tied well, but is not very durable and does not dry quickly.

Anybody tried hemp laces recently?

 

[DougPaul]

I prefer whichever comes with my boots.

Doug

 

[Hikes4fun]

I think Neil has way to much spare time

 

[Rockledge]

I have to admit my flat ones seem to stay tied better than the round ones. When it really becomes an issue I just double knot. I think Joe hit it on the head that the material may be more of a factor. Double knot the cotton ones (round or flat), get 'em wet and you may be sleeping in your boots.

 

[prino]

I prefer slip-ons!

 

[Stash]

Flat with a double knot to stay tied better. And always gaiters of some sort to keep them dry so I can untie them, and to keep the brush from untying them.

And they have to be dark brown.

 

[jfb]

I don't think it matters, as long as I use this knot so they stay tied.

 

[J.Dub]

Pancakes.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

For knots, before tightening the bow, continue wrapping whichever loop you usually wrap for a second time. It will stay put all day and come out with the same tug you are used to.

Tim

 

[Jay H]

I don't think it matters, as long as I use this knot so they stay tied.

You think Neil has a lot of time on his hands... He has nothing on Ian.

Jay

 

[TenPeaks]

Flat laces

Definitely flat. The round laces always come untied, unless double tied.

Has anyone ever invented velcro hiking boots?

 

[Grumpy]

I think Neil has way to much spare time

I might be inclined to agree.

For what it's worth, though, I prefer leather laces, approximately square in cross-section that came with my Limmer (custom) boots years ago.

At first I thought those laces to be an affectation -- a gimmick -- but in the first season the laces demonstrated their great utility. They are adequately strong and durable, sufficiently elastic to do their intended job very effectively, and they stay tied. I dress 'em with boot grease each time I do the boots.

G.

 

[Stash]

Has anyone ever invented velcro hiking boots?

Do Tevas with wool socks count? You'd be amazed how far you can get in them. Although attaching crampons can be an experience.

 

[WinterWarlock]

Do Tevas with wool socks count? You'd be amazed how far you can get in them. Although attaching crampons can be an experience.

I can't get out of the house with them, or my wife starts groaning...

 

[sardog1]

Do Tevas with wool socks count?

I can't get out of the house with them, or my wife starts groaning...

Wait a while, the groaning will probably subside after a couple of years. But the looking askance may never, in my experience.