Some think boots in general are the most comfortable footwear there is, while many others dislike them especially for creating discomfort around the ankles and lower leg. For the latter group of people, here’s a simple, logic yet still not commonly used solution for how to make the shaft of lace-up boots more comfortable: skip lacing the last pair of eyelets.
Myself I’m one of those who aren’t too keen on boots, I sort of like my ankles to be free. Yet, especially when living in Sweden far up north in Europe, boots are a necessity parts of the year. And I can understand why many love wearing boots, it’s easier to lock your feet into place securely, they are more stable if one like this, and of course protect more of your body. One thing I really can’t stand though is the top line of the boots almost cutting into your leg, you feel it when walking but especially if you need to bend down or similar. This particular discomfort can easily be solved though.
Zonkey Boot wholecut derby boot with the upper lace holes unused.
By skipping lacing the top pair of eyelets, or speed hooks if this is the case, you give the boot the possibility to be much more flexible along the top line. Instead of locking it together with the lacing, you leave room for the leather to follow the movements of your leg in a better way. The difference is actually really big, especially after a while when this part of the boots has been bent and softened a lot through wear. You can still lace the boots properly up to this point, so it’s not like your feet will slide around or become loose in the boots, as can be the case if you try solving the same issue by lacing looser overall. So if you are one of those who find it uncomfortable with a tight top line opening of your boots, and you haven’t tried this yet, go test it straight away.
These Midas x Skolyx hand welted service boots has been worn a lot this winter, due to very rough weather here in Sweden. When lacing them this way without going all the way up, they are much more comfortable for me. Some might not be to keen on the look when lacing a pair like this, but as I always say, comfort always triumphs looks.
Read more about how you should tighten boot laces properly so they don’t break in this article, and learn how to lace and tie shoes in this article.
