What To Know
- Heel lock lacing is a technique that can help to prevent heel slip in boots with a lace-to-toe design.
- Before you go on a long hike, make sure to break in your boots by wearing them around the house for a few days.
- By choosing the right size boots, getting boots with good ankle support, wearing thin socks, lacing your boots properly, using heel lock lacing, using a heel grip, and breaking in your boots, you can prevent heel slip and enjoy blister-free hikes.
Hiking boots are an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast, but they can be a source of frustration if they don’t fit properly. One of the most common problems is heel slip, which can lead to blisters, pain, and discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of heel slip and provide step-by-step instructions on how to prevent it.
Causes of Heel Slip
There are several factors that can contribute to heel slip in hiking boots:
- Improper Fit: The most common cause of heel slip is wearing boots that are too big. Boots that are too large will allow your heel to move around inside the boot, causing friction and blisters.
- Lack of Ankle Support: If your boots don’t provide enough ankle support, your heel may slip when you walk on uneven terrain.
- Thick Socks: Wearing thick socks can take up space in the boot, which can make the boot feel too tight and cause heel slip.
- Improper Lacing: Lacing your boots too loosely can allow your heel to slip, while lacing them too tightly can cut off circulation.
How to Prevent Heel Slip
1. Choose the Right Size Boots
The most important step in preventing heel slip is to choose the right size boots. To do this, you should:
- Measure your feet in both length and width.
- Try on several different pairs of boots in your size to find the ones that fit the best.
- Make sure the boots are snug but not too tight. You should have enough room to wiggle your toes, but your heel should not slip.
2. Get Boots with Good Ankle Support
Boots with good ankle support will help to keep your heel in place. Look for boots with a high ankle cuff that wraps around your ankle snugly.
3. Wear Thin Socks
Thick socks can take up space in the boot and make it feel too tight. Instead, opt for thin, moisture-wicking socks that will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
4. Lace Your Boots Properly
Lacing your boots properly can help to prevent heel slip. To do this:
- Start by threading the laces through the bottom two eyelets.
- Cross the laces over each other and thread them through the next two eyelets.
- Continue lacing the boots in this manner, alternating between crossing the laces and threading them through the eyelets.
- When you reach the top of the boot, tie the laces in a double knot.
5. Use Heel Lock Lacing
Heel lock lacing is a technique that can help to prevent heel slip in boots with a lace-to-toe design. To do this:
- Lace the boots as usual, but when you reach the top of the boot, cross the laces over each other and thread them through the second-to-last eyelets.
- Pull the laces tight and tie them in a double knot. This will create a loop around your heel that will help to keep it in place.
6. Use a Heel Grip
If you’re still having problems with heel slip, you can try using a heel grip. Heel grips are small, adhesive pads that can be placed inside the heel of your boot. They can help to fill up space and prevent your heel from slipping.
7. Break in Your Boots
New boots can be stiff and uncomfortable, which can contribute to heel slip. Before you go on a long hike, make sure to break in your boots by wearing them around the house for a few days. This will help to soften the leather and make the boots more comfortable.
The Bottom Line: Prevent Heel Slip for Blister-Free Hikes
Heel slip is a common problem that can be easily prevented by following the steps outlined in this blog post. By choosing the right size boots, getting boots with good ankle support, wearing thin socks, lacing your boots properly, using heel lock lacing, using a heel grip, and breaking in your boots, you can prevent heel slip and enjoy blister-free hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of heel slip?
Symptoms of heel slip include:
- Blisters on the heel
- Pain in the heel
- Discomfort when walking
- Instability when walking on uneven terrain
What can I do if my boots are too big?
If your boots are too big, you can try the following:
- Use a heel grip to fill up space in the heel.
- Wear thick socks to take up space in the boot.
- Use heel lock lacing to help keep your heel in place.
- Get a new pair of boots that are the right size.
Can I use insoles to prevent heel slip?
Yes, insoles can help to prevent heel slip by filling up space in the boot and providing additional support for your arch. Look for insoles that are designed to reduce heel slip.
