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Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
#33819 10/17/13 07:18 PM
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After my recent JMT, the six yr old Vasque shoes were quite torn. So went shopping REI for new. Found the same Vasque Breeze brand with wide option which are lighter than my old ones and more sturdier. The sales gentleman asked me what my main complaint with the old shoes which I obviously liked and used for more than 1000 miles of training and trekking. I told him that my toes were not too happy downhill though I purposefully step on my heels. He said thats very easy with a different style of knotting so that the top part of the shoe tying keeps the front of the leg tight so that when you are going downhill the foot is still firmly held towards the heel and there is enough room in the front of the shoe and the toes are not squeezed as they don't slip towards the front of the shoe and get squashed!

Later I will take a pic when my shoes are on and post showing the detail of the knot.

Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Krishna #33822 10/17/13 09:09 PM
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I could really use that!

Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Krishna #33825 10/18/13 07:18 AM
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I've used a knot called an "ankle strap". Perhaps it's the same.

A good boot seller will have a ramp for testing for a good fit; checks to see if toes slide down in the boot and checks for heel lift. Wilson's Eastside Sports in Bishop using a ramp like that.

Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Bob West #33826 10/18/13 07:47 AM
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REI, too...


Journey well...
Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Krishna #33828 10/18/13 09:45 AM
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I have been using the Saloman Quest 4D Backpacking boot for the last 3 or 4 years now, I know it has a marvelous lock-back hook for the laces. If you keep the boot laced tight it keeps your heel seated further back and greatly reduces the toe bashing. I also lace the top of my boots with a square knot it keeps them from coming untied 99% of the time. I've found that my toes are normally fine but the laces just loosen allowing my toes to slide forward, the square knot has reduced that immensely.


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Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Krishna #33829 10/18/13 11:09 AM
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These knots are good, but in very cold, winter conditions they can create problems.

Blood circulation to the lower foot and toes can be partially restricted. This can lead to frostbite. Local SAR personnel and ER staff have seen the unfortunate results.

In photographs of frostbitten feet (not pretty) there is often observed a very distinct line on the feet, prior to rewarming, below which the feet are very white, but above healthy. This line corresponds to the place on the boot where the laces were too tight.

A balance needs to be struck between foot comfort and circulation when hiking or climbing in very cold conditions.

The book Medicine for Mountaineering has a good explanation.

Last edited by Bob West; 10/18/13 11:15 AM.
Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Krishna #33830 10/18/13 06:47 PM
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initially this site seems, well, have a look.

but offers many lacing and tying solutions for all laces.

check out the lacing solutions:

shoelaces

and then look for the knots.

pretty cool stuff.

ymmv

Last edited by smithb; 10/18/13 06:50 PM.
Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Steve C #33845 10/20/13 07:45 PM
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I tried to take a pic of my shoelaces during my 10 mile hike today and after looking at the photo, really cant tell how it is achieved! I observed my flat, uphill and downhill walking during today's hike and happy to say that the feeling is the shoes are attached to the front of ankle and could feel the freedom of toes. Here are the steps followed. There are 3 eyelets in the front and 3 hooks above on each side.
1. The cris-cross lacing is kept reasonably loose in the eyelets (meaning not tightened as for a jogging shoe). Instead of simple knot the two laces are just twisted once and taken over the middle hook and are tied in a simple knot.
2. Then the laces are crossed and are taken under the third hook on each side.
3. Then the laces are crossed again and taken under the first hook for final tight eight knot.

Here for clarity the first hook is on the top.

May be I should take pics of each step and post them here?

Re: Hiking shoe knot to keep those toes happy down hill
Krishna #33849 10/20/13 10:02 PM
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> Maybe I should take pics of each step and post them here?

That would be perfect!

Maybe try this: Set up the camera on a tripod, shoe on a bench, in front of the camera. Take multiple pictures as our laces and knots progress. It would make a good sequence.


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