Tying or lacing your Red Wing boots correctly ensures both comfort and a sharp appearance. While several lacing methods exist, a key step highlighted in tutorials is setting up the bottom lace consistently on both boots. As seen in lacing guides for Red Wing boots, it's essential to "try to match it up so that they're both the bottoms are going in this in this instance" on each boot before proceeding. Once the initial lace is correctly placed at the bottom, you "got that here. So put that one through" to start threading the laces up the eyelets.
A popular method for Red Wing boots, known for its clean lines, is Straight Bar Lacing. Here’s how to do it while incorporating the guidance on the initial setup:
Step-by-Step Lacing Guide for Red Wing Boots:
- Initial Bottom Setup: Take your shoelace and thread it horizontally through the bottom pair of eyelets. For a clean look often preferred with straight bar lacing, bring the lace in through the underside of the eyelets so the lace sits on top of the boot material across the gap.
- Consistency is Key: As emphasized in lacing demonstrations, "try to match it up so that they're both the bottoms are going in this in this instance". Ensure the lace is threaded the exact same way across the bottom on both your left and right boots for symmetry.
- Center the Lace: Adjust the lace so that both ends are equal in length on either side of the boot.
- Start the Vertical Pass: Take one of the lace ends. This is where you "put that one through". Thread it vertically up the inside of the boot, skipping one eyelet, and bring it out through the eyelet directly above the skipped one on the same side.
- First Horizontal Pass: Take the lace end you just brought out (from step 4). Thread it straight across the outside of the boot and feed it down into the corresponding eyelet on the opposite side.
- Second Vertical Pass: Now, take the other lace end (the one that is still coming out of the bottom eyelet). Thread this end vertically up the inside of the boot, to the next unused eyelet on the same side (which is the one above the eyelet you just used in step 5). Bring it out through this eyelet.
- Second Horizontal Pass: Take the lace end you just brought out (from step 6). Thread it straight across the outside of the boot and feed it down into the corresponding eyelet on the opposite side.
- Continue Lacing: Repeat steps 5-7, alternating which lace end you're working with. You'll always take the lace end that just came out of an eyelet, thread it straight across the outside and down into the opposite eyelet. Then, take the other lace end (which is currently on the inside higher up), feed it vertically up the inside to the next available eyelet, bring it out, and thread it straight across the outside.
- Finishing Up: Continue this pattern until you reach the top eyelets. Adjust the tension from bottom to top to ensure a comfortable fit before tying the final knot.
Why Proper Lacing Matters for Red Wings
Correct lacing does more than just secure the boot; it affects the fit, comfort, and even the longevity of the leather by distributing tension properly. Straight bar lacing offers a clean aesthetic that suits the durable and classic look of Red Wing boots.
Essential Tips:
- Symmetry: Always ensure the lacing pattern starts the same way on both boots, as recommended in the reference.
- Even Tension: Lace your boots so they are snug but not overly tight. This prevents discomfort and allows the leather to flex naturally.
- Lace Through Eyelets: Ensure the lace passes through the eyelets smoothly. If it catches, adjust your technique.
By paying attention to the initial setup across the bottom eyelets and carefully threading the laces as described, you can achieve a well-tied Red Wing boot that looks great and feels comfortable.
