Are you tired of your hiking boot laces not holding your foot in place properly? Or maybe, on longer hikes, you’re annoyed by having to adjust and readjust your laces because they come undone all the time? Whatever the case, you’ll agree that your shoe laces need to be reliable when setting out on hikes – and that could be easily solved by getting yourself some of the best hiking boot laces out there.
Your ideal pair would not only be reliable but also durable. Coming in a variety of different patterns and designs, some laces are even able to withstand fire and corrosion. On top of that, if they come with some reflective patterns, they might even save your life one day!
Since we know that there are hundreds of products on the market, many of which are not tough enough to hold your feet tightly, we’ve made this article. In it, we’ve brought you the best boot laces to choose from but also the features you need to take into account when purchasing your next pair of laces. Keep reading on to find out more!
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Length | Specific Features | Ideal For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhino Unbreakable | 36 - 110 | Practically indestructible – not easy to burn, chop or cut | Firefighting, military, police, hiking, mountaineering | Check price on Amazon |
| Ironlace | 54 - 108 | Corrosion and chemical resistant, fire and heat resistant | Hiking boots | Check price on Amazon |
| Luxsego Elastic No Tie | 48 | Elastic shoelaces – can stretch up to 80 inches | Sneakers and hiking boots | Check price on Amazon |
| Derby Purple Waxed Skate | 72 | Treated with performance wax for tightness, moisture and abrasion resistant | Hiking boots, hockey skates, roller derby skates and roller skates | Check price on Amazon |
| Moneysworth & Best Leather | 72 | Made of genuine leather | Hiking boots, deck shoes, baseball gloves, moccasins, and crafts | Check price on Amazon |
| Jarlif Elastic No Tie | 42 | No tie shoelaces, have buckles tail clip | Sports shoes, hiking boots or casual shoes | Check price on Amazon |
Features to Consider Before Buying
For every product that you want to purchase, it is imperative to take into account the specific and important features that will be helpful to you to ensure that you do not spend recklessly. As an experienced user of boot laces, it might not be a major confusion because already you know that what to expect from quality materials.
But to first time users, it may be challenging to spot the best boot laces if the guidelines are not provided hence we have sought to guide you hereunder. Among others, you need to take into account the design materials used, the tie or lock system, and the size of the shoelaces as well as the guarantee from the manufacturer.
Material
The importance of the material out of which the shoe laces are made cannot be overemphasized because the material is often connected to many other features, durability included.
Some laces are made using fibers of fabric materials while others used iron, and each material has its cons and pros. For example, you might find out that the toughest ones such as the iron are stiff, but obviously unbreakable to last you for longer.
Meanwhile, other materials can easily absorb water and then get damaged quicker in time. It is important to look whether the materials used are corrosion and abrasion resistant, and cannot be affected by the extreme temperatures in the wilderness while hiking.
Overall Dimensions – Length, Thickness & Weight
The size of the shoelaces is equally important as well. We’d recommend paying attention to the length of the shoe laces, the thickness, and the weight when determining your next buy.
Most shoe laces should be long enough for everyone but don’t forget that some boot laces don’t stretch to accommodate your shoe size. Perhaps a good choice would be the stretchable shoelaces that can easily conform to any size, whether kids or adults. But, do not forget the design of your boots as well. Thick shoelaces may be disappointments to thinner eyelets on your shoes and vice versa.
Also worth considering is the weight of the shoelaces. As you travel you wouldn’t opt for the boot laces that will be too heavy to compromise the freedom of your movement. Lighter laces are the best choice, most of the time.
Tie and Lock System
Some laces are to be tied whereas others are to be locked. It’s your call to make, which one is preferred for your convenience. But, taking into account the freezing wilderness temperatures, we recommend the ‘no-tie’ elastic shoelaces for you if you like hiking in winter, in particular.
They can be locked with ease with less handling needed. As for tie-able laces, it might be adversely cold when you take off your hand just to tie your shoelaces. The lock system can do all that for you to avoid the inconveniences. Each of the tie system can be adjusted to conform to your feet.
Extra Features
When looking at shoelaces, we’d advise you take a look at other additional features they come with. Think about the tips of the shoelaces, their color & design, their resistance to water, corrosion, fire or other chemical substances.
The tip of the laces could be more important than you think – in the end, that’s what’s holding the shoelace together! Poorly designed tips fray away and the laces might not fit well on the eyelets with ease anymore.
As you consider the design of the boot laces, do not forget the color as well. Most of the shoelaces are available in various colors and designs, so you could easily purchase the color that matches your boots. Even more, some have reflective materials that make it possible to be visible when hiking in the dark as that might save your life.
Price
Boot laces are what holds your foot together tightly in your boots – so boots become practically useless without the proper lacing system in place. Even though no one expects you to spend a fortune on your pair – unless you want to, of course – often times, going on and doing the investment may pay off more than you think.
Usually, the more you pay, the better the quality you get. If you decide you want to splurge, make sure your boot laces come with as many as extra features as possible, so they’re worth your buy.
Best Products on Today’s Market
Now that we gave you guidelines that what to look for when purchasing these shoelaces, let’s move a step further to introduce the products to you. We have managed to collect 6 footwear laces in addition to their related products to choose from. Take time to analyze the features, in line with the aforementioned guidelines.
Rhino Unbreakable Shoelaces
Price: Approx. $20
Length: From 36 to 110 inches
Specific features: Not easy to burn, chop, destroy or cut, the manufacturer promises a free replacement if they break, available in various sizes
Best use: Firefighting, military, police, hiking, mountaineering
Description: The Rhino Unbreakable Shoelaces are the best choices for your hiking boots more especially when you hike on rough terrains because they are strong and not easy to break.
They hold tightly through your boots’ eyelets to secure your feet for a better grip. The manufacturer reassures the customer that the laces can be replaced for free in case they get cut, destroyed or you’re able to somehow chop them in half.
However, do note that the tips of the laces aren’t their strongest feature – the metal ends could fall off after a few weeks of use. The other complaint you might have is about the stiffness of the laces. But on the other side, since they’re made to be indestructible, this means they are made tough enough to withstand any use.
The other thing is that you cannot tie them like regular shoelaces as experienced by some customers. They say there is a specific pattern to be followed. Nonetheless, some have praised their toughness and their affordability, so if you’re looking for a durable pair, this could be a good choice for you!
PROS:
- Practically unbreakable
- Come in various sizes & different colors
- Life-time warranty
CONS:
- The metal end may fall off
- Not very easy to tie and use, could take some getting used to
Related: These shoelaces are truly durable and should last you a lifetime. But, what about your shoes? Are they that durable? If you are thinking about buying a new pair of hiking boots to match the durability of Rhino laces, we can recommend the Scarpa Fuego Mountaineering Boots – a great match for your boot laces regarding durability!
Ironlace Lace
Price: Approx. $15
Length: From 54 to 108 inches
Specific features: Available in brown color, 1500 lbs. breaking strength, corrosion and chemical resistant, fire and heat resistant
Best use: Hiking or backpacking boots
Description: The Ironlace Lace are made to resist any damage from corrosion or any chemical spilled on your boot laces. They are also made to resist further damage by heat or fire, in case you do hike in extremely hot days or amid wild fire ashes.
This assures you durability, meaning you will enjoy multiple uses without any quality compromised with a breaking strength of up to 1500 lb.
However, some customers have reported that the minor downsides of these Ironlace laces is the fading of the color happening from repeated uses. The falling plastic tip at the end of the laces has also been reported as the downside although not regularly but it’s something that might put you off from buying.
On the average, these laces are commended for their toughness and sturdiness, as well as for their color design choice. They are made of high quality material, upon which we, and numerous satisfied customers, attribute to their exceptional durability.
PROS:
- Very tough and durable
- Can withstand fire & corrosion
CONS:
- Tips could fall off
- Some users could find them to be too tough
Related: If leather boots – and even leather boot laces – are your thing, then the Sof Sole Mink Oil might help you get years more use out of your boots! Coming in a very convenient package, you’d be able to not only prolong the durability of your shoes and laces but also create a waterproof barrier and make the most out of your favorite leather pair.
Luxsego Elastic No Tie Shoelaces
Price: Approx. $10
Length: 48 inches long, but can stretch up to 80 inches
Specific features: Elastic no tie shoelaces, available in various colors, best lock laces, 100% satisfaction guarantee within 30 days
Best use: Both adults and kids, for sneakers and hiking boots
Description: The Luxsego Elastic No Tie Shoelaces are designed for everyone – their use can be very diverse! Since they are elastic and employ a no-tie system, they can lock easily, making them ideal for kids as well.
Chances are, you won’t have to tie your shoelaces again and again while on the trail since the lock system is here to come to your rescue.
A great part about these laces is that they are elastic enough to stretch from 48 inches to 80 inches. On top of that, they require no technical knowledge in order to use them, since they are fairly easy to install with minimal instructions given.
The manufacturer recommends installing these shoelaces while your feet are in the hiking boots already to ensure a proper fit. The laces are different from ordinary laces that require tying.
The non-slip lace clips to protect the ends and their lace lock is adjustable and simple to use to secure your feet. In the package, you will find: two shoelaces, two lock devices, two cord clip end pieces and a set of instructions on how to install these laces.
PROS:
- No need to tie them
- Stretchable & affordable
- Can be used by adults and kids as well
CONS:
- Can’t tie the hiking or climbing shoes strong enough to have a tight fit
- Some might prefer a more standard tying system
Related: The FMS Heavy Duty Cord Lock has such a versatile use, that you’ll probably realize how much you’ve needed it in the first place once you’ve bought it! Don’t let the bright colors fool you – this cord lock can withstand pretty tough conditions and even sub-zero temperatures. If you happen to be unsatisfied by the product, the manufacturer offers a full refund.
Derby Laces Purple Waxed Skate Lace
Price: Approx. $8
Length: 72 inches
Specific features: Treated with performance wax for tightness, molded tri-fold tip, high quality and durable fibers with a remarkably high tensile strength, moisture and abrasion resistant, available in a variety of colors
Best use: For hiking boots, hockey skates, roller derby skates and roller skates
Description: The Derby Laces Purple Waxed Skate Laces are the best fit for a variety of footwear such as hiking boots, hockey skates, and roller derby skates.
Their performance is enhanced by the precision wax that also makes them feel soft. This enables them to remain tied and tight on the boots so that your feet do not feel loose while walking.
Moreover, the laces’ tips are molded to prevent fraying or breaking. It helps to extend their durability because most laces fray out due to poorly designed tips.
These laces are exclusively made of durable and high quality blended fibers known for their high tensile strength and resistance to moisture and abrasion. In turn, this helps enhance durability. You have freedom to choose from a variety of colors available, and more colors are pending.
Many customers are actually impressed with the quality and comfort fit of these laces. Also commended is their high quality materials that make them last longer.
PROS:
- Exceptional grip thanks to the performance wax treatment
- High-quality & very durable
- Moisture and abrasion resistant
- Come in various colors
CONS:
- A little hard to lace because of the material
- Color could wear off
Related: If you’re tired of not being able to get dirt and spots off your boots and laces, try giving the Fiebing Kelly’s Cobbler Dry Cleaner a chance – as the name suggests, a product you can use to remove heavy-duty stains off of delicate fabrics and leather. Apart from the decent price, the product comes in a small enough bottle that you should be able to carry with you even when on the move.
Moneysworth & Best Leather Laces
Price: Approx. $12
Length: 72 inches
Specific features: Made of genuine leather, rawhide used for durability, kid leather softens the laces
Best use: For hiking boots, deck shoes, baseball gloves, moccasins, and crafts
Description: The Moneysworth & Best Leather Laces is a great product to use on various footwear. It is sturdily made of a genuine leather that is tanned in combination with a rawhide material for durability purposes. The manufacturer guarantees that these laces will last a long time.
They will not be easily broken or destructed by the harsh temperatures that you face in whichever sporting activity you undertake, or the stress they get exposed to. Also, thanks to the material used, once you tie them, you can rest assured that they will stay that way and not untie when you least expect.
They are furthermore made to be soft by the Kid leather used in the design, so tying them up is quite easy and fast. The only downside you might have when it comes to this product is the fact that the pair might look a bit old-fashioned – but on the other hand, that’s exactly what could make it attractive to some, so it’s up to you to decide!
PROS:
- Affordable & durable
- Traditional design
- High-quality leather
CONS:
- Only available in brown color
- Some might prefer something more modern/colorful
Related: Now that you found perfect shoeslaces for your hiking boots, we can recommend a waterproofing solution as it is crucial that your boots are capable of keeping your feet dry. You can check out the Nikwax Fabric and Leather Waterproofing that comes with a sponge for application to stop you from making a mess.
Jarlif Elastic No Tie Shoelaces
Price: Approx. $8
Length: 42 inches
Specific features: “No tie” shoelaces, have buckles tail clip and a transparent spring clasp, reflective cladding material, 2 laces + 2 snap hooks and 3 buckle shoelace tails
Best use: For sports shoes, hiking boots or casual shoes
Description: The Jarlif Elastic No Tie Shoelaces are your new-age versatile shoelaces – that includes hiking boots, casual shoes, and sports footwear as well. Basically, they should fit every shoe that crosses your ming.
Do you like walking at night, but are afraid to walk on the edge of the road because you might get hit by a car? That won’t be a problem here, because they are woven with reflective materials for you to be visible at night.
We found this feature to be very useful because it allows the drivers to spot you from a mile away and slow down if you are on the road.
Furthermore, you will not have to take off your fingers from your warm gloves to tie these laces, because they are “no-tie” laces employing easy to use and hassle free lock system. They are stylish shoelaces to even be used on casual shoes. They are also easily perforated after multiple presses on them.
PROS:
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- No tie system
- Visible in the dark
CONS:
- Might be short on some boots
- Some could prefer traditional laces
Related: If you like what this manufacturer did with these shoelaces, you might also like their running sneakers. The Jarlif Womens Athletic Running Sneakers are the best match for these laces and for when you want to get out of the heavy boots and feel like walking on a cloud.
Wrapping Up
We’ve reached the end of our article and hopefully, we have provided you with a variety of the toughest boot laces as well as the best related products to help you choose what’s best for you.
As emphasized in the beginning, be considerate of the type of the shoelaces in relation with your hiking boots. Some may be incompatible with the eyelets of your boots. Also, the features of each laces were highlighted for you to see that which one is worth the price.
Have we left out any product that you deem the toughest and affordable? Leave your comment in the comment section below. With these products we mentioned, we believe that you will be able to choose the best one in order to secure your feet when exploring the great outdoors activities.
I hadn’t considered elastic laces before, I didn’t even know you could attach them to shoes that didn’t come with stretchy laces already. They sound perfect for my trail running shoes! Would you recommend the Elastic Lock Shoe Laces or the Sununico Elastic No Tie Shoelaces? Looks like they’re similar in price so I’m more interested in hearing reviews.
We love both, it really comes down a personal choice!
I really prefer the Sununico laces. They actually come in a 3 pack so if anything happens out on the trail you can replace them without buying a whole new set. Plus, they’re small enough to carry with you on runs and hikes. They come in nice colors too.
That’s so true! Thanks for commenting.