Quality Replacement Boot Laces?

[Umpqua Hunter]

I am in the process of fitting a pair of Lowa Tibets, and finally on the third try (from Zappos) I believe I've found a great fit. The next piece, I would like to order some "replacement" laces.

I have a high instep, and thick calves, so my boots tend to lace up pretty "wide". As a result, I have minimal lace left for the knot. I can get the knot ties, but an extra 3" to 6" of lace on both sides would be nice (6" to 12" total). The pair of Lowa Tibets I have come with what looks like an 84" long lace (unstretched), so I would like to replace that with something like a 90" to 96" long laces.

This got me thinking, when I have replaced my laces in the past, I typically end up with an inferior lace that I am really not happy with. I'd like to hear what you guys like for a quality "replacement" lace.



Also: The Lowa Tibets have a lace lock just above the lower lacing, so I assume the lace diameter should be fairly close in diameter to the original lace for that to work properly.

 

[bowinhand]

I've used REI brand but for your length you could try contacting Lowa or using 550 cordage.

 

[todd kelly]

Ive had great luck with a pair of Dakota round Kevlar laces on my Scarpa's. I've had one pair going now for 5 years with no fraying or broken ends, and they don't stretch when wet. I'm sure there are a few others out there that are just as good.

 

[digger]

+1 for REI. Get a pair of their waterproof laces.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Has anyone used "IronLace" formerly known as "ArmorLace"? Here is the link:

http://www.ironlace.ca/Home

The REI laces don't look like they are available in the length I need.

 

[larryschwartz]

Although you wind up trimming off a lot of excess lace, one approach I have taken in the past is to buy two pair of laces and tie each pair together with a square knot. You now have a super long lace for each boot. Lace up the boots starting at the bottom and place the square knot at the bottom in the middle. The square knot will lay flat so you won't get any extra pressure, and you now have plenty of length for your wider than normal calves and ankles, and you are using the laces designed for the boot.

Just a thought.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Larry: Good idea..thanks.

My laces measure at 4mm diameter, one guy on a different forum recommended "accessory cord". That is available in 4 mm. Apparently just get some heat shrink tubing for the ends.

 

[actionshooter]

Larry: Good idea..thanks.

My laces measure at 4mm diameter, one guy on a different forum recommended "accessory cord". That is available in 4 mm. Apparently just get some heat shrink tubing for the ends.

That's what I have done in the past, I don't use heat shrink tubing, just melt the ends. That way you can color coordinate your laces with your pack

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Here was something good I learned today. Rather than putting heat shrink on the ends, you can soak the last 3/4" or so in super glue and you will have it so the ends of the laces is easier to thread through the eyelets. Good idea.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi...ums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=59677

 

[ScottP]

I just use paracord. Cut to desired length, then remove the inner strands. Use a little heat to form up a nice tapered end so it will feed through the lace holes. Super durable and cheap. I've got over a year on my first yet and I wear my boots 3+ times per week.