Shoe lacing techniques for walking and running
Just minutes away from my apartment is a beautiful park where I usually do my walking and running units. I really enjoy its natural surroundings and boost this feeling with some of my favorite music tracks. Well, not often, but it happens I feel a nasty pressure on my foot or even need to tie my shoelaces again. Last time I finally looked up the internet for an efficient way to tie my shoelaces be it for running, walking or style. Here are a few tips for sports and fitness activities I found on Ian’s shoelace site.
If you are into hiking or bushwalking then using soft and flat shoelaces can minimize the pressure points to increase walking comfort and stability. The straight lacing method on the other side will help to reduce the pressure on the upper right of the foot. A useful version of this straight bar lacing is to place the knots on the inside helping to smooth and balance overall pressure.
Following the websites recommendations, I gave the latter method a go while running my daily kilometers and I realized a slight relief on the upper ridge of my foot. The so-called Criss-Cross Lacing is also suitable for running and is commonly known. I haven’t tried the Bow Tie lacing method, but it also promises to reduce pressure on the upper ridge and it shall work well on running shoes with lugs instead of eyelets.
The following tip I found interesting as it helps to deal with heel slippage. Quite a few people have their foot positioned too far forwards. So, when your foot is fully inside the shoe, just press your heel straight into its back and then tight the shoe. It will give you more comfort and stability.
Some of you may be interested in a really firm tightening for brisk walking sessions. It prevents slippage particularly when walking or running downhill. There are three different styles: High Lock, Low Lock and Looped Lock. This lacing method backs on the criss-cross technique, but the finish is different. As our park has a few hills, I now favor this method.
Enjoy Ian’s site to find many other lacing styles or just watch the video below.
Can’t see the video? How to lock your running shoes
