Lace 'Em Up - A Guide to Proper Lacing

Article by Emily BennettBefore you roll your eyes and think, How the heck does lacing my safety shoes affect my foot pain? think about what actually lacing your shoes a certain way might do for your hooves in the long haul. Just like runners lace their shoes a particular way before hitting the pavement, or figure skaters stringing up their skates before taking to the ice, your work shoe demands the right lacing before you go on the job.Just like theres a wide variety of work safety shoes, there are a bunch of ways you can lace them. Theres lacing patterns that range from helping with heel slips, tightness across the top of your foot from the laces, and even what type of arch you have. Whatever your foot pain problem might be, we can assure you that properly lacing your pair of work shoes may help alleviate some of that pain. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you lace up that pain of yours.Toe ProblemsIf youve got toe problems, it can cause a few bouts of pain for you in your work shoes. A simple lacing can alleviate some of that pain. When youre lacing up your shoes, create a diagonal lace going from the bottom to the top. Lace the eyelets with the rest of the lace. High ArchPeople that have high arches may have a hard time with normal criss-cross lacing. By straight lacing your shoes, the pressure on the shoe's tongue is released which allows relief to your foot, leading to more comfort all around.Top of Foot PainPain on the top of your foot can be awfully aggravating, especially when youre trying to work. When lacing up your safety toe boots, skip an eyelet so you leave space in the lacing. This will lead to less pressure on the top of your foot.Heel SlippageSlipping heels arent much fun when theyre leaving you with a blister on the back of your hoof. If your heel slips too much or you need a little more toe room, try a lace lock at the top of your work shoe. This will pull your foot back into the heel of the shoe and help out to stop the slippage for a more snug fit.Next time you go to lace up your safety boots, remember these tricks to help cut down on some of that foot pain youre experiencing. Its worth your time experimenting with a new lace pattern at home. Remember, when you take care of your feet, your feet will take care of you.For more information on foot care visit us at www.safgard.com.