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Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: Aloha on February 25, 2016, 05:47:03 PM

Title: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Aloha on February 25, 2016, 05:47:03 PM
I've been meaning to re-lace my hiking shoes with 550 cord but keep forgetting.  Anyone do this already?  Have you been in a situation where it's come in handy?

Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: pfrsantos on February 25, 2016, 05:51:34 PM
I'd say get a paracord bracelet or some other way to carry some of it. If you only carry it as shoe laces, once you need/use it, how are you going to keep your boots on?!

 :think: :think:
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: captain spaulding on February 25, 2016, 05:53:43 PM
I thought about it but do not. I did switch my laces to real leather laces though.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Toolslinger on February 25, 2016, 09:34:01 PM
I use 550 cord on my sneakers as I find it lasts longer than the regular laces. You'll need to play around with your knots (I double knot mine) as the 550 is slippery and can come undone easily in some knots.

I also never plan on using my laces for cord. I carry spare 550 in my pack and car.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: smiller43147 on February 26, 2016, 01:08:07 AM
I use it for boot laces.  It lasts longer because of the reduced friction.  Also easier to lace/unlace for the same reason.
I find that it "relaxes" over time, so you might have to stop and retighten, depending on how tight you like your boots laced.  Also, the prior comments about double knotting are right on.  That reduced friction, plus the tendency to "relax" makes them prone to untying.

I don't use the paracord with the intent of using it for other purposes, just as laces.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Scorpion Regent on December 27, 2016, 10:15:19 AM
I replaced my bootlaces with paracord.  I had plenty extra lying around and I didn't want to sped any money on laces.  I used heat shrink tube on the ends to make proper lace tips.  It would use my bootlaces for cordage only in a dire emergency.  Boots without laces means blisters.  In the wilderness taking care of your feet is essential.  Because if you can't walk, you are just waiting around to die.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Fortytwo on December 27, 2016, 05:02:41 PM
I've been considering doing it. Right now I use a pair of Dr Marten boots and their laces have held up for two years now but for my last pair of boots I had to replace the laces every six months. The replacement laces available are just that much inferior.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Aloha on December 27, 2016, 06:54:51 PM
I replaced my bootlaces with paracord.  I had plenty extra lying around and I didn't want to sped any money on laces.  I used heat shrink tube on the ends to make proper lace tips.  It would use my bootlaces for cordage only in a dire emergency.  Boots without laces means blisters.  In the wilderness taking care of your feet is essential.  Because if you can't walk, you are just waiting around to die.

I was thinking 550 would be for durability however the laces in my Merrils have not needed changing.  I have gone thru laces before but not on my Merrils.  I would think IF I had to use the 550 out of my shoes I would or could use 2-3 inner strands to tie my shoes while using the remaining 4-5 inner strands plus outer sheath for whatever emergency. 

I always have cordage on me when out so needing the amount I'd use in my shoes would mean I was in dire need.     
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on December 31, 2016, 07:54:15 PM
I did this a couple of weeks ago:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,69681.0.html

So far I have had no regrets or problems.  I have worn them a number of times and so far no sign of wear or any problems with them remaining tied.

Def
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: sak60 on January 17, 2017, 10:27:31 AM
I have been for awhile now. My last para laces lasted for three pairs. These are my current ones.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Dwest on March 18, 2017, 12:57:57 AM
I have used 550 cord since the 80's for laces. It works very well. If you need to use it pull the inners out and relace with the shell.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: sir_mike on March 18, 2017, 01:20:24 AM
I replaced my bootlaces with paracord.  I had plenty extra lying around and I didn't want to sped any money on laces.  I used heat shrink tube on the ends to make proper lace tips.  It would use my bootlaces for cordage only in a dire emergency.  Boots without laces means blisters.  In the wilderness taking care of your feet is essential.  Because if you can't walk, you are just waiting around to die.

I was thinking 550 would be for durability however the laces in my Merrils have not needed changing.  I have gone thru laces before but not on my Merrils.  I would think IF I had to use the 550 out of my shoes I would or could use 2-3 inner strands to tie my shoes while using the remaining 4-5 inner strands plus outer sheath for whatever emergency. 

I always have cordage on me when out so needing the amount I'd use in my shoes would mean I was in dire need.   

I would think that would work well.
Title: Re: Anyone lace their shoes up with 550 cord or similar?
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on March 18, 2017, 02:33:36 PM
I've still got the bright orange 550 paracord on my boots and they still look as perfect as they did when I put them on initially.  I wish I'd tried this years ago rather than spending money on so called strong laces that don't even last a season.

Def