Anyone use parachute cord for boot laces?

[sixdogs]

I bought a roll of parachute cord and have read that you can use it for bootlaces but I never knew anyone that actually did it. If you have used them, or know of someone that has, how did it work out? Durable? A good alternative to regular laces? Would you do it again and suggest it to others?

 

[Imaybail]

I use them in my heavy boots and they work well for me. Just be sure to melt and fuse the inner strands to the outer braided sheath where you cut them.

 

[dpb800]

Same here, they work good in my boots. I also fused the inner core with the outer sheath.

 

[dkair]

Ditto on performance and fusing strands. I've had the same set in a pair of my work boots for two years now and they are holding up very well. I had issues with them coming untied and would tie them in "double knots" until I learned how to properly tie my shoes.

 

[firemanmike69]

I bought a roll of parachute cord and have read that you can use it for bootlaces but I never knew anyone that actually did it. If you have used them, or know of someone that has, how did it work out? Durable? A good alternative to regular laces? Would you do it again and suggest it to others?

Yes I do it all the time, they last longer than regular laces and I always have some on hand

 

[gwdixon]

The demo in "properly tie my shoes" shows how to make a square knot rather than a "granny knot". Plus, the way to tie the shoe completely depends on the first loop in the lace, be it overhand or underhand. Oh, well.

There are a couple of ways to tie a square knot in laces.

As far as parachute cord in shoes, yes, it works well. For the tips it is useful to use a 1/2" to 3/4" piece of electrical heat shrink tubing to make a neat appearing end. (After it is heated, of course.)

 

[Mace Canute]

I and a couple of friends use braided nylon rope for bootlaces. It's not true military parachute cord, it's sold as camper cord and is about 5/32" diameter but it works very well and is much more economical than actual shoe laces. Seems to last much longer also.

 

[BKBoiss]

I buy a white nylon cord from the hardware store. I have learned that there is two different ones, they look exactly the same but one has a higher weight rating and lasts longer. As far as coming untied I learned to take a little dirt in my hand and rub it into the rope. It never gives me grief after that.

 

[hslogger]

All kinds of heavy duty cord can really be handy in your boot eyelets. They will outlast regular soft laces. The problem i would point out, is that now a days most your boots are throwaway boots that cannot be resoled. Using HD laces in them won't bother you because by the time you wear out the eyelets, you are ready to toss the boots.

That said, if you are a wearer of good Ol USA leather boots with brass eyelets, be not tempted to use HD synthetic laces. in time they wear through your eyelets. Replacing soft cotton or leather laces is a lot better for your boot longevity. true story.

 

[sixdogs]

Parachute cord is pretty soft, isn't it? Anyone use it for a long time and know if it bothered the eyelets?