Two Laces Better Than One?

It's a whole new world of lacing over at Lafuma with a new lacing system giving you not just one lace but two of them with a promise of improved snug fit and reduced slippage.

The exclusive Dual Lace system features on the new Trek Tech GTX boot from the French company which is appearing in the shops about now. Apparently the technology was derived from snowboarding boots where slippage is a major issue and adapted to the walking market.

It works quite simply. First an internal lace snugs the boot in, reducing the internal volume and holding the foot snugly in place to minimise slippage, then a more conventional outer lace draws the 'external support system' towards the foot and completes the process.

The company claims that reduced slippage - what a great word - reduces friction inside the boot which can lead to 'blisters, foot fatigue and sprains'. And we say amen to that.

It's either very cunning or total overkill and a living hell for anyone who has trouble tying knots. At any rate, we've requested a Trek Tech GTX to try out and we'll let you know how we get on. The rest of the boot is quite conventional with a Phylon midsole unit, Gore-Tex lining and combo leather and nubuck outer.