Guest Clinton Brunt Posted 16 September , 2004 Share Posted 16 September , 2004 Fellows, Haven't had as much chance to post as I'd hoped Does anyone have any thoughts, rumors or ideas as to why the British army (among others) insisted on boots being ladder-laced? I mean, does it serve a real purpose? I've a pair of boots laced so and honestly, its a pain in the hind-end!! Its difficult to tighten and a little difficult to loosen. Any ideas?? Sincerely, Clinton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilB Posted 16 September , 2004 Share Posted 16 September , 2004 In basic training, we were told to lace them that way as it looked smarter and because "It`s the Army way"! I agree it`s a pain! Phil B PS The laces were leather and of square cross section and they had to be laced up with no twists in. Not easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyDick Posted 16 September , 2004 Share Posted 16 September , 2004 It also makes it far easier and quicker to remove a boot - your own or a another's - by slicing or cutting through horizontal laces. Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmsk212 Posted 16 September , 2004 Share Posted 16 September , 2004 It also makes it far easier and quicker to remove a boot - your own or a another's - by slicing or cutting through horizontal laces. Richard Same reason as I was always given. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeoffLeese Posted 16 September , 2004 Share Posted 16 September , 2004 And me. Although I'm not altogether sure it stands up to "engineering" scrutiny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tintin1689 Posted 16 September , 2004 Share Posted 16 September , 2004 There are at least three ways to do ladder lacing (they all look the same on the outside) I was told to cut the boot open also You've touched a real raw nerve here We did all our shoes like this from childhood I hate to see Xs its so incredibly ugly and cack-handed looking it makes me want to scream (and I am a very placid guy and will tolerate most things) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Dave Posted 17 September , 2004 Share Posted 17 September , 2004 The main reason is the cutting open for medical purposes. One other reason was that it stays tighter for longer if done up properly. And of course they look nice on parade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Dave Posted 17 September , 2004 Share Posted 17 September , 2004 Whoops. Forgot to mention. The nice little rabbit ears don't exist, so they cannot poke out and get snagged on stuff, tripping the owners over. Very smart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Clinton Brunt Posted 18 September , 2004 Share Posted 18 September , 2004 Fellows, Thanks for the input! Clinton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J T Gray Posted 20 September , 2004 Share Posted 20 September , 2004 This may well be a military old wive's tale - never having been closer to the army than dating one of their civilian staff I don't have a MBF (Military Bulldroppings filter).... I recall a chap being interviewed on the radio about his service somewhere saying that if the Ghurkas were feeling their way about in the dark and came across a sentry they'd feel very carefully up the front of his boots. If they weren't laced up ladder-fashion (ie it wasn't "one of us") the sentry's spell on duty was just about to be cut VERY short.... Make your own mind up... Adrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnreed Posted 20 September , 2004 Share Posted 20 September , 2004 I can confirm the story, It was told to me when I was in the Far East in 48 Gurka Brigade. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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