How To Tie Salomon Hiking Shoes | Lacing Made Simple

Pull the laces evenly, press the lace lock flat, and tuck the excess into the lace pocket for a secure.

If you just bought your first pair of Salomon hiking shoes, the thin cord and plastic toggle might look more like a ski goggle strap than shoelaces. That’s the Quicklace system — a patented one‑pull design that replaces traditional bows and loops with a cinch‑and‑lock mechanism.

Learning how to use it takes about twenty seconds, but doing it right makes the difference between a shoe that stays put all day and one that loosens on the first descent. This guide walks through the official method, plus a few common tricks for a custom fit.

Understanding the Quicklace System

The Quicklace system uses a single thin cord that runs through the eyelets. Pulling the cord upward tightens the shoe uniformly around your foot. No separate left‑right adjustment is needed.

Once you’ve got the tension right, you press the plastic lace lock — the small toggle — flat against the tongue. This locks the cord in place. Then you tuck the remaining slack into the lace pocket, a fabric pouch sewn onto the tongue.

The whole process takes seconds. Salomon designed this system for speed and convenience, which is why it appears on trail runners and hiking shoes alike.

Why Lacing Technique Matters

Lacing correctly does more than keep your shoes on. Poor technique leads to heel slip, pressure points, or laces that catch on trail debris. Skipping the lace pocket, for example, leaves a loop that snags on branches. Here’s what good lacing addresses:

• Heel slip: Laces that are too loose at the top allow your heel to lift with every step, causing blisters.
• Pressure points: Uneven tension across the eyelets creates uncomfortable hot spots on the top of your foot.
• Snagging: Excess lace that isn’t tucked can catch on rocks, roots, or brush mid‑stride.
• Speed: The Quicklace system is designed for quick on‑and‑off — but only if you use the lock and pocket correctly.
• Secure fit: A fully engaged lace lock prevents the knot from loosening during steep climbs or descents.

Getting the basics right means less fiddling on the trail and more comfort over the miles.

Step‑by‑Step Guide for Tying Salomon Hiking Shoes

Start with the shoe unlaced. Pull the lace cord upward to cinch it around your foot. Work from the bottom up — if you have speed hooks near the top, the cord should sit neatly in each hook. Keep the tongue centered as you pull.

Once the shoe feels snug but not tight, press the plastic lace lock flat against the tongue. You should hear or feel a click if the lock engages fully. Without that engagement, the cord can slip during activity. Salomon’s official guide to the salomon quicklace system emphasizes pressing the lock flush.

Finally, take the remaining cord and tuck it into the lace pocket on the tongue. Push it all the way in so no loop sticks out. That’s it — your shoe is secure and trail‑ready.

Step	Action	Common Mistake
1. Cinch	Pull laces upward evenly	Pulling only one side creates uneven tension
2. Center tongue	Make sure tongue stays straight	Crooked tongue causes pressure points
3. Lock	Press plastic toggle flat against tongue	Partially pressed lock may slip open
4. Tuck	Push excess cord into lace pocket	Leaving a loop that can snag on brush
5. Test	Walk a few steps, re‑tighten if needed	Skipping test leads to loose fit on trail

The lace pocket is designed specifically to prevent snagging. Even a small loop left outside can catch on branches, so take the extra second to push it all the way in.

Troubleshooting Common Quicklace Issues

A few problems pop up regularly with the Quicklace system. Most are easy to fix once you know what to check.

1. Laces come undone during a hike. The most common cause is the lace lock not being fully pressed flat. Make sure it clicks down against the tongue. If it still slips, the lock may be worn — contact Salomon for a replacement.
2. Shoe feels too tight or too loose in one area. Because the Quicklace is a single cord, you can’t adjust individual eyelets. Try loosening the whole system and re‑cinching with even pull pressure. Some people prefer to wear thinner or thicker socks to change the overall fit.
3. Lace cord frays at the end. The cord ends can fray with heavy use. A dab of clear nail polish on the tip or melting it gently with a lighter can seal the end and prevent further fraying.
4. Excess lace won’t stay tucked. If the pocket is full, try rolling the cord into a tight coil before pushing it in. Some users find this keeps the bundle compact and less likely to pop out.
5. Want more adjustability? A small number of users remove the Quicklace system entirely and replace it with traditional laces. That allows techniques like the heel lock for a customized fit.

Most issues are related to user technique rather than a defective system. A few practice tries before a big hike usually resolve them.

Using Traditional Laces and the Heel Lock

If you swap your Quicklace for traditional laces, or if you’re using a non‑Salomon boot with standard laces, the heel lock method is a game‑changer for preventing heel lift. It uses the top two eyelets to create friction that locks the heel in place.

To perform the heel lock: lace normally to the second‑from‑top eyelets. Then create a small loop on each side, cross the ends, and feed each end through the opposite loop. Pull tight to cinch the heel. REI’s heel lock lacing method guide shows this step by step.

On boots with speed hooks, you can also wrap the laces around each hook twice before tying. This double wrap locks the knot’s tension and stops it from slipping during descents. Tighten the top section more firmly when going downhill to keep your heel from sliding forward.

Lacing Method	Best For
Quicklace (standard)	Speed, convenience, trail running
Heel lock (traditional laces)	Preventing heel slip on descents
Double wrap on speed hooks	Locking knot tension on rugged terrain

Whichever system you use, lacing with intention — not just pulling tight — makes your boots feel like an extension of your feet.

The Bottom Line

The Quicklace system is simple once you get the rhythm: cinch, press the lock flat, and tuck the cord away. For maximum heel security, the traditional lacing methods from REI’s guide are worth knowing, especially if you swap laces. A properly tied shoe reduces blisters, prevents falls from loose footwear, and keeps you moving comfortably.

If you’re still feeling heel lift after trying the heel lock, consider a different sock thickness or a boot with a more fitted heel cup — your local gear shop can help you find the right combination for your foot shape and the terrain you’re hitting.