My biggest problem when I go on long distance hikes isn’t the weight of my pack or the hot spots on my heels, it’s the annoyance of constantly tying up my laces! Luckily, the fine folks at SOB Tactical, led by John McPhee, have developed just the solution to this aggravating problem. The Sheriff of Baghdad Boot Kit will ensure that you never have to deal with unruly laces ever again.
For my first go-around with the SOB Boot Kit, I followed the easy to read instructions and set off to tie up my loose ends. It’s a very simple concept that adds a cordloc and plastic pull tab in order to keep everything nice and tight. All you have to do is lace up your boots, slide on the cordloc, and use it to tighten your laces down. Depending on the height of your boots (taller is longer, lower is shorter), you’ll cut the remainder of your laces to the desired length you want them. It’s important at this step to make sure you follow the old adage of measuring twice and cutting once, lest you end up with one lace longer than the other, which would be a pain to deal with. At this point, the ends of your laces fit snugly into the plastic pull tab, which then snaps into place and secures the ends of your laces securely.
Now, anytime you want to put on or take off your boots, you simply loosen the cordloc and slide them on. Hold the pull tab in one hand and use the cordloc to cinch them back down. If you have an excess amount of laces, you can tuck that into your boot or behind the laces so there is nothing dangling. There are several shoe manufacturers that have taken to this type of design due to how convenient and secure it is, such as my favorite brand.
The best part about the SOB Boot Kit is the price, which will set you back a $5 bill for either Tan or Black. Now, depending on your financials, this may be a better alternative to finding a new boot that utilizes this system for even more money. I have a boot kit for my hiking boots, my trail runners, and now the combat boots I wear to work. Don’t let a pair of wild laces give you the face plant on your next excursion, buy a set today!
Author – Rodney Pointer is a former Army Infantryman. After graduating from Airborne School, he was ruthlessly assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana to live out his days as a dirty leg. He served with the 2nd BN, 30th Infantry of the 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Following his deployment to Afghanistan, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Operations. He currently works as a nuclear security contractor.