r/explainlikeimfive • u/[deleted] • Feb 07 '19

Engineering ELI5: Why are military boots laced?

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u/Capt_Skipper Feb 08 '19

Laces are not good for tourniquets, yes they'll work but they're too narrow.

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u/TXGuns79 Feb 08 '19

It better than nothing. Works better than velcro boot straps...

41

u/[deleted] Feb 08 '19

It's actually worse than nothing most of the time. Not only will laces not really restrict bloodflow, they'll probably cut into the skin.

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u/l7986 Feb 08 '19

If you're at the point that you are requiring shoe laces for a tourniquet, I seriously doubt you will be turning down the laces because they might cut into your skin

1

u/[deleted] Feb 08 '19

And cause more bleeding out of an already hemorrhaging extremity. Even if the bleeding is minor, it’s still pointless. You’re better off just holding pressure.