Boot lacing advice - no speedhooks

[aquatherm]

I recently ordered my final pair of boots that I am likely to ever buy, the RMW Rickaby, which arrived yesterday. They're a 7-eyelet derby or service boot (what's the difference between the two styles? )

My other pair of derby boots are the C&J Eskdale 2, which have 4 speed hooks. While they take longer to put on compared to chukkas or chelseas, they're still much easier to wear than the RMWs. I currently lace them using the ladder or straight method but I wonder if the crisscross method would be easier. I could also try a combination of both, but I haven't had the chance to try it yet, as doing so without my wife finding out about the purchase feels like playing with fire.

Any advice and suggestions?

Thanks

 

[breakaway01]

if you like speedhooks, you can have any decent cobbler remove some of the eyelets and replace with speedhooks.

 

[aquatherm]

Thanks I'll consider that if I can't find a lacing solution