Start with the laces closest to the toe of the boot. You should be able to fit your finger between the lace and the boot once it is tightened.
Once you have taken up the slack, return to tightening the boot until your reach the top.
Crossing the laces twice will lock the knot in place and keep it from sliding even if the bow comes undone.
Repeat this move several times until you cannot create the space under the crossed laces.
If you don’t have too much excess lace, you can also tie a double bow to take care of the extra lace.
