Rather than the square knot, I just twist the laces around each other twice before running through the eyelets or hooks. Just the friction holds fine for me. But then I don't want the bottom laces floppy loose, If you know what I mean. If the boots fit comfortably and are large enough for you, then changing your lacing pattern could help a lot. My lace pattern is set up to relieve pressure on the tops of my high arches, leave the toe box a little loose, and to hold my ankle in place and not let my feet slide forward. I guess I need a picture....