Customer Reviews

Lock Laces, White

5 star:		(106)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

These laces, I think, have three different kinds of potential customers: a) The Lazy (thats me), b) Triathletes or the very athletic (they use them to slip on their running shoes after getting out of the water, so they save time); and c) The disabled (arthritic or elderly people who have trouble tying their shoelaces).

Basically, for my purposes (which was laziness - I hate tying my shoelaces every time I go out - or tripping over them once I'm out) - they work GREAT. I basically no longer ever have to untie or tie my shoelaces. I liked them so much on my sneakers, that I also bought elastic shoelaces for my dress shoes and even my boots (they are sold in all kinds of colors, styles, and lengths, just search for them on amazon or google under 'elastic shoelaces'). (Retail shoe stores may also have them). And they're so cheap! Just a few bucks.

Its true what others have said, that they effectively turn your sneakers into loafers, and very comfortable ones. Same with dress shoes. You could easily run in the shoes with no worries about the shoe coming off.

IN terms of length, since they're elastic, they wont be the same length as regular shoelaces. You should basically go by the picture - if they are pictures on sneakers, they will fit sneakers, etc. In general, I found that approximately 30-inch long elastic laces easily fit onto regular sneakers, dress shoes, and small boots. You can always cut off the excess if there is any.

In terms of lock laces, they come with a 'stopper' and with plastic endcaps. You can skip those items and just tie them off like regular laces. In my case I used the plastic stopper but didnt use the endcaps; They look more normal if you leave the plastic endcaps off. You can just tie them off after the stopper like regular laces.

In terms of the correct tension to set on the shoelaces: When you first put them on, you have to tweak them until the tension is right for you (you can make them more snug or less snug depending on whether they are for casual wear or for athletics). ***Small tweaks in tension make big differences in feel.***

You basically have to pre-tension them as you lace the shoe. Ie, they will go on to the shoe already pulled a bit. Thats what then makes it a snug fit later on.

Also note that to put the shoes on can thus be a completely hands-free operation (just like loafers!). Here's what I do:

1. Insert TOES into first shoe. GO UP ON TIPPY TOES in order to stretch the laces and 'enlarge' the entry hole on the shoe. WHen you go up on tippy toes like this, the rest of the shoe may leave the ground too, especially the heel area. If so just use your OTHER FOOT to hold down the heel as you do this.

2. Then slip your HEEL into the entry hole on the shoe. Done.

3. Repeat for the other foot.

The whole operation takes less than 7 seconds. No tying, no untying - you're just out the door - bang. Its brilliant.

Its one of these items that makes life easier for a few bucks. Well worth it. I've converted all my shoes to these, even boots (no more lacing up boots in winter!). Many colors and varieties of elastic shoelaces are available out there.

I have been participating in triathlon/duathlon for 11 years now and have tried many lacing systems to maximize my speed in transition. The best system I found was a velcro system called the Speed Strap, but after I couldn't find them anymore I did some experimenting. I have tried Yankz, Speed Laces, lace locks, and various ways of lacing my shoes. When I ordered Lock Laces I was reluctant, but the combination of firmness and flexability is right on! My foot is not sloppy in my shoe, neither is it constricted. Great product! I would recommend it to anyone. In fact, my next purchase will be coming soon for my newest pair of shoes!

Makes any lace-up sneaker into a snug fitting slip-on that only ever has to be tied once, and kids can put on their own shoes. Fellow moms at my kids' school want to know how to get these as soon as they notice them.

I'm an amateur triathlete and busy girl on the go and I love (all of) my Lock Laces. I've pretty much replaced the laces on all of my shoes with these (and not just my running ones!) I have to say, I really like the elasticity and secure grip they provide across the top of my foot. They're snug, but not constricting so I never experience numb toes or pinching anywhere.

I bought Lock Laces for my Brooks Glycerin running shoes. I do sprint triathlons, and needed a lace that would allow me to make quick transitions. I tried another brand of laces prior to Lock Laces, and found that they had too much give in the elastic and didn't provide enough support. I've worn the Lock Laces for just over a month, and they provide great support for my shoe. The directions were easy to follow, and I was able to get them set up quickly. The instructions for running shoes fix the locks in place so you can't move them around. This makes it a little more difficult to get the shoes on (because you can't release the lock to open up the elastic laces), but it also ensures that you have a consistent fit every time you wear your running shoes. Overall, I'm very happy with my Lock Laces and recommend them if you're looking for elastic laces for your running shoes.

It does take a few minutes to install these, but it's well worth it. They are a real time saver, and are incredibly comfortable. Do not follow the "runner/athlete" directions, though, since that makes it virtually impossible to take your shoes on and off.

I love these things. As a runner, I never worry any more about my shoelaces coming untied or being too tight or too loose.

On the down side, my friend had a set in his shoes and while playing soccer with his kids, made a quick change of direction and his foot slid sideways inside his sneaker. So, while great for walking and running, reconsider if you were planning to use them playing tennis or something similar.

Edit: It is now almost 5 years later and I am finally ordering a replacement pair. Not because these broke but just that they are now so dirty, it is time to update them. I've changed my rating to 5 star because of their incredible durability but I still do not recommend them for some sports (as previously stated).

This is a great product for anyone of all ages. I was able to adjust the laces with ease in my tennis shoes. I don't worry at all about tripping on untied laces again. It is very easy to get in and out of the shoes with the elastic laces and I still have a perfect fit time and time again. I have been using the laces for a few weeks and love them so much I am getting more to put them on all my athletic shoes. I highly recommend this product.

With all the technological advancment in shoes over the past millenia or so, the one thing no one has ever really improved is the shoelaces. Some shoe companies make shoelaces that can never be untied and others do the opposite so that every four steps you're putting oyur life in jeopardy by nearly stepping on your laces. Well this is like an after market upgrade for your feet. Locklaces hold fast to the position you set them in. But are conversely effortless to get out of. Great idea.

I bought this to help my special needs child with his shoes. He has great difficulties with fine motor skills. I was surprised that it takes a very strong squeeze to release the tension on the lock in order to move it on the strings. He could not maintain the squeeze for long enough to slide the lock. I would think someone with arthritis would have difficulty too. A different brand might work better for this application. Otherwise the product works great and I'm sure athletes would prefer this brand, as the strong lock stays put.