Customer Reviews

Zero-Friction Lace Fittings

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I always run in elastic laces with a knot-free retainer of some kind, and I like to try different systems as I buy new ones. The Zero-Friction Fittings looked really interesting and claimed to equalize lace tension throughout the shoe. I had trouble installing the fittings up around the top of the lace holes, because several layers of material are bound together there (on my Saucony Triumphs) and the supplied screw was not long enough. I moved the top fitting to the extra hole past the top and a little lower, which I seldom use. I noticed that the Phillips screw started to strip a little when I pulled it from my first try hole to this new one, but all the rest went in OK. So out I go for a run, feeling a little discomfort with the fitting touching my ankle during part of the stride, but not too bad. When I finished a 4 mile run and removed my shoes, I found blood on my socks where the fitting had rubbed the skin off my ankle on both feet!

So I set about taking the fittings out of that hole, moving the third set to the next to top hole. Again when removing a previously installed fitting, I found the screw starting to strip even with the correct sized screwdriver and extra attention. It took me three tries to find a lacing pattern that half way worked, and the screws are now all so stripped that they could never be used for another set of shoes.

So I would never buy these again or recommend them. They have the potential to hurt you. They have limited life, which should probably be figured as one pair of shoes. They will not fit into every lace hole. Also be aware that this item is only the fittings, it does not contain the elastic laces which must be bought separately. I never was able to achieve the constant lace tension they claim and have had better foot comfort on every other type of lacing system I have used (which includes most of them).

The first thing I want to mention is that a previous reviewer had criticisms that I found really helpful. These are plastic fittings with plastic screws and they can get stripped very easily. With that in mind I was extremely careful about how I tightened the screws in the fittings (tip, you don't want to actually torque them all the way down, just going to the point where the screwhead is flush with the fitting is enough).

Also, like another reviewer, I also had to try a number of different configurations before I found the right one. And with each change I had to be careful about taking the screws out and putting them back in. I uploaded a picture so that others can see what I settled on. It works really well for my racing flats and I can finally consider this setup "maintenance free".

Lastly, I do like my shoes to have a light grip on my feet (that is why I run in racing flats). People who like to feel really "locked in" to their running shoes may never like the laces I used. The iBungee laces only can provide so much tension. I don't have any experience with putting these fittings to the test with "normal" laces.

The product arrived according to the specified schedule, and the zero-friction fittings were easy to assemble and install, according to the provided directions. The new fittings placed additional pressure on the tops of my feet, but didn't significantly interfere with my running ability.

Good product. I had to experiment a bit with the placement of the fitting in the shoes. With my waver rider 13's, I settled on, from the bottom (toe) to the top (heel), skip the first eyelet, use fitting on the 2nd and 3rd. Skip 2 eyelets and install the last fitting. This seemed to offer the best feel for my foot while running. Ultimately, I do not get into our out of my shoes any faster or easier in T2 with these fittings as when I used just elastic laces.

I really like this lacing system. I can adjust the tension very quickly on the run and the tension will be even. It's very quick to put my shoes on/off which is important when the days are getting shorter.

I originally used a set of these lace fittings on a pair of Surplus military jungle boots. I just screwed them thru the existing eyelets and they worked fine. Recently I got some rather high arch supports from my podiatrist and other than c couiple pairs of sandals, coul not find anything in the way of a boot my foot would fit into with the supports. Finally found several el cheapo pairs of Chinese boots. Went to put the speed lace fittings on them, but the laces would not pass betwen the loop and the (fake?) leather of the collar of the boot. So, I took a hole punch used by saddlers and shoe makers and punched holes in the collar where they would permit the lace fittings to be installed and the lace to slide freely. Presto. It only took 3 fittings per side, the collars hold the stress of the fittings very well, and i have speed laces on an el cheapo pair of jungle boots.

Best regards,

Mario

I love these types of connectors for shoe strings. They make it very simple. I haven't had any problems with these and have had them for a few months now.

Once you have elastic laces on your tennis shoes, you will never go back. It makes putting them on as easy as slip on loafers. The elastic can be tightened if necessary, but the elastic provides sufficient tightness for my needs. I tried Yanks, which is now sold by New Balance, but the threading is too complicated. With this you lace as normal, and use the plastic tightener for tightening. I have about 2.5 inches extra that is tied with a knot on the end. Works great for me, my grandson, and my wife.

Does not include the laces. There are only 3 pair of fittings per shoe. So youre left with far too much shoelace to catch on things. Once you get them on, you cant take them off and put them on something else, due to the cheap plastic nuts.