Lock Laces Review

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.

Product Description
Tying your shoes is a thing of the past with the unique loop system and high-impact lightweight plastic cordlock. No more tying, retying, double knots or frazzled dirty laces to mess with. Just slip on your shoe and pull to tighten. Innovative curved tips of the laces allow the wearer to lace their shoes more easily through the increasingly weird eyelet configurations in athletic shoes. The lock is a slidable and spring activated device. The locks are made from a strong, durable and lightweight plastic. Includes 2 plastic cord ends for easy grasp when adjusting. Made in the USA. Lacing instructions included. Fits up to size 12 Mens shoes. Includes 1 pair of laces, 2 cord locks, 2 cord ends. Weight: 1 oz per pair. Laces 40" inches in length but stretch to 60".

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