Anyone who knows me as a runner knows that I absolutely loathe having to tie my shoes. In fact, whenever I received a pair of running shoes in high school, I would tie them once and never tie them again.
TRUE STORY.
So, you could imagine my excitement when I was offered the opportunity to test out a product called LOCK LACES™ this past weekend.
LOCK LACES™: Comfortable & Efficient
It took me a total of maybe 10 minutes, from the time I read the directions and opened the package, to the point where I had both of my feet in my ‘locked and laced’ running shoes.
**As an added word of caution – when you are assembling your shoes with the new LOCK LACES system, make sure that your laces are cut to the length that you want PRIOR to inserting the laces into the closing clip. Once you snap the closing clip onto the ends of your laces, that clip isn’t going anywhere! (Trust me- I tried). I guess that’s a good thing though, because it means that your laces won’t ever become untied in the event that the lock fails.
Unlike regular shoe laces that often require tying and untying, loosening and tightening – the LOCK LACES were actually super comfortable. I walked around in them for a few minutes to test out the strength of the locking mechanism, and it was surprisingly sturdy. However, the true test would be taking them out for an actual run.
Out the door I went, for a very brief- 2 mile loop around the neighborhood. I ran at my usual 7-minute/mile pace, and I examined my shoes when I returned.
The laces hadn’t moved an inch.
When I wanted to take my shoes off, I simply depressed each of the locks between my forefinger and thumb (see image gallery at the end of this post), and slid the lock down the laces a little bit. Honestly, I could’ve just slipped my feet out of my shoes, but I figured that loosening them up a little would probably make it easier to slip on the next time.
Flexible and Secure
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to stop during runs with other people because someone’s laces became untied. Personally, my previous method for tying my shoelaces involved tying them in a knot and then weaving the excess down the neck of my running shoes (for added security). As of today though, I hopefully won’t have to do that anymore 😉
The best feature about these new laces lay in their elasticity. With each stride that I took, I could feel the laces expanding and contracting, constantly adjusting to each foot strike. This made for a much more comfortable run. Frankly, it felt like I was running in a new pair of running shoes.
It’s funny how you sometimes fail to realize that certain things are awry until something around you changes. That said, I almost immediately recognized the improved circulation in my feet. Now, I’m not saying that I tie my shoes too tight. If anything, it’s the opposite. Instead, the LOCK LACES offered comfort and security in a snug fit. My feet didn’t feel like they were being squeezed to death, nor did they feel like they were sliding around in my shoes.
Overall, LOCK LACES have won this runner’s vote; and I’ve already got my eye on my soccer cleats. No doubt – LOCK LACES will certainly be put to the test this week as I’ve got at least 50+ miles of ground to cover, running and a helluva’ soccer game coming up this Sunday.
*I’ll keep you posted!
About LOCK LACES™
LOCK LACES™ is the only patented performance lacing system engineered to meet the demands of endurance athletes such as runners, triathletes, marathoners, and walkers. They are also a national sponsor of both the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Fit Feet Program and The Challenged Athletes National Triathlon.
I was sent two packages of LOCK LACES : one in white and one in hot pink. However, for just shy of $8/pair, LOCK LACES are also available in the following fun colors:
- Black
- Brown
- Cool gray
- Cotton candy pink
- Navy blue
- Purple
- Orange creamsicle
- Red
- Royal blue
- Yellow
- Sour green apple
The laces are distributed worldwide by Nathan Sports/Penguin Brands Inc. and are available at more than 2,000 retail locations across the U.S. including Big 5 Sporting Goods, Academy, Meijer, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. For more information, you can check out www.locklaces.com or keep up with the brand online via their Facebook or Twitter.