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!
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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.
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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.
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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).
The short version is that these are fine cages, hold well and being SS won''t mark up your bottles. Decently made, especially for the price, a classic look and very functional. The pair of these cost about the same as a single Blackburn bottle cage.
