Discovering lock laces back in 2014 was such a game-changer for me. At the time, I was taking on my first multisport event – The London Duathlon. To be honest, I’m not sure I used clip-in shoes for my duathlon but if I did, using these laces would help me to reduce my transition time which is just one tip I picked up from an Introduction to Duathlon event.
How Do Lock Laces Help With Transition
I guess I never answered this question when I originally wrote the post – I had kinda assumed (wrongly) that if you made it here, you already knew why you would want these laces. But we all know what happens when we assume.
So, I’m glad Lec asked this question in the comments and I’m updating the post to include the reasons and ways lock laces make a difference in duathlon or triathlon.
Basically, when you come off the bike to start your run, your hands may not not be particularly dexterous which could see you wasting time trying to tie normal laces.
With these, you can get your shoe on by just (pre) loosening the fastening, and then you’re ready to go with one swift squeeze of the button to tighten (if even needed). They are also more secure than regular laces, so no risk of them coming undone or loosening during your runs.
The Original Nathan Lock Laces
Back in the day when I first discovered elastic shoes laces, Nathan were the brand of choice. Of course now, Amazon lock laces are plentiful! I dug out all the Nathan options for you on Amazon.co.uk here:
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of watching videos when I want to know how to do something. I learn better from reading. So I’ve noted all the steps needed for installing lock laces in your running shoes with pictures in this post.
Lock Laces: What’s In The Packet
In the packet you will find your two shoe laces, clips for the ends once you have cut them to length and the fastening system. All you’ll need are a pair of scissors to cut the laces.
How To Install Elastic Laces – Step By Step Instructions
- Unlace your shoes and re-lace with Lock Laces. I took a before picture so I could ensure I put them back exactly as they were.
- Thread each lace through the holes in the lock by squeezing the lock to open.
- Cut the laces approximately 2 – 3 inches below the lock.
- Insert the ends of the laces through the centre of the clip and press the clip together to close.
I hope you all appreciate my super retro photos from back in 2014 – these were my first ever pair of Adidas Energy Boost 2 running shoes and started my love affair with the boost technology.
I’m currently running in the Ultraboost 19 and the Ultraboost 20, or trail shoes when I have to venture in the mud. I’ll pop the lock laces on whichever pair I choose to run in for my next duathlon.
Have you used elastic laces before?! Any other useful gadgets / pieces of kit that would be useful for a duathlon?!
Elle
Love those laces, I’d never heard of them. I think my husband would benefit from them too as his laces are always coming undone!
Been a lover of lock laces for a few years now.. I actually hate normal laces now.They're great for running as you don't have to worry about them coming undone and having to stop mid run – and you dont have to worry about tying them too tight and they start hurting when your feet expand.One of the best purchases I've made!Laura | Laura:Fat2Fit
I think they are on sale in John Lewis at the moment too! lol think I will buy another pair for my new trainers! haha! 🙂 x
I love Lock Laces!
They literally have been my favourite since writing this post!! I think i will buy more for all my running shoes!
OMGOSH WE STRUGGLED WITH THESE.my child grew so annpyed with me :-)thank you for this.
haha! I'm guessing you got there in the end Carla! …and you're welcome 🙂
I have never swapped normal laces for lock laces, although I do love the set up that salomon use, but I LOVE elastic laces. I put them in for triathlon and have never looked back. I even moved them from my old trainers to my new ones!
I think I have started my love affair with elastic laces now! 😉
Can you explain how they help with transition? I’m a new triathlete, and I’m not sure I’m understanding how they work!
Hey Lec, good question! Basically, when you come off the bike to start your run, your hands may not be particularly dexterous which could see you wasting time trying to tie normal laces. With these, you can get your shoe on by just (pre) loosening the fastening, and be ready to go with one swift squeeze of the button to tighten (if even needed). They are also more secure than regular laces, so no risk of them coming undone or loosening during your runs. Hope that makes it clearer! Maybe I will add this info to the post, so Thank You for asking!
Only problem I find with these, is that every time I remove them the ends of the elastics fray and it makes it hard to reinsert them. So I have to trim a little bit more off the ends every time to get rid of the fraying, which makes them gradually shorter and shorter! Obviously I could leave them in all the time, but I prefer to train with normal laces and only just these for races 🙂
awww yeah I get you! Maybe ry using selotape on the ends when you do take them out?! That should help! …I think I will stick with them in now as can't be bothered to take them out in all honesty! haha!