Product Review: Lock Laces

I blogged about acrobatic dive during the Adidas King of the Road where I tripped over my shoelaces, fell down on the road and took some bruises.  After that, I learned to tidy my shoelaces by tucking them in or by tying them twice.  But by tucking the shoelaces in, I would still look down often on my shoelaces when I’m running because I’m worried that they might untie again and cause me another slip.

During the expo at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, I was able to buy a product that will eliminate my shoelace problem.  It even says that the last I would need to worry is my shoelaces.  Check out these Lock Laces.

Lock Laces uses an elastic band which you tie to your shoes like a normal shoelace. Then a lock mechanism placed at the ends to tighen and lossen the laces.  No need to tie them up at the ends and you can cut off excess parts to shorten it.  This creates a snug fit and a safe and worry free run.

Here’s a review of the Lock Laces.

Pros

• Safer runs.  This time, I’m sure I wont trip over my shoelaces and get hurt.
• Worry free.  There is no need to look down often to check my shoelaces while running.
• Easy to use.  It’s simple to install.  You just need a pair of scissors to nip the excess laces.
• Easy to wear.  The elastic band makes it easier and faster to wear your shoes.  There’s no need to tie them also which saves some time.  This good for multi sports where you need to change fast during transitions.

Cons

• Not very transferable.  I was hoping I can just buy one Lock Lace and use it my other shoes.  Not a good idea.  But it’s possible.  You just have to take them off and tie them up in another shoe.
• Might not be very durable.  Elastic bands have a certain limit until the elasticity fade.  But I guess that point may come later than the 400-600km shoe life.  I might be able to use the Lock Laces with two shoes before disposing them.
• Fit is not too tight.  Unlike, the original shoelaces, I can tighten them up as tight as I want to too.  With the Lock Laces, I should be careful not to pull them too tight or they might break.  But they say that it is durable.
• No tie for the timing chip.  Since I cannot tie a ribbon on it, there is nothing to secure the timing chip with the Lock Laces.  So I just clipped it at the bottom of the shoe.  This is not a very reliable way to secure the timing chips.

The first time I used them was during the 21K at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.  They say not to try anything new on race day.  But I can make an exception on this one.

The Lock Laces worked for me.  It was indeed a worry free run.  They stayed in place.  Nothing funny happened to me unless you consider the finish line dance performance as something funny.

I haven’t seen Lock Laces being sold in the Philippines.  I hope these will be available someday since they do help.  It’s not just for runners.  It can be used with other sports, for kids, and seniors.  I bought them at the expo for 13.50 SGD.  That will be around 400-450 Php.