Elastic no-tie laces replace regular laces with stretchy ones that stay tensioned, so you slip shoes on and off without tying. They're popular with parents of young kids, triathletes, anyone who hates double knots coming loose, and people who find bending down or tying laces difficult. Getting the tension right on the first try is the key to them feeling secure.
Before you start
- Remove the old laces and note the eyelet count.
- Pick a lace style: flat laces suit most trainers and casual shoes; round laces suit running shoes and smaller eyelets; longer, thicker versions suit boots.
- Have scissors and a lighter or clear nail polish ready if the instructions suggest sealing the ends.
Step by step
Put the shoes on first
Ideally fit them while wearing the shoe, or with your foot in it — tension is easier to judge.
Thread from the toe
Start at the eyelets nearest the toe and lace in your usual criss-cross or straight pattern, without pulling tight.
Leave the top eyelet for the lock
Many systems use the last eyelet to fit a lock, clip or link that holds the ends.
Set tension gradually
Pull through section by section: snug over the top of the foot, slightly looser near the toe. The shoe should feel secure when you walk, but your foot should slide in with the heel tab.
Lock and trim
Fit the lock, walk around, adjust, then trim the excess, leaving a little extra in case you need to loosen later. Seal the ends if instructed.
Who benefits most
| Who | Why |
|---|---|
| Young kids | Independence putting shoes on; no undone laces |
| Runners and triathletes | Fast transitions and steady pressure on the foot |
| Older adults and people with limited mobility | No bending down to tie |
| Anyone with swelling feet | Elastic gives a little through the day |
Troubleshooting
My heel slips out
- Symptom
- The heel lifts while walking.
- Likely cause
- Laces too loose near the top.
- Try
- Tighten the top two sections.
- Use the top eyelet or a heel-lock lacing pattern.
The top of my foot hurts
- Symptom
- Pressure over the instep.
- Likely cause
- Too much tension in the middle.
- Try
- Loosen the middle sections.
- Skip one eyelet over the sore spot.
It's hard to get my foot in
- Symptom
- You have to force the shoe on.
- Likely cause
- Overall tension too high, or stiff heel counter.
- Try
- Loosen slightly overall.
- Use a shoe horn or heel loop.
Care and replacement
Elastic laces lose some stretch over time, especially with heat. Keep shoes away from radiators and car dashboards, and wash the laces by hand in cool water if they get muddy, letting them air-dry before relacing. When shoes feel loose even after tightening, it's time for new laces.
Elastic laces are a convenience rather than a medical device. For specific foot problems, or if you need very firm support for running long distances or hiking, ask a podiatrist or a specialist running store which lacing approach suits you.
About Lacelinks
Lacelinks sells elastic no-tie laces in flat and round versions plus a bootlace variant, all using its "Links" lock to hold the laces in place. The brand lists 67 colours and styles. Check which style suits your shoe's eyelets — round laces for smaller eyelets, flat laces for most trainers.
Conclusion
Thread elastic laces from the toe without pulling, set the tension section by section with your foot in the shoe, fit the lock, walk around and only then trim. A little extra time on tension gives you shoes that slip on easily and stay secure — and you'll never stop to retie a lace again.
If you're ready to buy, Lacelinks is worth checking — they currently have 10% off with code DUY live right now.
If you're ready to buy, Lacelinks is worth checking — they currently have 10% off with code DUY live right now.
Get 10% OFF at Lacelinks
Use code DUY at checkout
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