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Lock Lacing
Often referred to as "Lace Locks" or "Runner's Tie"
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Not a lacing method as much as a technique for creating a super-tight finish. It's often recommended for lacing
running shoes to help prevent heel slippage, particularly when running downhill, as well as for rock climbers to
prevent any movement or twisting of the shoe under the stresses of climbing.
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Method 1: High lock
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Lacing Technique - Method 1 - High lock:
1. The shoe is laced until the lace ends emerge from the second set of eyelets from the top.
2. The ends run straight up and are fed into the top eyelets.
3. The ends are crossed over, then each end is fed under the vertical section on the other side.
Comparative Length = 106%
Laced area uses more (about +6%)
Longer laces needed (about +3%)
Shortens lace ends (about −5%)
More details |
Method 2: Low lock
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Lacing Technique - Method 2 - Low lock:
1. The shoe is laced until the lace ends emerge from the third set of eyelets from the top.
2. The ends are crossed over emerge from the top eyelets.
3. The ends run straight down and are fed into the second set of eyelets from the top.
4. The ends are crossed over, then each end is fed under the vertical section on the other side.
This method results in the knot sitting slightly lower than method 1 (above).
Comparative Length = 110%
Laced area uses more (about +10%)
Longer laces needed (about +5%)
Shortens lace ends (about −9%)
More details |
Method 3: Looped lock
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Lacing Technique - Method 3 - Looped lock:
1. The shoe is laced until the lace ends emerge from the top set of eyelets.
2. Each end is looped back on itself and fed back into the same eyelet from which it emerged.
3. The ends are crossed over, then each end is fed through the loop on the other side.
This method doesn't provide the same tightening as either of the above methods, though it does lock the lace more
tightly, which helps with slippery laces.
Comparative Length = 116%
Laced area uses more (about +16%)
Longer laces needed (about +8%)
Shortens lace ends (about −15%)
More details |
Lock Lacing Method 1 on my new Puma sneakers (thanks, Puma!).
Close-up showing detail of Lock Lacing Method 1.
This picture of Lock Lacing Method 3 was sent to me by Wil D.
More Lacing Photos |
Features:
Tightens firmly
Reduces slippage
Harder to loosen
NOTE:
Whilst
Criss Cross Lacing is shown in these examples, and is the probably the most common method used, the shoe can be
laced with almost any lacing method. In fact, as pointed out by Kyle B. in U.S.A.,
Ladder Lacing naturally ends with a High Lace Lock.
Lock Lacing Theory:
Many shoe stores recommend Lock Lacing techniques to help prevent slippage, and many people swear by them. In fact,
many sports shoes have twin eyelets at the top to suit Lock Lacing. So what's behind the "magic"?
The answer is simple leverage, which helps pull the lacing very tight. When the ends are tied, the upper straight
sections get pulled sideways, acting like "pulleys" to provide just that little bit of extra tension, more than is
possible by pulling in a straight line.
If you're suffering from slippage, it's more likely that your shoes don't fit properly, and a far better solution
would be to get a pair that does. When shopping for shoes, don't be too impressed by a savvy shoe salesperson using
Lock Lacing to make an otherwise loose pair of shoes feel nice and snug!
Lock Lacing also creates more friction, which should help prevent the knot coming loose, especially if you have
slippery synthetic laces or are unknowingly using a
Granny Knot. Replacing slippery laces or changing your
Shoelace Knot are better alternatives. |
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This page last updated: 27-Nov-2008. Copyright © 2005-2008 by
Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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