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JOIN NOWThe Secrets of Running Shoe Laces
Ever had to stop in a race just to tie your laces up?
Giving out water to runners at our Self-Transcendence 10k race a couple of weeks ago, I saw a fast runner stop abruptly, tie his laces and run on. I really felt for him! We've all had this experience. If not in a race, then during a training run.
Picture this: You're into your stride, enjoying the rhythm and beautiful scenery, trying desperately to ignore the fact that your laces have come undone.
Do you stop and tie them up (again)? Or do you just continue, hoping that you don't trip up and end up with a hurt knee?
OR: You're running well, but your shoes are just slipping slightly at the heel.
Have you ever had the experience where you tighten the laces but then they end up cutting into your foot?
If one or both of these scenarios sound familiar, watch this video. Learn two ways to end naughty straying laces for good. Make sure a PB doesn't run away from you just because your laces come undone.
In the past, have you been in control of your laces, or have your laces controlled you? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Happy smooth running.
All the very best,
Dipika
P.S. A word of warning - when cutting the lace, remember you only have one chance, so be careful not to cut them too short. I learned the hard way ;-)
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wayne vOctober 31, 2018 at 10:05am
I find this universal "criss-crossing" of lock laces troubling. I have coached athletes who have picked up metatarsal injuries and associated edema's as a result of the pressure on the top of the foot as a consequence of tight. criss-cross lacing. I have yet to find a lock lace that can be effectively laced using the "Lydiard Method" but I am open to suggestions ReplyDipika SmithOctober 31, 2018 at 3:36pm
Hi Wayne,I completely understand your good point. Personally I love these laces, as they are stretchy and so you find the perfect amount of tension :) Reply
Elvis BaldieOctober 2, 2013 at 7:19pm
Incredible! After I had finished hooting with laughter at the idea that somebody was presuming to tell me how to tie my own shoes, I found myself having to eat my words five minutes later. This is actually amazingly useful, thanks! ReplyDipika SmithOctober 5, 2013 at 12:17pm
Ha ha, I completely see your point! I sometimes think it must look a little odd when I'm crouched down doing a customers loop lacing for them--out in our passageway, whilst going through our Natural Gait Analysis process ;) I'm so happy to hear the video has helped. Thanks, Elvis for letting me know.
ReplyPatrick DoyleJuly 13, 2013 at 1:16pm
Thanks Dipika,Love the hints and tips from Run and Become - so helpful and helps me in my running - keep up the good work :)
Patrick Reply
Dipika SmithJuly 15, 2013 at 8:43am
Hey Patrick, fantastic to hear you're enjoying them. As you know, there are so many aspects of running to chat about, so we'll definitely keep them coming :) ReplyChrisJuly 2, 2013 at 11:36am
A golden rule I learned through experience when I started running competitively many years ago as a kid, is always to tie laces with a double knot. I've never had laces come undone since, and the larger knot doesn't dig in to the top of your foot. ReplyDipika SmithJuly 2, 2013 at 3:17pm
Great to hear that you have it sussed. Thanks for sharing, Chris. ReplyHelena MackayJuly 1, 2013 at 5:57pm
That was a great help./ When I bought my Asics Kayana this looping was shown to me but by the time I was ready to go running I had forgotten how to do it. ReplyDipika SmithJuly 2, 2013 at 9:46am
Hi Helena, you're not alone--I had a lovely lady come in with her shoes a few weeks back, coz she was in the exact same situation. So glad it's helped you. Enjoy your slip-free running :) Replyayr seaforth athletic clubJune 28, 2013 at 9:55pm
This series of instructional videos is excellent for our younger or less experienced runners,I hope it is alright to use links to them n the coaching section of our website. ReplyDipika SmithJuly 1, 2013 at 9:08am
I really appreciate you asking. Yes, please do share on your website. These vlogs are the kind of topics I love chatting about with our customers on a daily basis. I know for myself, there's always more to learn. If these videos help people to enjoy their running more, or make life easier, then I'm a happy lady. Have a great summer season at your club. ReplyNigelJune 28, 2013 at 7:15pm
Absolutely incredible. I need only two things to go running with - trainers and clothing. Nowadays it seems most people can't go out without hundreds of £££ of mission control computing power on their arm and a music system shoved in their ears. Now some people can't even tie their own shoelaces properly and need to buy a lock for them? I've been running for 40 years and have never had them come undone - double bow and pull tight, simple. ReplyDipika SmithJuly 1, 2013 at 1:50pm
It's true, over the past 40 years who would have dreamed of how modern technology would be able to offer so much, in all areas of life. I know when my dad started Run and Become 31 years ago, things were in some ways a lot simpler. Now we have everything at our disposal, from heart rate monitors to help enhance our training--even down to stretchy laces designed for triathletes. Our running life keeps evolving. ReplyJanJune 28, 2013 at 6:20pm
Hi Dipika,Those lock laces are a revelation - while I've seen them on other shoes (in fact I think I had a similar thing on a pair of Merrells) I would never have thought about them for running shoes. Indeed I never knew you could buy them separately. Also they would be great for the shoes I use on my bike (always having to tuck the laces in so they don't get caught in the chain).
Thanks again for your great advice.
Jan Reply
Dipika SmithJuly 1, 2013 at 9:08am
Hey Jan, it's true, sometimes the simplest things in life like the right laces can make all the difference. I love your comment about the bike too - I'm sure that will help a lot of cyclists for a safer ride :) Reply