Please note: this article on quick tie shoelaces, AKA a quick lacing system, is a reprint of an old article that first appeared on the now-defunct Run Diva website.
Brooks Launch running shoes with Speed Laces zero friction fittings and ibungee stretch laces.
Gear Head
I started racing in duathlons this year, and am always looking for any gear or equipment that can help me get a bit faster such as speed laces for running shoes. Duathlons are similar to triathlons, but instead of swim-bike-run, duathletes run-bike-run. That means duathletes have to transition out of and into their running shoes two times during their race. On T1, the first race transition, we switch from our running shoes into our cycling shoes. During T2, the second transition, we switch from our biking shoes back into our running shoes.
Speed Laces zero friction fittings
What’s in a Name
I knew having to tie and untie my laces during a typical race would eat up too much time. I started researching different options for getting my running shoes on and off quickly. There are a bunch of different quick shoe lacing systems or no-tie shoe lace available including Lock Laces, Yankz and Speed Laces.
Alternative generic and brand names for quick tie shoelaces include:
- Lock Laces
- No-tie Laces
- U-lace No-tie Shoe Laces
- iBungee Laces
- Hickies Lacing System
- Yankz
- Speedlaces
- Lock Lace
- Elastic No-tie Shoe Laces
- Stretch Laces
Brooks Launch with zero friction fittings
Sample Time
I contacted Cindy Garbarino, Sales Manager for Speed Laces, to inquire about having some samples sent to me so I could test them out. She sent a package of samples which included a set of zero friction fittings and two colors of the Ibungee stretch laces.The ibungee stretch laces are available in a ton of awesome colors including red, navy, light blue, pink, neon yellow and Florida green. I chose the neon Florida orange to install on my Brook’s Launch shoes. WOW, I think I need sunglasses to look at my shoes now, that color combination is a bit bright, makes my eyeballs vibrate!
zero friction fittings
The ibungee stretch laces can be installed with or without zero friction fittings. The other quick lacing systems I’ve tried don’t have this option, so I decided to install the zero friction fittings on my new Brooks running shoes. The zero friction fittings are made out of plastic and get attached to your shoes using tiny plastic screws. You remove your old laces, then choose six locations on each shoe to attach the fittings to. It works out to having a zero friction fitting attached to every other hole on your shoe.
ibungee stretch laces in Florida orange
Brooks Running
I’m sponsored by Brooks Running as part of their Brooks I.D. program for the 2009 race season. I had just received a pair of Brooks Launch running shoes, so I thought I could try the Speed Lace system on my new shoes. And yes, I have wide feet, so I got a pair of men’s running shoes for my spatula feet. Brooks T6 racing shoes, which I use at all my races, are only available in men’s sizes, so I don’t have a problem racing/working out/training in men’s shoes.
Besides, I think the color of the men’s Launch are way cooler than the women’s version. Yup, I may not be a very fast runner, but I have to look cool at my events. And the men’s Launch matches the color of my latest tattoo – guess I’m not a girly girl. Pink and purple and ribbons and bows make me want to PUKE!
Shoe on the left with old laces. Shoe on the right with Speed Laces zero friction fittings and ibungee stretch laces.
Quick Lace Systems for Everyone
The beauty of any quick lacing system is that it can be used with any type of lace-up shoe. I’ve installed different brands of quick lacing systems on my Nike hiking shoes and my spinning shoes, along with all of my trail running and running shoes. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to regular laces, too time-consuming and BORING!
Can I put these in my trophy case and have a spotlight shining on them? Freaking awesome!
Speedy Feet
Once your Speed Laces system is installed on your shoes, you simply slip your feet in and out of the shoes. No more tying and untying, no more worrying about your shoes coming untied during a race. You can adjust the shoes tighter or looser with the cord-lock, but I find once my Speed Laces are installed, I just simply slide my feet in and start running. No time to adjust the fit, I’m racing, get out of my freaking way!
Give Speed Laces a try, they are available at local running and sporting good stores, you may even find quick lacing systems at your local bike shop or big box stores like Walmart or Target. The Runner’s Edge in Boca Raton is a Speed Lace dealer.
P.S. Dear Speed Laces, want to sponsor me for the upcoming 2010 race season? I go through lots of shoes and participate in lots of races, your products will get lots of exposure from me, the Run Diva!
Let’s Keep in Touch
Do you have any tips or tricks you’d like to share? Leave a comment on this post or shoot me an email: info@thecreativecottage.net and I just might feature your story in a future blog post.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe
Founder and Chief Blogger
The Creative Cottage
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