When shopping for shoes, don't be too impressed by a savvy shoe salesperson using Lock Lacing to get a slightly better fit from an unsuitable pair of shoes! If you've found some shoes that meet all of your other needs with the exception of a bit of heel slippage, then Lock Lacing could be the ideal solution. However, if you suffer from a fair bit of heel slippage, Lock Lacing will only help so much, and it could be wiser to seek some better fitting shoes.

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”?

• Lock Lacing also creates more friction, which should help prevent the knot from coming loose, especially with slippery synthetic shoelaces or if you are unknowingly using a Granny Knot . Replacing slippery shoelaces or changing your Shoelace Knot are better alternatives.

• Although Criss Cross Lacing is shown in these examples, and is probably the most common method used, the shoe can be laced with almost any lacing method. In fact, as pointed out by Kyle B., Ladder Lacing naturally ends with a similar “Lace Lock.”

• Lock Lacing is also used by rock climbers to prevent any movement or twisting of the shoe under the stresses of climbing as well as by speed skaters to give maximum ankle support.

Lock Lacing Feedback

I have recently retrained as an EMT, which involves wearing boots and standing for long periods of time. Initially, I found my uniform boots were very uncomfortable. I was then directed to your site by an online EMT resource. As a result of this I tried a different method of lacing, the gap lacing method, with the lace lock to finish. I cant believe they're the same boots! This has made them so much more comfortable and my 12 hour shifts don't cause any foot pain. - Lisa D., London, UK, Apr-2016

Even with a regularly tied bow, the shoelaces were still too long. Both the bow and the loose ends were almost touching the floor. So I googled some solutions, stumbled across your site again, and decided to try Lock Lacing because it took advantage of an extra eyelet on the side of my shoe that wasn't laced up yet. - Andrei R., USA, Apr-2014

I was trying on a pair of Ecco Shoes that I really liked but the heal was slipping, The young salesman said, “let me try a different lacing” and did a lock type at the top of the shoe. It was remarkable how it not only lessened the slippage but also solved a problem I have had with tied shoes for 60 years. I have an overly sensitive area at the top of my foot. Most shoes that are tied tight put pressure on that area and result in discomfort, the lock lacing doesn't do that. - Tim E., USA, Oct-2010

Also been recommending lock lacing to our customers buying running shoes, as it works really well for me. I also use it on my etnies as a good way to finish the bar lacing as I have an odd number of eyelets (as pictured) - Alex H., UK, Nov-2009

I must take exception to a comment you have regarding “Lock Lacing”. You seem to be of the opinion that it is not the answer if there is some heel movement in a running shoe. I disagree, in certain circumstances. If there is very minor slippage, it makes a world of difference. If the fit is way too wide for the person's heel, the heel will still move. There are many runners who use “Lock Lacing” – so many that it's actually referred to as the “Heel Lock” over here – with no adverse effects, including me. The problem with switching to another shoe that fits the heel more snugly is that the make or model may not suit the runner. Every company uses a different cushioning system and some use different systems in each model. Shoes that fit the heels slightly better are not going to be any good if the cushioning system is such that the runner can't or won't wear them. For example, Saucony running shoes fit my heel better than either Reebok or ASICS, but I can't wear Sauconys because the cushioning does not suit the way I land: my forefoot goes numb within a couple of kilometres. I don't have that problem with any other make of running shoe I've tried. “Lock Lacing” allows me to use other models that would cause blisters otherwise. It is a simple and effective answer for many. - Jim G., USA, Apr-2009

I recently ran the Ridge to Bridge Marathon in the mountains of North Carolina, USA (I live in Greensboro, NC, USA). This race is unique because the first 14 miles are downhill. The race director suggested using the lock lacing method to keep the shoe snug and to prevent the loosening of the laces since it was so much down hill. I used the method and it worked great. - Thad M., NC, USA, Nov-2008

I do have one comment on Lock Lacing. What you describe as the negative feature -- harder to loosen -- is actually why it's a useful technique. The laces below the lock area are pretty much isolated from the area above -- if one is not using one of your improved tying methods and the shoe comes untied, the forefoot won't loosen up very fast, or at all. Because of my physiology, when I used this lacing method, I use it for exactly the opposite of what you say it's most useful for. I need the top bit to not be tight (high instep and heel bumps) but like the forefoot tight, especially with racing flats. with lock lacing, I can do that. - Larry M., IN, USA, Jul-2006

i also randomly discovered that ladder lacing combines PERFECTLY with lock lacing. since ladder lacing forms loops between all the eyelets, you can use the last one for lock lacing. my shoes have never felt tighter than they do now in this configuration. - Kyle B., MD, USA, Nov-2005