Struggling to Tie Your Shoes? These Elastic Shoelaces Make Suiting Up for Runs a Cinch
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Thanks to elastic shoelaces, tightening your shoes no longer requires tying them. Made from stretchy materials that make shoes easier to slip on and off, these nifty products, once installed, can be adjusted with a few tugs.
“Elastic shoelaces offer convenience, comfort, and accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities,” says Suzanne C. Fuchs, a board-certified, Florida-based podiatrist. “Whether someone is looking to save time, improve comfort, or enhance independence, elastic shoelaces are a practical option for footwear.”
The best elastic shoelaces offer stretch, breathability, and comfort, whether you use them for your running shoes, daily sneakers, travel shoes, or dress shoes. Triathletes swear by them for quickly changing between events, and they’re a boon for people who struggle to bend over or use the fine muscles in their hands.
Looking for new running gear? Check our picks for the best men’s compression leg sleeves, compression socks, and waterproof socks.
The Best Elastic Shoelaces
Best Overall: Lock Laces Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces
Best Custom Fit: Hickies Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces
Best for Runners: Caterpy Run The Ultimate Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces for Adults and Kids
Best for Triathletes: Nathan Run Laces
Simplest Design: Xpand No-Tie Shoelaces
What to Consider
Accessibility
Rather than relying on a flimsy, floppy fabric like cotton, elastic shoelaces have more in common with bungee cords, using spandex to provide shoelaces some stretch. Once installed, they use tension to keep your feet securely in place, similar to slip-on sneakers.
Whether you have rheumatoid arthritis that makes tying knots difficult, you’re pregnant and bending over is a chore, or any of the many other reasons tying your shoes may be a challenge, elastic laces are an excellent tool for making one part of your day a bit easier. That said, installing them the first time might be tough for some—they require a bit of pressure and dexterity to get them through the eyelets, cut them to size, and add the plastic anchor.
We also recommend them for kids who haven’t gotten the hang of tying laces yet, or active little ones who always seem to trip over their untied shoes on the playground.
Locking Mechanism
Most elastic shoelaces have a locking mechanism that keeps them in place, but the type varies by brand. Several brands use cinch locks, which you feed the laces through on the initial install, then secure and loosen them by sliding them toward or away from the shoe’s tongue. These are best for runners and triathletes who need a very snug fit to avoid rolling an ankle, as well as anyone who can easily bend over to tighten their shoes—they only need a quick tug or pull to adjust.
For anyone who has issues bending over or just wants a pair of set-it-and-forget-it sneakers—essentially, converting traditional sneakers into easy slip-ons—opt for elastic shoelaces that don’t rely on cinch locks. After installing them into a pair of shoes, they typically anchor your desired level of tension, either by using a plastic piece that locks into an eyelet or some proprietary tech that prevents the laces from slipping. If you struggle with mobility in your hands, take heed: Laces that don’t rely on cinches usually require some cutting to get the correct size, so you may need assistance.
Comfort
Some people find elastic shoelaces gentler on their feet than traditional laces. According to Amy Mangueira, certified running coach at True Potential Running, runners with wide feet or high arches may find elastic laces exceptionally comfortable due to the varying levels of tightness they offer.
“The flexibility of the elastic adapts to the shape of your foot, reducing pressure points and the potential for blister formation,” says Mangueira.
Convenience
Many triathletes find elastic shoelaces useful for competing and training, especially during transition periods. Elastic shoelaces eliminate the need to tie or untie shoelaces, allowing triathletes to slip their shoes on and off effortlessly, says Fuchs, the podiatrist we spoke to for this story. “This saves valuable seconds during transitions and ensures a secure fit throughout the race,” Fuchs says.
Length and Size
The length of your shoelaces depends on how many eyelets are on your shoes, and the number of eyelets your shoes have depends on your size. Eyelets are counted in pairs, so if you count a total of 14 on a single shoe, it has seven eyelets. According to retailer Shoelaces Express, a shoe with five eyelets has an average lace length of 36 inches, six eyelets is about 40 inches, seven eyelets is about 45 inches, eight is around 54 inches, nine is 63 inches, and 10 is 72 inches.
Regarding sizing elastic shoelaces, brands differentiate theirs by measurements (36 inches, 42 inches, etc.) or standard size symbols (L, XL, etc.). It’s best to refer to the brand’s size charts to find the size you need. Or, the easiest route: simply measure the shoelace you’re replacing and compare it against the elastic counterpart. It’s best to go with a longer length than a shorter one in case you need to cut it to size.
And to that point: If you’re not using elastic shoelaces with cinch locks, you’ll need to cut them down for a proper fit. Elastic shoelaces that rely on tension to secure the foot in place rather than a cinch lock are cut down to the user’s desired length and then anchored in place. Any excess lacing that extends through the topmost eyelets is usually cut, with ends that tuck into the shoe and lock into place with a plastic eyelet anchor, or, in the case of the bumpy Caterpy Run laces, proprietary tech.
How We Selected
We spoke with a podiatrist and a certified running coach to garner expert recommendations to find the best elastic shoelaces available for triathletes and those who have mobility or dexterity impairments. We also selected some options based on our research of customer reviews, and what we learned from expert insights regarding accessibility, length, ease of use, and locking mechanisms. All of these elastic shoelaces are fit for a wide variety of activities, just like regular laces, including a few options designed specifically for running.
Elastic No Tie Shoelaces
If you’re looking for elastic shoelaces and don’t want to deal with complex locking mechanisms, these are made with a double eyelet lock that can be easily adjusted by pressing down and sliding it toward the shoe’s tongue.
Thanks to packaged instructions and a brand-shot video tutorial, installing them is easy. They can stretch up to 72 inches, making them an excellent option for those who like to keep their shoes slightly roomy.
Both of our experts recommend Lock Laces due to their secure fit and ease of use. Meanwhile, several users say it’s improved their foot health and comfort, and that they’re excellent at keeping shoes pleasantly snug. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also very affordable.
Tie-Free Laces
Fuchs recommends Hickies elastic shoelaces because they’re made with a thin, stretchy silicone material, and they don’t rely on a bulky cinch lock. These no-tie shoelaces are unique because each 4-inch strap (14 are included in one pack) can be individually adjusted for a custom fit.
Each small strap inserts into the eyelets and snaps together, letting users tighten pairs of eyelets rather than all eyelets at once. No loose ends or cutting is involved, making these the most straightforward install on this list.
They’re water-resistant and available in several colors. Due to their excellent custom fit, however, they’re also relatively pricey.
The Ultimate Elastic No Tie Shoelaces for Adults and Kids
These Caterpy no-tie shoelaces are an excellent choice if you frequently transfer your shoelaces from shoe to shoe. They look odd, but each embedded bump provides a layer of tension that tightens your shoes. They pull through eyelets like regular shoelaces, and rather than having to tie them after they reach the topmost eyelets, you simply cut them at your preferred level of tension. You can also toss these laces in the washing machine if they happen to get dirty while you run.
“These are a top choice for runners seeking a secure and comfortable fit,” says Mangueira. “They use patented bump technology for consistent tension throughout the shoe and are highly adjustable for a personalized fit.”
Run Laces
Nathan Run Laces offer a secure fit and are easy to adjust. Mangueira recommends these because of the reflective details for low-light visibility. They easily loosen via the cinch fastener, and regardless of which of the seven colors you choose, there’s a good chance they’ll match at least one of your training outfits.
These laces are only available in one size, however, so double-check your fit before purchasing. Some users say the laces feel stiff and rigid.
No Tie Shoelaces
Mangueira recommends the Xpand no-tie shoelaces if you prefer minimal laces. They’re great for casual wear and come in various colors, plus they’re easy to clean.
Because these laces are made with elasticized rubber, they move with you instead of against you, which is useful for runners who want extra stability. They’re also thin, unlike other elasticized rubber options that appear poofier. These can be hidden from sight by tucking in each end.
EcoMade Quick Lacing System
These Yankz! no-tie shoelaces are made from recycled elastic cords, making them a sustainable option for the plastic-conscious. A single pack comes with two one-size laces, and packaged instructions are easy to follow.
Buckles secure them to your feet after install, and several users say they only need to be “dialed-in” once. However, these only accommodate shoes smaller than a men’s size 12, so if you have very large feet, these won’t cut it.
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