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Stretch Shoe Laces

Not exactly "best walking shoes" but I thought I'd share my experience replacing my shoe laces with stretch versions. I had one particular pair of lace up shoes I liked but they constantly came untied no matter what I did. I saw one brand of stretch laces - Hickies I think - but thought they were way too expensive. Also I didn't like that they just made the shoes slip on but didn't give any room to pull the shoe open wider while putting them on or accommodated different sock thicknesses.

Ultimately bought a different type from Amazon- stretchy cord with a spring locking gizmo and snap on end caps. You thread the laces just like normal, trim off the excess cord then slide on the spring lock and the end caps. I leave about 2 inches excess but you can experiment and trim off more if needed. They come in different brands and colors on Amazon for about $6-7 a pair.

Posted by
17417 posts
Posted by
28040 posts

I'm glad to know about this option. A pair of walking shoes I purchased a few years ago arrived with stretchy laces, but I had to switch them out because the shoes were uncomfortably tight across my arch and the laces weren't adjustable. It would be great not to have bows that tend to untie, though.

Posted by
911 posts

Yes, Lola, very similar. For each shoe you thread 1 extra long stretchy cord just like a normal lace, then I put the shoe on, figure out what's comfortable and trim off the ends leaving about 2 inches. Then you feed the ends thru a spring lock and an end cap. My first attempt I left too much, had to carefully pry the end cap open, trimmed the lace and put the cap back on. If they bounce around when you walk you can tuck under the laces.

Posted by
11569 posts

First pair I received 25 years ago were from the PT dept at the hospital upon discharge and have used them ever since. I now buy Lock Laces in packages of three.

Posted by
911 posts

Suki, I'm just now finishing PT for a new knee and getting my shoes on that leg has been a challenge. Actually had to buy a shoehorn. It's part of why it's important that I can open up the tongue area to slide my foot in.

Posted by
11569 posts

A long shoehorn and elastic laces plus a device to pull socks on were all dispensed by the hospital PT Dept, all very necessary. Good luck with your recovery.