Are you looking for a replacement for your shoelaces? Whether you’re dealing with untied shoelaces or children who never want to tie their shoes, there are products that help.
So, it’s time to remove your shoelaces and replace them with these best shoelace alternatives. By the end of this article, you never have to tie your shoes ever again.
Best replacement for shoelaces (no tie)
The best replacement for shoelaces should provide a strong closure to prevent your shoes from falling out of your feet. Here are the top 4 best shoelace alternatives you should consider:
1. Elastic No-Tie Shoe Laces
These elastic no-tie laces from Amazon are some of the most affordable shoelace alternatives. Initially, I bought these laces for my kids who never bothered to untie their shoes.
My initial plan was to turn their shoes into slip-ons, so I figured I should get laces that would stretch. I ended up getting some for myself and was surprisingly happy with the results!
Each package comes with 3 laces for spare. A single lace is surprisingly long enough to cover both shoes for a child, and may be enough for low-tops on an adult as well.
However, you only get one set of clasps, so if you want to use one package for more than one pair of shoes, you will have to find another way to join them at the top.
I installed these laces on my children’s shoes in the standard manner, but I did mine in a “bar lacing” method and the laces worked either way. Here’s how I installed my laces:
It probably took me about 10 minutes to get these laces installed. Personally, I find the instructions super easy to follow, but if you find things a little tricky, here are my suggestions:
- After you install the laces, put the shoes on and tighten them properly.
- Tie the knot so that the knot hits the center of each pair of shoes.
- Cut and tie them slightly looser than you think you want. You can always go back and cut more but once it’s gone, it’s gone. Walk a few steps to make sure before you cut.
- Knot the laces, melt the end with a lighter, and screw the metal pieces together! You’ll have to exert some effort to straighten the lace back out but it’s not terribly difficult.
- Last but not least, don’t stress too much about it. They’re $10!
I think these elastic no-tie laces are some of the best shoelace alternatives because they are much cheaper than other products I’ve seen out there. I hope you like them too!
2. LOCK LACES – Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces
Another amazing shoelace alternative is the LOCK LACES. The brand’s claim to fame is that they are the original elastic no-tie laces with over 8 million pairs sold worldwide.
LOCK LACES were originally designed for triathletes to decrease transition time, but these shoelace alternatives are also a great gift for seniors suffering from arthritis or other disabilities.
I got these LOCK LACES to replace some perfectly good laces that were just way too long. These serve their intended purpose of allowing me to convert my tie shoes to slip-ons.
Gone are the days of wrapping the laces around my ankles and then tying the knot. These LOCK LACES transformed my sneakers into slip-ons that are very snug yet very comfortable.
The spring-loaded lock keeps the laces firmly in place while providing easy adjustability, while the elastic laces keep an even tension on the shoe. The cord clip keeps the laces tidy.
In terms of quality, I think the LOCK LACES brand is the best out there. Each lace is made of high-quality materials that you’ll immediately notice once you get ahold of the product.
Each lace is 48 inches long and can stretch up to 72 inches. That’s how secure they can be. Most of my gym and running shoes are now secured with LOCK LACES and they’re still going strong.
And the best part is it takes less than 5 minutes to install everything! There are plenty of colors to choose from so be sure to browse the entire selection of colors on Amazon.
3. Zubits Magnetic Lacing Solution
Looking for a shoelace alternative that is unique, durable, and fun? Introducing the Zubist magnetic lacing system. It is quite simply the fastest way to get in and out of your own shoes.
I love slip-on shoes but due to a foot issue, I had to get supportive shoes with lacing.
I haven’t had to tie my shoes in years so I was hoping I was going to like these, and, wow!
Not only are the magnets surprisingly strong, but the magnets come in many different color choices that match any kind of sneakers. It’s so easy to slip on and off of my shoes now.
You may be wondering: are magnetic lacing systems strong enough? According to Zubits, magnetic shoe closures are very strong. Zubits magnets bind together with up to 18 lbs of force.
In fact, the Zubits magnetic lacing system is so strong that parkour experts use them for doing jumps, flips, and tricks. If you want the strongest closure, make sure you buy size #3.
Zubits magnetic lacing system come in three sizes:
Size #1 for Children or Elders – is for children ages 3 to 8 or elders who do not run in shoes. These laces provide lower strength and are easier to open.
Size #2 for Adults and Youth – is for children ages 8 to adults designed for running and most recreational activities. These laces provide average strength and are more secure than size #1.
Size #3 for Performance – is for larger people, recreational sports, running, tight lacing, boots, and active use. These laces provide the highest strength and are more secure than size #2.
If you’ve decided to buy Zubits, here’s how to install them:
As you can see in the video, it is very easy to install the Zubits magnetic lacing system. Unlike other no-tie solutions, Zubits can be used over and over again which makes them great value.
4. Hickies Tie-Free Laces
The Hickies Tie-Free Laces is another innovative shoelace alternative. With over 6 million units sold worldwide, the product is chosen by celebrities and athletes for its ease of use.
However, out of all the replacements for shoelaces on this list, I don’t think Hickies is the best. I think Hickies created a great concept, but the laces did not hold up as well as expected.
The material has a very limited shelf life. One day, my children and I went to an amusement park. During the hot summer day, each rubber lace began to fall apart throughout the day.
My son started with a full set, and one by one they snapped apart from tiny little cracks that had formed in the rubber. I had to frantically move the existing ones to get his shoes to stay on.
By the end of the day, my kid was left with 3.
Another flaw I’ve found on these Hickies laces is that they don’t fit well because each lace provides the same amount of closure. You need longer laces for the top holes.
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