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Lock Lacing
(Lug version)
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A lug version of
Lock Lacing. Not a lacing method as much as a technique for creating a super-tight finish. It's often
recommended for lacing running shoes to help prevent heel slippage, particularly when running downhill. It's 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.
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Sneakers with Lug Lock Lacing. Picture sent in by Emily B. |
Lacing Technique:
1. The shoe is laced until the lace ends emerge through the second set of lugs from the top.
2. The ends run straight up and are fed through the top lugs.
3. The ends are crossed over, then each end is fed under the vertical section on the other side.
Features:
Tightens firmly
Reduces slippage
Harder to loosen
Comparative Length = 105%
Laced area uses more (about +5%)
Longer laces needed (about +2%)
Shortens lace ends (about −4%)
More details
NOTE:
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. in U.S.A.,
Lug Ladder Lacing naturally finished with the ends passing under similar vertical sections. |
Lock Lacing Theory:
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"?
The answer is simple leverage, which helps pull the lacing very tight. When the ends are tied, the upper straight
sections get pulled sideways, acting like "pulleys" to provide just that little bit of extra tension, more than is
possible by pulling in a straight line.
There are many factors that come into the choice of a running shoe (as you'll discover on countless other running
and footwear web sites). Heel slippage is only one factor, and Lock Lacing can only correct a certain amount of
slippage. If you've found a running shoe that meets most of the needs of your feet and your running style 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, it's more likely that those shoes don't fit properly, and
a far better solution would be to get a pair that does. 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! |
For more information and photos, see the eyelet version of
Lock Lacing.
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Recent Photos (sent by site visitors)
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Hover over any photo for details, or click to enlarge in the
Shoe Lacing Photos page. |
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Related Links
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Lock Lacing
Same lacing method for shoes with eyelets instead of lugs.
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This page last updated: 27-Jan-2013. Copyright © 2012-2013 by
Ian W. Fieggen. All rights reserved.
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