I remember the day as if it were yesterday. It was several years ago, but I will never forget running one of my first 5K’s and my shoelace coming undone at about mile 2.5. I was actually on track to place in the top three women and then the absurd happened: my laces were flying around like toddlers having a meltdown.
I was mad at myself for not double checking my laces before I started, and as a result I did not finish the way I had envisioned. To put in all of the hard work training only to make such foolish mistake on the big day was a lesson learned the hard way.
The following week I was running with my good friend Alison, who is not only an accomplished runner but triathlete as well, and noticed she had shoelaces that would not come undone. She mentioned that during the transition from bike to run, being able to slip your running shoes on without having to tie them or worry about them coming undone is essential.
I immediately bought a pair and have been a huge fan ever since. I love being able to slip my shoes on without having to tie them. When my kids were young, I had them on all of their shoes as well, especially any type of sports shoe or cleat. There is equal “suck factor” when your little ones are in the middle of a big game and the shoelaces come undone.
When I was cleaning out the garage the other day, I noticed that we had some items that could be used to make my own. I tried it out and they work great! You only need a few supplies and because you buy the elastic in bulk it makes about 10 pairs, so you can make some for yourself and the rest of the family, too.
What You’ll Need
3mm bulk elastic cord – I used this ONE
Double Holed Cord Lock– I used this ONE
Scissors
Scotch Tape
Washi or Electrical Tape
How to Make it
Step 1- Remove the laces that come with the shoes
Step 2- Measure and cut two 40 inch laces of your elastic cord
Step 3- Place Scotch Tape around each end of cord.
Step 4- Lace the elastic cord through the shoes, being careful to keep the cord even on both sides.
Tip- do not lace it too tight. Better to be too loose than tight. You will adjust it after it’s all laced up and on your foot.
Step 5- Repeat on the other shoe.
Step 6- Put your shoes on and adjust the cord laces so that they are not too tight on the top of the foot. Get them feeling comfortable for your foot. Walk around to see if it’s adjusted correctly.
Step 7- Place the dangling pieces into the cord holder- one on each side. Leave a tail 4-5 inches long and cut. Be sure that they are the right fit before trimming the ends.
Step 8- Use Washi or Electrical Tape to hold the two ends together and to keep them from fraying.
DO NOT THROW OUT THE OLD LACES– check HERE to find out how you can upcycle them into this headband.
