No-tie shoes are the future, and the future is here. On December 1, 2016, Nike made history with the release of their HyperAdapt 1.0 self-lacing shoe, an innovative design in the works since the filming of Back to the Future II in 1988. It’s true, HyperAdapt 1.0s are the most advanced tennis shoes on the market, featuring a pressure sensor in the heel that tells the shoe to self-tighten when activated. But they don’t come without a steep price. Although this is the first self-tying shoe out there, no-tie shoelaces have been the futuristic alternative to traditional cotton laces for years. It all started with Lock Laces®, the original no-tie laces made from elastic cord that stretches and adapts to your feet throughout the day. And — best of all — you don’t have to spend your children’s college funds to afford them. Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, meet Lock Laces®: the adaptive shoelaces for everyone else.
Affordability
This December, Nike’s HyperAdapt 1.0 power-tying shoes entered the market at a staggering $720, causing excited shoe-lovers to think twice before purchasing the first-generation technology. While the futuristic shoe may be great for professional athletes, they’re unreasonably priced for everyone else. At $7.99, Lock Laces® have the comfort and versatility you’re looking for in a no-tie shoe without the ridiculous price tag.
Versatility
Nike’s HyperAdapt 1.0s are undoubtedly cutting-edge technology, but they aren’t on the cutting edge of style. One of the best things about Lock Laces®? They fit nearly every athletic shoe with eyelets, allowing you to decide which color of laces go best with your shoes. Most round shoelaces slightly vary in diameter depending on the brand but, at a small .25cm in diameter, Lock Laces® fit the majority of tennis shoes on the market. If you’re not sure if Lock Laces® will fit your shoe, please ask us.
Off the Grid
Have you ever wanted to spend time completely “off the grid?” Because of advances in technology like smart phones, laptops, electric cars and hand-held gaming systems, we’re constantly looking for the next power outlet to charge our electronics. It’s easy enough to leave most electronics at home on multi-day camping trips or hikes, but your most comfortable pair of shoes is the last thing you want to leave at home. Unlike HyperAdapt shoes, Lock Laces® make it possible to go off the grid with your favorite sneakers or boots because you don’t have to charge Lock Laces® to get a consistent, perfect fit. Just lace them up, tighten the lock and enjoy your escape into nature.
Colors that Match Every Outfit
Nike’s HyperAdapt shoes are only available in two colorways: Black/White-Blue Lagoon and Metallic Silver/Black-White. Even though these colors match a wide variety of outfits, what do you do if you want a little more color in your life? Lock Laces® are available in 17 popular colors from black to camo and everything in between.
Comfort
Your feet naturally swell throughout the day, especially when you’re active. Even though Nike’s power-tie shoe allows you to electronically adjust the shoe’s fit, the shoelaces are made of a more restrictive braided lace when compared to the Lock Laces® elastic cord. Lock Laces® are made of extremely elastic bungee material, so they naturally stretch to accommodate the size of your foot. If they feel too tight or too loose, simply adjust the lock accordingly. It only takes a couple seconds, and — more importantly — you never have to worry about a dead battery preventing you from adjusting your shoe’s fit.
Washable
Although HyperAdapts are water resistant, you can’t just toss them in your washing machine and add detergent like typical tennis shoes. It’s best to stick with shoes that are machine washable because handwashing sneakers can be difficult, time consuming and frustrating. And if you ever need to wash your Lock Laces®, they’re easy to unlace before gently scrubbing with warm water and a dish brush. They’re extremely durable, so there’s no need to worry about breaking or damaging your favorite laces.
With no-tie convenience, stretch-fit comfort and easy installation, Lock Laces® are the one-size-fits-all future of shoelaces. Once you lace up your first pair, we promise you’ll be a fan for life, too.