Lace Basics: Mastering the Loop
One of the biggest questions about laces is, “how do I keep my laces tight?” The loop lace lock is a popular lacing variation to help answer this question.
The loop lace lock is most commonly used at the top two eyelets of your footwear. Instead of crossing your laces on the last two eyelets, lace straight up, creating loops on each side to accomplish the loop lace lock. Then, take the ends of your laces and feed them back through the loops on the opposite side. From here, you pull tight and tie as usual.
The friction and leverage of pulling against the loops allow you to pull the laces tighter.
However, this technique could be better because it only tightens and locks in that one set of eyelets, results in a more targeted tension point, and can be a source of lace bite. Additionally, it doesn’t prevent lace stretch or disbursement, meaning if you have not tightened your footwear from the toe, it will still loosen to the top till it hits the “lock.” Lastly, the loop lace lock is also really hard on your eyelets and, in the long run, can cause them to wear out faster.
Pro Tip: DO NOT do this on freshly baked ice skates, even if this is how you usually tie them!
So why do so many people use the loop lace lock, and how do you improve it?
The best we can tell through research is that the initial tight, secure feel makes this appealing. In ice skates, primarily, having a tight ankle can provide more sense of stability and fit. For the younger or weaker player, the extra leverage can make it easier to tie their skates.
Pro Tip: DO NOT do this on freshly baked ice skates, even if this is how you usually tie them!
So why do so many people use the loop lace lock, and how do you improve it?
The best we can tell through research is that the initial tight, secure feel makes this appealing. In ice skates, primarily, having a tight ankle can provide more sense of stability and fit. For the younger or weaker player, the extra leverage can make it easier to tie their skates.
To improve this technique, pull the laces snug to tight, starting at the bottom of your shoes, skates, or boots. If there is slack in your laces at the toe, that will eventually work to the top, no matter how you lace or tie your footwear.
Second, add Panther Teeth! Adding one Panther Teeth lace lock device right before the area you use the loop lace lock technique ensures a lock-down fit that won’t change as you move or play. If you want your toe box tight, mid-foot loose, and ankle tight, add Panther Teeth between each comfort zone to ensure your laces stay put.
Ready to try Panther Teeth for yourself?