Lace Basics: Stop the Stretch
It’s a well-known and scientifically documented fact that all laces stretch, no matter what they are made of or how they are designed. It’s also well-documented that some laces stretch more than others.
What many need to understand is how lace stretch impacts performance.
First, as you move, lace stretch occurs when your laces do not move uniformly with your footwear. Over time, the lace stretch will result in a shift in tension. If you are someone who utilizes variable lace tension for comfort, this can result in the footwear feeling uniformly loose or snug across the lace gap. It may also cause foot pain and pressure points – known as lace bite – causing you to stop and re-tie your skates, shoes, or boots. You lose seconds to minutes off your activity time every time you stop.
Second, lace stretch causes energy leaks. If stopping to re-tie your footwear wasn’t enough to slow your progress, lace stretch is slowing you down while in your activity. As laces stretch, it can cause your foot to more unexpectedly and inefficiently within your footwear. The more your foot moves, the more energy your body has to divert to compensate simply for your foot. In games like hockey, where every movement and every ounce of energy saved is another benefit, why fret the lace stretch?
Thankfully, Panther Teeth is the perfect solution to lace stretch. Our small, unobtrusive lace lock accessory bites into laces, holding the exact tension you want no matter what activity you put it through. Through scientific studies with Brock University and the University of Alabama – Huntsville, Panther Teeth has been proven to reduce or eliminate lace stretch, increasing comfort and performance.
Watch the video below from Dr. Kelly Lockwood of Brock University to learn more about the impact of lace stretch.
Still not sure? Read all of our Performance Study Blogs to learn more about how Panther Teeth have been proven Fit to Perform or try Panther Teeth for yourself!