10 replies to this topic

[Gronk]

Ok, this could be a dumb question. Both the pair of shoes that I rotate (Brookes & Asics) have lace holes (example circled below) that aren't used when the shoes are sold as laced. I've never used them. Er, should I be ? :unsure:



Gronk

[Just tri it]

When I bought my current shoes they suggested using them for extra support and so they'd fit just a bit better. I'm going to try to explain how to do but it'll probably come out all wrong. Here goes...

Lace shoes as per normal.

Take the lace on the left hand side and lace it through the last top hole on the left side from front to back so the lace comes out from the inside of the shoe rather than the outside.

Do the same with the right side.

You have now made a little loop type thing on the outside bit of the shoe. Take the left lace and put it through the right loop, and take the right lace and put it through the left loop.

Pull it nice and tight and now tie your laces.

Got it? :D

That was something we always did with basketball shoes for extra support, but I found it a bit restrictive in my running shoes.

[Stu Mac]

I use the circled hole, this doesn't make it right but.

I continue the lace into this hole and create 'bunny ears', cross the lace across the shoe, creating a nice tight feel a little higher than normal.

A shitty explanation, but my son's pod showed me this as a way of providing more support to the foot, it feels more secure...

My son hates it because it takes longer to take the shoe off.

[Grey beard]

I've always understood it is purely personal preference. For me the extra tightness at the top of the foot is unpleasant and I have never had any problem with shoes moving due to being loose, so I don't use them. Sometimes I even go one hole down to tie off if my socks are thick.

Then again, I notice my son uses the extra hole with his basketball shoes, so perhaps it's about how much you change direction and need the extra ankle support in your chosen activity?

[queen_bee]

I've used it, as per Just Tri It's instructions. This helps to keep my heel nice and tight in the shoe. After breaking in new shoes I don't feel like I need it any more....

All personal preference I guess and just imagine the marketing spin they can put on those two extra holes! :)

[tiger angel]

I was also taught to lace it like Just Tri It and have found it to be more supportive. Actually they feel weird if I don't do it :rolleyes:

[Kiwi Trailrunner]

For another option and maybe something to think about or try out...
I only lace every second hole thereby leaving lots of holes. By doing this I find that if my foot swells a bit, say when I'm running a marathon, then the pressure of tight lacing will not cause pain to the top of my foot.

[vat]

New Balance has a great lacing guide here with neat little animations.

I usually run a lace-lock on my Asics just to secure the heel a bit better (narrow ankkes). I've also done the 'every second hole' trick on my DS Trainers - they were a very tight fit, and very uncomfortable until I sorted the lacing out. They're fine now.

[Jimboy]

For a neat visual on this topic go to www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?SP=&v=5&UAN=482
For different foot problems with lacing.

[plu]

Gronk,

Steve at the running shop at Randwick showed me how to use them and it makes a difference. It sounds like the way Stu Mac and maybe JTI does it but I am not sure. I'll show you next time we catch up.

plu

[Gronk]

Thanks all for the responses. I will test a few variations over the next few weeks. Plu, if your running Striders next Sat then we'll catch up then.

Gronk