New LaceLockers Provide Shoelace Safety for Everyone  

by Lauren Jones

Since the invention of modern shoelaces, they have been a problem. How many knots does it take to keep those floppy laces tied? And stiff material or long length make them easier to come annoyingly undone and put a kink in your day, whether you are just learning to tie your shoes or need them to stay secure for a race.

But a small, unique, patented device could be changing the hassle of the subtle shoelace problem, by giving runners the power to keep laces tied, no matter the material or length of their laces.

LaceLocker®, a new shoelace storage product, promises to keep shoelaces tied no matter how they are made. With just a slip under the crossed laces and a snap around the tied loops, the product keeps any laces—long or short, thick or thin—on top of the shoe where they belong.

It’s perfect for athletes, kids, and anyone who is worried about getting their laces stuck in the mud, or tangled in the chains of their bicycles. Unlike other lace-securing products with metal pieces, it doesn’t slide or put pressure on the top of the foot, nor do you need to cut or remove your laces. Instead, its middle wedge and two wrap-around wings keep the knot tight and the shoelaces comfortable, wearable, and looking good—with a multitude of colors to match and the option to custom-design.

It’s a simple solution to an age-old problem, and its testers, from teachers and moms to professional athletes, are singing its praises.

Neely Spence Gracey, an elite distance runner and eight-time NCAA Division II national champion, became an ambassador for the LaceLocker after she had planned to wear tennis shoes at her wedding but was worried they’d come undone at the worst moment. Now, she uses LaceLockers in all her races, and has even designed her own bold red pair with the words “Get Running” written across the top.

“It’s a useful tool for any athlete—because there are so many things you can’t control out there, but if you can control your shoes staying tied, it’s one less thing to worry about,” Gracey said. “I had a friend who ran marathon and was disqualified by nine seconds because he had to stop and tie his shoes. You never want that to happen!”

Doreen Seymour, a teacher for the visually impaired, gave a pair of LaceLockers to a high school student who wanted to dispose of his Velcro sneakers. She said he was embarrassed by the shoes, but his mom wouldn’t let him part with them. He told her, ‘Mom I want to wear Nikes!’

LaceLocker opened up a world of difference. “He said that’s it? It as simple as this?” Seymour said. “When you are visually impaired, tying your shoes is just one more thing that can go wrong in the day. It’s one more thing they have to do in a hurry. LaceLocker really allows you to take care of their shoes one time, when they get dressed—and when the laces are due to come undone, you do it on your own terms.”

The product has also helped parents of children with disabilities. For example, one three year old went from detesting his bulky shoes to showing them off at preschool, thanks to his cool silver pair of LaceLockers.

“Parents really love the product, and they feel good about sending their kids to shows—the blinky shoes are often velour in nature and distracting; parents can rely on just LaceLocker and a regular sneaker.” Seymour said.

Along with being the first shoelace management product of its kind, it is created with a mission from the heart: the majority of profits from LaceLocker sales will help send kids to college.

In memory of her late mother, LaceLocker creator Carol “Stash” Stanley has established a scholarship fund that will help students with financial need who would struggle to attend college otherwise.

“My mom was passionate about education having only completed eighth grade,” Stanley said. Before she died last year, I promised her that I would work tirelessly to help send kids to college.  Her death was the catalyst for The LaceLocker Scholarship Fund. For me, each day is an opportunity to make good on my promise to her.”

LaceLockers are almost weightless and come in a variety of colors and designs.  They can be custom designed with school/team/organization logos and colors to help as a fundraiser and to promote your brand. To check them out, visit LaceLocker.com. (Use Discount Code ‘LRL1’.)

Lauren ([email protected]) is a writer, runner and LaceLocker proponent in Charlottesville, VA.