# Elastic Shoelaces **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 6, 2026, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269 "2026-03-06T23:28:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Seanette](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seanette/32/9139_2.png) [@Seanette](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seanette)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/21 "2026-03-07T02:28:15Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > Why aren’t they transferable, though? Does that plastic doohickey “glue” the two ends together permanently? It’s a two-piece fastener that screws together, but is too large to get back out the lace holes, so you’d be cutting the end knots that are buried in the fastener to remove the laces, which loses length you may need and that cut end is very hard to put back through the lace holes. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/22 "2026-03-07T02:30:12Z")
Popular enough to sell at Costco. In the Canadian wild, I have only seen them a dozen times or so. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/23 "2026-03-07T02:33:02Z")
Actual new elastic cording or laces is cheap as dirt. I wouldn’t reuse the lace but you can reuse the metal screw together piece. Or if you have an aglet machine (it’s like a pliers) you can make new aglets and problem solved. Aglets are not necessary for the screw together piece but threading laces in the shoe needs an aglet. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/24 "2026-03-07T02:35:35Z")
Yes, basically the same cost as normal shoelaces. Especially if you buy several pairs. > **[Elastic shoelaces-AliExpress](https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-elastic-shoelaces.html)** > > Elastic shoelaces offer a convenient, no-tie alternative to traditional laces, ideal for running, daily wear, and users with limited dexterity, though they may lack adjustability for high-impact activities. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/25 "2026-03-07T02:44:46Z")
I put them on all of my shoes, have for at least a decade. Work great. My only tip is to leave a couple of inches of slack to work with after you get a comfortable fit when you’re putting them onto the shoe, more than you think you need to. Once you cut the ends and lock in the end cap, whatever you’ve left yourself is all you’ve got. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/26 "2026-03-07T03:07:58Z")
The highest rated ones are these so that’s what I bought > **[The Original Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces | Lock Laces®](https://www.locklaces.com/)** > > Make any shoe a slip-on with Lock Laces. Lock Laces are the #1 no-tie shoelace built for runners, triathletes, and anyone who never wants to tie their shoes again. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/27 "2026-03-07T04:37:04Z")
In a similar vein, I bring you the buckleless belt. > **[Amazon.com: Magic Buckleless Men's Stretch Belts: Comfort Revolution- Hook-Loop...](https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Buckleless-Mens-Stretch-Belts/dp/B0CF6SMW45)** > > Irritation-Free Belly,Wear Ultrshang Magic Buckleless Stretch BeltOur Magic-Fastener Stretch Belts feature an innovative magic-Fastener linking system, replacing the need for a traditional buckle. This revolutionary design offers several key... ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/28 "2026-03-07T04:53:01Z")
Not directly relevant to the no-tie shoelaces, but in my capacity as an Old Fart, shoes and laces have become an increasing challenge. Summer is no problem – I just slip into a pair of sandals. They have velcro straps but usually I don’t even bother with them! Winter has been a hassle until I finally bought a pair of oversized fur-lined zippered winter boots. Easy to get in, easy to get out of. Zippering them up is optional. Sorta like winter sandals! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/29 "2026-03-07T07:40:55Z")
You really need to upgrade to Crocs. I’m not playing, they are the absolute easiest shoe to wear. And you can get fur, fuzzy-stuff lined ones. Or do like me and wear socks with yer Crocs. (I won’t tell the Lil’wrekker, she really hates that) And you won’t need shoestrings, elastic or otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/30 "2026-03-07T10:07:18Z")
Once I laced my shoes like this, for kicks: [![](https://www.fieggen.com/Dont_Link/pics13/Chk247.jpg) ](https://www.fieggen.com/Dont_Link/pics13/Chk247.jpg) > [@Beckdawrek](#): > > You really need to upgrade to Crocs. I have seen people wear these [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/boingboing/optimized/4X/0/7/9/0794b5353e87f2865f96b034d05c5406f9078df6_2_690x465.jpeg) ](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/boingboing/optimized/4X/0/7/9/0794b5353e87f2865f96b034d05c5406f9078df6_2_690x465.jpeg) They were not running a marathon, though. Also, now that you mention it, you can obviously get slip-on or engineering boots… ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/31 "2026-03-07T10:22:43Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Whatever that doohickey piece is you can buy just them that screw together and are metal. Probably transferable to any elastic lacing. Why do you even need a “doohickey”? Is it to adjust the tension? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/32 "2026-03-07T13:21:32Z")
> [@Dr\_Paprika](#): > > Canadian Costco sells Sketchers. And they also have a shoehorn built into the heel. But similar elastic laces are as cheap on Amazon as regulars, and work with most shoes. American Costco stores also sell Skechers shoes but not all the time and usually only one or two styles at a time. For much more selection, I drove to an actual Skechers outlet store or bought them from Amazon. (The first pair I bought in the outlet store because I wanted to test the fit and how well the shoes stayed on.) ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/33 "2026-03-07T13:32:40Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > For much more selection, I drove to an actual Skechers outlet store or bought them from Amazon. I got one of my pairs from Kohls and another from a Skechers store. Even my local big box mega grocery store (Meijer) sells them. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/34 "2026-03-07T13:49:16Z")
I’ve been using those for years. Different colors available and easily adjusted for the snugness you might prefer. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/35 "2026-03-07T14:25:26Z")
I find it hard to buy shoes. I may try on a dozen pairs of shoes to find one that fits well. So i shop for shoes and take whatever laces they come with. Aftermarket elastic laces intrigue me, though. Not that I’ve ever had trouble tying my shoes: that’s the direction I’m flexible in. (On a good day, i can literally put my foot on my mouth, or at least, a couple of toes. On a bad day, i often figuratively put my foot in my mouth, of course…) But it would be faster to change shoes that way, and i wouldn’t need to sit on the floor. Hmmm. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/36 "2026-03-07T14:38:12Z")
Crocs are great. Nurses found out their advantages before most other people and have been wearing them since they came out. Easy to wash too. Naturally, hospital administrations started complaining about the open holes and the fact people liked them, but then they came out with holeless ones. But you can’t wear them safely to the gym or going jogging. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/37 "2026-03-07T14:39:58Z")
I think it would have the most utility putting your shoes back on when leaving someone’s home. A lot of people I know have you take your shoes off in their house but don’t have a seat or stool next to their door to make it easy to put shoes back on. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/38 "2026-03-07T14:56:50Z")
I have various types of non-laced shoes including slip-ons, but all my laced shoes have regular tie laces because I like to be able to adjust the snugness. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/39 "2026-03-07T15:40:12Z")
You made me laugh, @puzzlegal . That was hard down funny. Foot in mouth. Hilarious 😂 Thx for the giggle. (BTW, I can stand flat footed and put both hands flat on the floor. Palm down. Straight legs. Kids love it. They call it “folding myself”) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269/40 "2026-03-07T15:47:34Z")
Come on! @DPRK that plaiting shoe string thing is art. I’m impressed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elastic-shoelaces/1028269.md?page=3)