What is your choice of laces for training and racing? Let us know!

@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling

4 жыл бұрын

definitely normal laces. i tried elastic laces once and i ended up with shin splints after several weeks of use

@follystone

4 жыл бұрын

For training & racing I use elastic laces in my racing-flats & muddy-trail shoes. Standard laces with loop-around-lacing in my road high-mileage shoes & rocky-trail shoes. Great video thanks. Hope to see Sam in more of these, very natural delivery to-camera style

@Warfer24

4 жыл бұрын

Isn't it best to train in the same shoe "setup" as you would do for a race? At least I would prefer to know how my shoe feels before I start a race. Been using elastic laces for a year now and no problem so far. Great video, thanks!

@pr0faker

4 жыл бұрын

I would say for shorter training or racing elastic, but for long distance and heavy use in training normal would work better. I find for longer distances the elastic ones also have the tendency to restrict your foot so much its getting numb or restrics good blood flow I think, due to the fact its always putting pressure no matter what the foot is doing, vs normal laces that have been tightened to just keep the shoe snug at the neutral state. Badly tightened normal laces do end uphaving way more negative impact though so you need a good tight but not too tight lace up. Lastly I think for people with good straight ankles that have no major over or under pronation, both wouldn't have much difference but for those who do have problems with that, like me, the above is what I think will work best.

@user-tn8jw3vp3b

4 жыл бұрын

I just slip my foot in my shoe with the regular laces tied beforehand. My shoes are not that stiff I guess. As a matter of fact I just tie my laces the first day I buy the shoes and do them again only when they get untied. Is that bad for the shoe?

I use elastic laces all the time. I find they hold my feet tightly in place and never work loose; It’s great to have consistency with the tightness day-in day-out. Best choice.

New presenter? was this like a trial interview because he did a pretty good job, easy to understand, enunciates his words well.

@Luckyj714

4 жыл бұрын

Idk but he ran with Mark when he did the 100k run

@gtn

4 жыл бұрын

Hey @bikeanddogtrips, Sam is a great friend of the channel and is helping us out - more to come 🙂

Very helpful video--and timely for me. I have always run with elastic laces but recently switched back to "normal" laces and I DO feel more secure and stable in traditional laces. I thought it was in my head, but it's actually in my feet! Thanks, GTN!

I have been training in my elastic laces for the last several years. I enjoy them because I have a tall foot and the elastic laces allow for flexibility while running preventing sores/blisters. I've never had a problem with a feeling of loose shoes when I tighten the elastic laces up.

I switched to elastic laces 2 years ago and never switched back. Used them in my last marathon. I even use them for my every day shoes which saves me a lot of time and hassle when trying to leave the house with the kids. I actually found the elastic laces to be more comfortable the regular laces. My shoes don't feel any different from before. No blisters or rub spots or foot pains. And now I don't get that rub spot on the top of my foot, anymore, that I used to get with regular laces. And my laces also stay the same tightness, unlike my regular laces and I often had to tie and re-tie to get them right, some times. I think this video had a lot of "what-if's" in it and I would prefer to see some actual science on this before deciding that they were bad or good. As you say, it is likely very similar to barefoot running. Elastic laces are doubtfully "better" or "worse" than regular laces. You just have to get used to using them.

Interesting video. Never really thought about it much. I use elastic laces for training and racing. I wear On-Running shoes and DO NOT like their laces, so when I buy new shoes I immediately change out laces for elastic. Easy on/off and no related injuries that I am aware of. Thanks to GTN crew for all the content!

It’s funny i actually have found the complete opposite... in about 2007 I got into elastic laces not for triathlon but for racing cross country and hill running races because with all the wet mud sometimes my laces would come undone mid race which is so frustrating and with elastic laces that problem doesn’t exist. With them sinched up propper tight with the “special knot” you showed at the end I found my feet stay locked down a lot better in them than with normal laces and the tension remains constant maybe not throughout a stride but through out a whole run you pull the chords down and your feet are locked in them at the same tension for the whole run the laces tension cannot slip and you can just forget about it... as such all my running shoes have had elastic laces In them for over 10 years. I think just through years of use I’ve grown to prefer this feeling because when I get a new pair of shoes and you run in them a few times with normal laces in I always feel they either feel mushy or constrictive across The top of my foot when I’m toeing of during each stride and I just don’t like the feeling as much and I’m pretty quick to swap some elastic laces into them... I never realised there was this whole counter argument because well maybe I’m just very use to this feeling ?

These short videos are super informative - thanks for the great work!

I have a few pairs with lace lock elastic laces. I haven’t had any noticeable issues with them. They provide even pressure along the foot. However they do suffer from not adequately locking your foot in while running steep downhills. With regular laces there have been times where I have over tightened them in certain areas that have caused issues over the course of a long run. All in all, either lace setup can be fine provided you dial them in properly. 👍

Good video. I found it helpful. I've just started using elastic laces about a month ago. I have no problem using them. I use huub. Haven't had a problem using them yet. Maybe a good thing. My feet tend to swell sometimes. Good to know all I half to do is push a button and they release. Easy on/off. I've actually replaced all my shoe laces with elastic laces. Dirt and mud from mud puddles. Plus running in the rain they are my choice for laces. Love them

I'd go as far as saying the opposite ! I use lock laces in shoes where i don't feel supported enough with normal laces. I find that if you thighten lock laces to the max you'll get much more support and a much stronger lockdown. I don't use them for ease of putting my shoes on but for maximal foothold

I for one love that elastic lace move and flex with my foot. Especially in more flexible race shoes. No running injuries aside from minor blisters in 10 years. Much prefer them to outdated laces.

I am not quite in agreement with this. I always run with elastic laces, even marathons, I don't experience that my feet are less supported by them. In contrary when running and feet are expanding I have not the problem with laces that are unequally tight around parts of the feet. the elastic laces provide an equal distribution of pressure around the feet, during runs in rain this becomes even more comfortable. Sam has not tighten the elastic laces enough, keeping an obvious space to for the feet to move.

recently my doctor diagnosed a bone edema. And we think it may be related with the bike shoe. But, seen the video, now i believe that the running shoe is the villain to. I used a elastic for almost 10 months. It was a bad choise, but, glad i discovered it. Thanks!

ohhh dear im in trouble..its the first thing i swap out when i buy every new pair of shoes..in fact my local running shop knows me so well he always has elastic laces in if he knows im shoe shopping...ive tried using normal laces but i find they really hurt my feet

well, your foot should be able to move naturally. I can see if there is alot of movement that blisters could happen.. but this isnt because the laces are not securing your foot in the shoe tight enough.. its that your foot is able to splay and move naturally.. and its not because of laces but because the shoes are to tight, or other words to small for your feet to move in its natural intended movement. Most shoes are not shaped like a foot. You show should be widest at the tips of the toes.. but modern shoes have deformed peoples feet but pulling the toes in-ward. this with other design elements in modern shoes cause your muscles in the foot to weaken, not move naturally and causes you to have less balance. Why do you have to work yourself up in zero drop or toe shoes? because your feet have been weaked by tradition modern shoes... like to much padding in the sole, no flex in the sole, tapered toe box with toe spring, elevated heel. These are the reasons people have all types of feet problems when running or even women when they wear heels ect. look up on KZread or on Correct toes.com .. Natural Sports Podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan. I believe he trained for the Olympics earlier in his life. Many Natural feet practitioners talk about these types of things.. the feet are probably most neglected part of the body.

I use Lock Laces with the runner’s knot as you suggested with traditional laces. I’ve not noticed much movement or loss of efficiency, and I get a more consistent fit between runs as well without having to adjust tension 4 eyelets down across my mid foot, which is annoying with the yet even shorter laces affixed to trainers with every new generation. I do 5mi 4x a week with 3mi walks on recovery days and definitely consider myself recreational/fitness minded rather than competitive (10min/mi pace). I like being able to get into and out of shoes rapidly and the consistent tension across the top of my feet with the elastic laces. This is especially true when I’m weight training or boxing as I move through various mission specific shoes during my workouts. You offer great advice here and it’s worth considering, especially when it comes to serious distance runners and the injuries that plague them. Well done!

6:23 "It's not like we see ultra-marathon runners using elastic laces." I love you guys, but Salomon's most popular trail shoes come with elastic laces.

@levbobrov1398

4 жыл бұрын

Which model are you talking about? Speedcross 5 does not have elastic laces -- they have Salomon's "Quicklace" system, where you "tie" them by pulling by the loose end and locking. They are not elastic at all though.

@jonathanzappala

3 жыл бұрын

And they are annoying. I’d like to ask them what’s wrong with laces? Good thing I got them for free as a race prize.

I think it depends on the runner. I just recently removed my elastic laces because I have a wide foot and puts too much pressure in some areas and not tight enough in others. With laces I can adjust properly. Will try to figure out how best to put elastic laces on my racing shoes a week before a race and see if I can find the right fit. But who knows when I'll race next. All races are getting canceled or have been.

Since I switched to elastic laces for races I've never taken them in and out, just use them all the time. Mine are the elastic laces with the little lumps to hold them in place, I didn't want to have to go through setting then up correctly again. Never had a problem but maybe I should try out normal laces again.

how do yall put up w/ the boredom of running for 30 straight min?

If the elastic laces are laced up correctly, it works perfekt for me even on long runs. Especially loved to use xtenex laces. Lace them one time and they feel the same everytime. Normal laces or the other elastic ones can feel different everytime.

Really informative video! Could you maybe check out hickies next? Would be really interesting what you guys think about those :) And keep up the good work!

Great video 😀

I've personally dealt with this. Because it took a long time to rear it's head (> 1 year), I thought I just needed new shoes. It REALLY caused a ton of foot pain by that time though. So I was going to get new shoes but I didn't want to spend the money if I didn't need to, so just to TRY it, and after over-tightening like these guys mentioned, I just tried the regular laces again and wala! My feet felt better withing a week, and totally better in about a month. No new shoes needed. Also as somebody who did barefoot running for years - elastic laces DO NOT have the same benefits at all. The main benefits of barefoot running come from encouraging you to ONLY run on the balls of your feet - all the way from initial contact to end of contact. Elastic laces still are gonna keep the big heel cushion strapped to you, thus preventing a proper barefoot running form. Also your feet don't allow for any wiggle room compared to themselves, so the little bit of wiggle elastic laces have is still bad compared to that too. I LOVE elastic laces and for the first year of wearing them, I questioned why the hell the world ever used anything else - now I understand.

Does anyone know which On shoes these are and which colour? I've not seen them before

I predominantly run longer distances on trails and say over a typical trail marathon I need to stop and redo my laces maybe 3-5 times due to changes in my feet (expanding etc) or just because the laces have moved (not loosened) meaning the tension isn't correct and my feet are no longer secure. I'm interested in these laces as they allow super quick adjustments. On the basis that laces are clearly not secure either, would these be a viable alternative with a few key benefits on top

They’re AMAZING!

Sounds like you guys have musculoskeletal problems in your feet if your feet can’t support themselves, I’ve used elastic laces for 5 years and using proper lacing patterns for your feet, elastic laces will perform better and allow a lot more blood flow in your feet as they expand as your feet due (everybody on every run, your feet expand under stress) this results is quicker recovery and less injuries not more, like how important is blood flow to you, I guess you like pins and needles in your feet as you lose blood flow

I like to use greeper laces. Great for triathlon and not elastic so you get a good lockdown

I tried the elastic laces. Just could get them to get even pressure around the foot. So went back to regular laces.

I am not going to agree. I change my shoes every run and this means make and model. I also have at least a size too big for downhills. If the elastic lace is stretched it will not give as much. Maybe younger guys are just softer hahaha

I've been using BOA wind up laces about 3 months now, idk how they'll do in a year if they'll last but I like them so far

I think you supposed to tie the shoelaces to the last eyelet to prevent the foot from moving laterally and upward.

Elastic for race day, I suffer from tremors so I would have a hard time with lacing my shoes after the swim. Works fine in the run.

What if you just use the regular laces that come with the shoes but add a lace lock mechanism? I prefer the lock down feel of normal laces but want to use a lock to stop the laces coming undone all the time, perhaps this will address that just fine?

Elastic for racing only. Normal laces with 'runners loop' for every day for me. Found I was getting ankle issues and slippage when I left the elastics in.

@BostonCycling_

4 жыл бұрын

I was getting foot pain from the elastics being too tight and using them in every run. Now I will reserve for racing only

Sam is a natural, and you can see good chemistry between the guys. But maybe that perceived chemistry is just that I’ve been missing videos that feature two presenters in one place? Some sound problems btw. Excellent insight, elastic laces are something I don’t see people talk about with (constructive) criticism.

I have 800 miles on elastic laces. mostly trails. No problems with blisters, but slight inflammation on tut op of foot, cause I do keep the laces on tight side. Because I do long distance trails day after day, inflammation is better than blisters.

Elastic laces seem better at distributing pressure, whereas traditional seem more prone to tight spots

I'm not a triathlete, but I used to use elastic laces in all my running shoes. But then, they started either cutting into my feet to much.

Why hasn't a BOA system been used as it would hold firmer than elastic and allow for quicker tightening for race day? They use them in trail running shoes so they'd surely be suitable for normal runners too...

@markthrelfall3577

4 жыл бұрын

They do exist. Zoot were using them for years. New Balance have a set of shoes with them too

It takes me a lot of trial and error to get my elastics set up just right and a consistent feel on both feet. All of that fudging around is enough of a deterrent to make me not want to swap them out for traditional, only to start again from scratch going back again when needed.

I think the last part helped me explain it, since i always run elastic but i also come from a background of barefoot and minimal running, and i never feel any discomfort from running with elastics. but then again i'm also used to running with sandals (which took a lot to get used to, with your foot instinctively tightening up out of fear you'll lose it) so i think my feet are kind of adapt for a lot.

Sam is a born presenter

Elastic laces I’ve tried, they don’t provide the security I desire for speed work, and are a complete “no go” for locking my foot in the stiff soles of carbon-plated shoes. While they work for LSD and Recovery runs, those runs may require different shoelace tension due to a swollen foot, removing blister tension, etc., so I like the adjustability of tying my own normal laces even then. 👟

I'm just a runner, not a tiathlete. I always have one pair of elastic laced shoes (if that not something you can say, I'm hereby officially introducing this word into the English language) in one pair of my shoes.... and even though everything you say makes sense, I don't feel it that much....

Interesting, wouldn't a velcro strap across the top assist in the stability ? If so a note to the trainer manufacturers. Or even a ratchet like on cycling shoes . Regards Bob.

Doin half marathon many times and never adjusting it again. Most advantage is not accidently untie the laces during race

Is it known who was the first person to use elastic laces? I have to imagine some innovation like this, someone went to Joann Fabrics and got some elastic cord to use as shoes laces.

imagine your foot having to support itself, not like its designed to do that at all

Well how do the elastic laces cause you to go faster?

Have had past injuries on top of my foot, these have been never come back since elastic laces.

That’s why I use caterpy laces. They don’t loosen up, they’re cheap, and they are easy on and off

Elastic laces all the the way! Buy those arts and craft elastic string rolls. They essentially the same thing, but you get more and they are cheaper.

Great summary of the pros and cons. Definitely going to stay away for elastic laces for now. Thanks for the video.

There’s a MUCH better way. No stretch lace that come on and off in one second. It’s a new patented invention called Power pull. We’re llooking to partner with a footwear company.

after swapping to elastic laces for running shoes ill never go back. no more fussing over my shoes not feeling the same from left to right, and no more delay in transition. slip the shoes on and go.

I have found my level of neutral pronation (av 94% now) has improved since I changed my trainers and the new ones were normal laces as opposed to elastic that I had fitted to the older ones. Also in motion control trainers it seemed odd in hindsight having laces that allowed more movement which presumably could work against the foot position required to create the stability designed in by the shoe company.

I’m better off with the lock 🔐 laces than cheap ones.

Elastic for racing! Ordinary for training, except for quick bricks etc.

I've been suffering for a while now with over tightened elastic laces causing swelling and acute foot pain. Thanks for pointing this out, I'm switching back to normal.

Not going to agree. Change my shoes for every run and my running shoes are already a size bigger for downhills. Changing shoes means a different make not just the shoes. The tighter the elastic laces the less give there is.

Whatever comes with the shoe

But there are those who insist nature designed your foot to flex and stretch...

Once I made the wrong decision of changing from regular to elastic laces around the same time I switched road running for treadmill running, because of the winter. Result: 2 weeks later I developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot. Not sure how much, each of the two changes contributed to this condition but sure enough I've never used again elastic laces with my running shoes, or any type of shoe. I've also abandoned treadmill running since then for nice cold outdoor running.

Can’t stand them would rather lose time in transition

As the inventor of GREEPER Laces this is a question I address regularly. The key point from a foot health perspective is what is referred to as “Foot to shoe coupling”. The firmer your foot is connected to the footwear, the better the performance. There are some papers on this. Poor foot to shoe coupling causes injury as you mention but also by replacing regular laces with elastic also means the user looses some of the design features of the footwear. Happy to send you some Greepers to try if you’d like! They have been used by the likes of Chrissie Wellington and Jan Frodeno! Peter.

SMH. Laces make your feet weaker. Laces win!

first!

First

Good video and good points. I am not a fan of two maskless presenters. It is about setting examples, and we are now admitting that SARS-COV-2 is likely airborne. Keep the videos coming, but solo or spliced together, please.

@Tri_AgainProject

4 жыл бұрын

Outdoor is much lower risk w/ physical distancing as there's air dispersion & no pressure vacuum as there is with indoor environments w/ forced air flow. :)