Discussion: Shoe lacing without knots

A few years ago I damaged my left hand. Since then, I get my shoe laces tied before start and then hope that they stay tied until the finish. There are several problems with this approach. A shoe lace becomes untied. A pebble or some other object gets inside a shoe. The shoes get wet, expand and, as a result, my feet are sliding around inside. Last weekend, at RMOCs two Frisco events, I tested a new lacing system that I hope will solve these issues. Boa Technologies in Denver graciously modified a pair of VJ Supras, adding their closure system to the shoes. So far, so good. The feel is identical to regular laces. The system did not fail in any way. And Saturday night, when the shoes became wet, I could tighten them with a quick turn of a knob. An added benefit is that there are no loose and flying parts that can snag.

A big downside, at least for the moment, is that you cannot buy these. My pair was modified by Boa's prototyping group (at my request) and I doubt that I can go back with a second pair after these are worn out. Therefore, my hope is to convince a shoe manufacturer to integrate Boa's system into their models. If somebody reading this has contacts with an orienteering shoe manufacturer, please contact me. I am more than happy to relay my experience, both positive and negative (should it arise), as I get more miles in the shoes.

PS Is there a way to post images in a message?

Hey, fesk; you can post images in a message on attackpoint, but your image has to be uploaded to the internet, i.e. it has to be accessible from a URL, like http://www.geekalerts.com/u/sheep-stool.jpg

To include it explicitly, use the img src html:
<img src = "http://www.geekalerts.com/u/sheep-stool.jpg">


The easiest free ways to upload your image to the internet are probably flickr, picasa, or facebook.

I have a couple pairs of the kevlar laces originally used with Salomon shoes. I've installed them in pairs of Vasques, Montrails, and Inov-8's, and it works well!

I just tape round the laces with a bit of electrical tape. Everyone does this back at home (where the woods have much more crappy stuff at foot level), but I've noticed no one really seems to do it here.

Thanks for the image instructions. Here's a closeup of the lacing system. You turn the spool knob to tighten, pull to release. The spool is sewn into the shoe and has a fairly low profile so I hope it will be resistant to damage. We shall see.



I will take a look at the Solomon laces too.

At one time a year or so ago, Solomon lacing replacements were available through REI. Don't know if still there, but worth a shot and should be easy to operate if you have partial use of hands.

I've seen ski boot tightening systems similar to that pic above.
A system similar to top cycling shoes would also work.
And the simplest solution would be to use velcro shoe.

La Fuma also have a system on their shoes that can probably be copied for orienteering shoes. It should be possible to pull it tight with one hand and then use the thumb to push the toggle down to hold them tight.
http://www.amazon.com/Lafuma-Waterproof-Trail-Runn...

You could always send feedback with pictures to VJ-sport:
jouni.mattila [ät] vjsport.fi
or
jyri.sistonen [ät] vjsport.fi

At least then they would be aware of such need (and technology).

I don't knoq if this helps or not, but The North Face have the Boa system in some of their running shoes. could always contact them....

I have used these on and off for years.( I know) I never lost a shoe using them.
http://www.yankz.com/Yankz-Sure-Lace-System-Overvi...

Ah, inside knowledge from outdoor store guru swami Cato!

ha you know it :-)