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player ready...Name: Nathan Lock Laces
What they are: Elasticized shoelaces that feature a lock and clip system that secures your laces, so they never need tying again. They were invented by Eric Jackson after he got tired of his shoelaces frequently coming untied while he was playing sports. After installing the Lock Laces in your shoes, you can loosen or tighten as needed. The laces come in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, blue and yellow ($7.99), or you can pay $2 more to get them with reflective colors that are more visible at night.
The good: These laces had me from the moment they replaced the original laces in my Asics running shoes. The old laces had annoyed me for months, always coming untied on walking tours or during workouts unless I double-tied them. The Lock Laces never need tying and make my Asics more comfortable. Passing through airport security now is a breeze when I have to remove my shoes. I can slip them off like slippers. Plus, I can loosen them after a hike or a nonstop day of sightseeing when my feet are tired or swollen.
The bad: Be sure to use Nathan’s guidance about leaving 2 or 3 inches of lace. If you cut the laces too short, you have less room to adjust the locks at the end of a day.
Cost: $7.99; $9.99 for reflective laces
Available from: footlocker.com, dickssportinggoods.com and amazon.com