Heel lock lacing thoughts please- sorry if this sounds trivial

I’ve started using this but have discomfort in my Achilles’ tendon the day after a run since using it. Am I lacing too right or should I go back to using the last metal lace eyelet? Any advice gratefully received. 😊

[Tasha99 Marathon]

I didn’t like the locking lace so went back to normal lacing.

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

Interesting. I think my heel is already secure so I’m probably putting pressure where I shouldnt

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Also there wasn’t enough lace left for me to double knot when I used locking laces 😂

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

I have enough lace with the ONS because the laces are thin, but only just enough to double knot. Did you have any other reasons to stop using it?

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

It felt too tight tbh

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

Yes! Same for me. I think I will go back to the old method. I have quite high arches and I think it’s pushing the back of my shoe too high

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Ankle strangulation

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

Sounds a bit kinky to me 😂😂😂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I had to stop using it as I got left Achilles rub. I put Vaseline on p, and fold my sock over on that heel. A shoe with a soft, or no heel counter at all, is a boon

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

It’s more pressure than rubbing. Everything was fine before I started using it, but I was worried about ditching it out of hand in case there was another reason. Daft really, I’ve answered my own question. Thanks.

[Sadie-runs Half Marathon]

I use it and am a big fan as it makes my heel feel secure in place in the shoe. But, we all have different feet with different needs, so you just got to do what’s right for you! xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

I know you use it, and how well it works for you 😊 I think the thing is that I wasnt getting any movement in my heels anyway, they were locked into the back of the shoes very securely without the lacing. It’s a shame as I like the way the system lets you tighten the laces securely. I shall try without and see if it makes a difference. I think the area round my ankle bones has thickened due to the way I carry my weight because of my left leg being shorter and weaker, so that may be a factor. Anyway, I’m still grateful to you for the heel lock advice, it was worth a try xxx

[Lordi Marathon]

A running buddy showed me how to tie this (felt like a dumbo never knowing what that extra eyelet hole was for before!). I like it as it takes the pressure off the knot and I've never had my laces come untied. I don't pull the lock too tight just enought to take pressure off the bow.

Sounds like you are pulling it closed too tightly.

[Hidden in reply to Lordi]

I did wonder. I will try looser before trying without. Thanks.

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Wow I don’t know what this is, but it doesn’t sound great if it’s giving you Jip!!

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

It’s the heel lock lace system, using the little metal free eyelet at the top of the lacing system. It’s supposed to lock your heel in place but it seems too much for me.

[pinkaardvark Half Marathon]

When I first tried it, I did it too tight and got the strangled feeling, but since then I learned to loosen them off and be a bit more confident that the shoes wouldn't fall off and it has been fine.

[Hidden]

I've used it for ages and when I got new trainers I had a similar experience to you. I did 2 things. Firstly, I didn't tie them too tight next time by flexing my foot while tying, and secondly, you can use this further down the shoe so I moved the lacing one hole down... no more problem!

I didn't want to give up on it because I have quite narrow heels and worse when I size up, which is a must in running shoes.

Good luck in getting it sorted and hope the pain is now under control. 😘

[Hidden]

Oh, thank you, I never thought of lacing them further down the shoesusing that method. Will try it tomorrow x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hope it works! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

If not, I was perfectly happy with the normal lacing. The heel lock just makes it easier to tighten bu pulling downwards. Ive never had my laces come undone using either method.

[Anniemurph Half Marathon]

If it's not comfortable, try something else. I have to use the heel lock because I wear men's shoes which tend to be ever so slightly wider in the heel as well, so my heels tend to slip if I don't lock the laces. Have you looked at the pinned post on all the different lacing types to solve all different sorts of issues?

[Hidden in reply to Anniemurph]

TBH I just don't think I needed it. I was perfectly happy with the bog standard old system i was using. The only advantage for me was the ability to pull downwards before tying, and that meant the laces didn't slip before i tied them. I'm glad i posted this though as its clarified my thoughts.

[Millsie-J]

Mmm interesting question!

I use it on my Trail shoes.... they are from the men’s range so a little more roomy at the heel.... the lock tie works well, but not too tight as I have high arches. (Not a lot of choice of wide fit ladies shoes).

I use a normal lace tie on my road shoes.... more snug at the heel anyway as they are from the ladies range.

[Hidden in reply to Millsie-J]

I'm thinking along these lines. My arches are quite high too, and i think the heel lock is bringing the back of the shoe too high up and pressing my Achilles.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

I use it and it works for me but we are all different and I guess it won't suit all.The advantage is that you can have a looser fit further up the shoe without feeling loose around the heel. You certainly don't want to use it if it aggravates your Achilles though, Flick.

[Hidden in reply to Sandraj39]

youre right. My heel is already tight into the back of the shoe and I want the firmness mid foot.

[HoagyM Half Marathon]

Really interesting post Flick. I have been using the lock lacing thingy ever since I read about it on here, but it does feel a bit tight, and I do get an Achilles tweak in my left ankle quite often. Put it down to overstriding and stepping out with my right leg now and again.

But like you I was perfectly happy with normal lacing, and on my latest pair of running shoes the lock lacing leaves barely enough lace to tie the knot. Think I’ll go back to the normal lacing for a bit and see if there’s any difference.

[Hidden in reply to HoagyM]

Interesting. Please let me know your thoughts on going back to normal lacing. I think the Achilles twinge is caused by the lacing as never had it before.