This may seem a slightly odd topic to be put on a training blog, however bear with me. This seemingly unimportant topic may give you surprisingly enhanced performance from your training shoes.
If you have never heard of lock-lacing before, do not feel any less of yourself! I see it only very seldom in fitness circles, yet it has potentially big benefits, hence the post.
Locklacing is a slightly modified lacing technique, which gives much better heel hold in your training shoe. This will give you better:
- heel stability
- allow better directional changes
- resistance to the foot sliding forwards in the shoe, especially running down hill
- help prevent heel blisters by reducing rubbing
- alleviate feeling of pressure across top of foot when trying to tie shoe securely
- use up long laces
So, how does one do this magical lacing technique? Have you ever wondered what that extra hole in the top some trainers is for? Or why some trainers have such long laces? Have a look at the pictures below:
By creating that little loop and feeding the lace through the loop before tying the knot; the shoe is pulled up and around the rear of the foot, distributing the tension over a greater area.
After that tie your knot of your choice as per normal.
This can be done even with shoes without the extra hole at the top; also with other types such as boots. Only if the laces are too short will you have an issue.
Give it a try!! Most who try never go back!!
