Running News Daily

TikTok on lacing technique goes viral

The heel lock is a great lacing technique for runners looking for a secure fit; here are the pros and cons of this method

A video on the popular social media app TikTok has gone viral after the user shows his followers how runners should tie their shoes using the ‘heel lock’ method. Many TikTok users were taken by surprise initially: “Why are we just learning this now?” one user asked. “They should teach this in P.E. class,” another added.

In the short clip, TikTok user (@sidneyraz) shares why all running shoes have an extra lace hole at the top. He describes it as a ‘heel lock’ used to keep your foot secure, reducing the chance of getting a blister. Should all runners be using this lacing method?

The pros

Using the heel lock method can provide a secure fit by keeping your heel firmly locked in place. This will often protect against any heel slippage and blisters that are caused by rubbing against the back of the shoe.

The cons

It is difficult to use this method without lacing your running shoes tight, which can cause problems such as pressure or friction on the top of your foot. Runners who have a highly arched foot or have experienced extensor tendonitis may want to avoid this lacing method, as it could apply too much pressure, which could result in pain.

This method also requires the shoe to have longer laces; on many shoes, the laces are too short for this to work well.

How to lace a heel-lock

Step 1 – Form a loop with the lace by passing it back through the last hole at the top (the hole that is usually ignored).

Step 2 – Pass the end of the lace across the front of your ankle to the loop you just created on the other side, and then again, vice versa.

Step 3 – Once both laces are passed through the opposing loops, you can pull the laces tight and tie your shoes in the usual way.

https://youtu.be/OBbc6TackDQ