Use the “heel Lock” Technique to Get a Better Fit
If your heels develop blisters while running, or your heels tend to slip in your shoes when the trail gets rocky, there is a simple solution. You know that weird hole for the laces on the ankles of your sneakers? You can use it to tie a heel lock.
What is a heel lock?
This is a simple method of tying laces, also called a lace lock, runner’s lock, or runner’s loop, that tightens the ankle of your shoe without tightening the entire shoe. As a result, your heels remain secure, but your midfoot and toes are not pinched. A heel lock may benefit:
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For people with wide feet, as you can leave the main lacing area loose but still have a snug fit around the ankle.
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People with narrow heels, as it prevents the heel from popping out of the back of the shoe.
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Anyone who gets blisters (although there may be other reasons for blisters) as it reduces slipping.
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People who constantly go up and down hills, such as runners and hikers.
Conveniently, your shoes probably have an extra set of holes designed specifically for heel lock fastening.
How to tie a heel lock
Look at the top holes on your shoes. (These are most often found on running shoes, but you may see them on other types of athletic shoes or hiking shoes.) If you see an extra hole that extends out of line from the others, it’s for a lace lock.
Here’s how you tie a heel lock:
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Lace the shoes in the usual way (the cord goes from the inside to the outside of each hole) until only one hole remains.
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On one side, insert the lace from that side into the last hole on the same side from the outside to the inside . There is no transition to the other side of the shoe yet. Leave a little slack in the loop you create. (I wasn’t particularly relaxed when I took the photo below, but you’ll still get the idea.)
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Do the same on the other side. You now have small lace loops on each side of the shoe.
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Insert the end of the right lace into the loop on the left side of the shoe and vice versa.
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Secure it and tie it as usual.
You might think it’s no different than simply lacing your shoes all the way, but try it and you’ll see that it makes a huge difference. The top laces now tighten the shoe around the ankle rather than pulling on the rest of the lacing. If you’re also interested in video, try this one from Harry Runs.
The lace lock is also suitable for shoes that do not have an additional hole; just use the top regular hole instead. Try this with hiking boots, sneakers, or any other lace-up pair that could improve the fit. If you’ve overcompensated for heel slip by lacing your shoes too tightly in the toe and midfoot area, or you’ve sized up a shoe that’s too tight to avoid blackening your toenails and now think it’s too big in the foot area. In the heel area, don’t be afraid to loosen it a little – the lace lock will still keep your heel in place and your toes will be much more comfortable.