We Didn’t Know We Needed This $7 Footwear Upgrade Until We Read These Adoring Reviews
As shopping writers, we keep our eyes out for hidden gems across the Internet — the items that are quietly improving people’s lives and capturing hearts. One find I’ve noticed lately are elastic shoelaces, which turn any sneakers into slip-ons so you no longer have to bend over to tie and retie your shoes, relieving your back in the process. “I have arthritis in all of my back and hips and some days I can’t bend to tie my shoes,” one reviewer named Zack wrote, “so these have been a huge help.”
“I loved them from the moment I slipped them on,” said another reviewer, Lei-Michael, who described themselves as a senior. “What a great invention.”
Another reviewer, who described themselves as a senior with a bad back, hailed their elastic laces for helping them get their shoes on independently: “It’s very difficult for me to bend over to tie and untie my shoe laces … with the stretchy laces I can now put my shoes on by myself without others having to help me.”
Elastic laces can also be helpful for folks who’ve dealt with injuries; one 76-year-old reviewer described making the switch to elastic shoelaces after tripping over their traditional shoelaces and injuring themselves.
Elastic shoelaces can also help get you out the door faster when you’re running late, since you can just slip your shoes on and go. (Same goes for getting through the TSA line more efficiently when you’re traveling).
Reviewers even say they prefer elastic laces to hook and loop options, since you can insert elastic laces into shoes you already own.
Elastic replacements are such a crowd-favorite that multiple reviewers first bought them for someone else — and then, after witnessing how well they work, bought themselves or a different loved one a pair, often for multiple pairs of shoes. “I originally bought these for my daughter,” one reviewer described. “We love them so much we decided to try them for my dad who suffers from severe arthritis in his hands ― these are a godsend for him!! [T]hey’ve taken a lot of painful finger movement off his plate daily.”
Several parents with children who have autism also noted how handy these no-tie laces are. “These are absolutely fantastic! My son is on the autism spectrum and not only does he hate tying his shoes but it takes him forever to do it. These work perfectly,” a Texas mom wrote. “I was worried they wouldn’t work for the football shoes but he says they are great. He’s one of the first ones out on the field because he can get his shoes on so quickly… Definitely recommend for special needs kids who have trouble with shoelaces or anyone else who just doesn’t want to fool with them.”
Made of stretchy, waterproof silicone, these elastic shoelaces from Homar sport 27,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. They come in numerous colors and in adult and kid sizes.
Reviewers note that installing the elastic laces into sneakers can be a bit of a tough process for those who struggle with dexterity or arthritis in their fingers. Folks recommend using bobby pins, tweezers or needle-nose pliers to insert them; having a loved one or friend lend a hand is a great idea, too.
This elasticated option works best for casual activity and walking; for elastic options designed for serious exercise, plus more styles, read on.
Amazon
A popular option with expanded sizing (and a more fashionable look)
Best for casual activity and purportedly more attractive than competing options, according to reviewers, these comfy elastic laces from Inmaker are made of stretchy silicone and have 18,000 5-star ratings.
They come in adult, adult plus and kid sizes, as well as in multiple colors.
Promising review: “I’m a senior with have several challenging debilitating conditions which make tying my shoes strings a problem. I purchased these shoe ties, put them in my shoes and now I can just slip them on and off without hurting my back and hips!! I highly recommend them to anyone and everyone who has difficulty with daily challenges as I do. They’re GREAT!!!!!” — Sue
Amazon
A no-tie version that mimics the appearance of traditional laces with 24,000 5-star ratings
These elastic laces from Xpand stay secure on your shoes with the help of anchor locks, so they more closely resemble traditional cross-laced shoelaces. They’re designed to be one size fits all, including adults and kids, and come in tons of colors. The anchor lock hardware is included with purchase.
Promising review: “The older I’m getting the more important for me is to make my life easier..and this makes it perfect ..I put this on ny working boots and now I don’t have to tie and untie it all the time …just slip it in and out.. I will replace all ny shoes laces 10 pairs with this elastic lace…you won’t regret it.” — ramon v.
Amazon
A five-pack of locking elastic laces to replace all your shoes with for cheaper
This budget-pick offers five pairs of no-tie laces at a cheaper bulk price (and in various color combinations).
Promising review: “I walk at least 4 miles a day at work and wear Merrell hiking shoes, and these AIXMEET no tie shoe laces are a game-changer. They make putting my shoes on and taking them off a breeze. The laces are very comfortable, and the colors blend perfectly with my shoes. I have worn them through rain and snow, and they still look like new. Whether for adults or kids, these elastic laces are a must-have for anyone looking for convenience and comfort. Highly recommended!” — Jeff
Amazon
An extra-sturdy, highly-rated option with a classic cross-laced look
These laces use metal turn buckles at the top of the shoe to keep the elastic secure on the foot, providing a traditional cross-laced appearance while maintaining easy-on, easy-off wear.
They come in multiple colors and in packs of one or two.
Promising review: “I put these on some casual work shoes for office setting, they look great and shoe feels nice and snug with the stretchable quality of the laces and they are easy to take on and off. Gives a very clean look vs. tied shoe laces.” — mark
Amazon
A pair of athletic elastic laces secure enough for exercise and hikes
This no-tie RJ-Sport set locks and tightens at the top of the shoe, making it an excellent option for running, difficult hikes and other intensive exercise. They come in multiple colors.
Promising reviews: “I am a runner and have used these laces for years! Your feet swell as you run and these are so easy to adjust when you need to. The laces stretch so they have “give” as your feet expand. And of course, your laces do not become untied during a race” — Daniel J Christopherson
“My arthritis acts up from time to time and lacing up a pair of shoes can be a real task. With these elastic lace replacements, I was able to change out my current laces and have now turned my walking shoes into slip ons. I was resistant at first, worried that they would let my shoes fall off if I need to turn and pivot or even run a little. Nope, they work great! Gone are the days of bending over to tie my shoes, especially my boots as I have replaced several pairs of shoe laces with these and have never been happier. I am sure my arthritic fingers would thank me if they could.” — Machinist71
