You Know That Extra Lace Hole on Your Running Shoes? You’re Probably Using It Wrong

When is the last time you thought about how you tie your shoes? You’ve probably relied on those bunny ears for decades, with little variance outside of the occasional double knot. But did you know there’s another lacing system that can be a beacon for improved fit and stability? It isn’t some some intricate weave, either. In fact, it’s something that’s been on your feet this whole time. We’ll give you time to utter, “I was today years old when … “

What does that extra eyelet do?

If you look at your favorite pair of running or gym shoes, you’re likely to find an extra eyelet that sits right near your normal lace slot. This added hole isn’t for improved breathability or the result of a faulty machine in manufacturing — it’s used to create what’s known as a heel lock.

Photo by Ben Emminger for Gear Patrol

What is a heel lock?

Also known as a runner’s loop, runner’s tie or lace lock, a heel lock gives you better stability near the back of your foot.

By threading your laces through this eyelet and employing a quick adjustment to your normal sneaker structure, you can create a better connection between your frame and footwear.

What are the benefits of using a heel lock?

Ever notice your heel slipping out of your kick when pacing through your miles or descending down a side street? Heel locks can help eliminate that problem, even if you think your shoes fit perfectly with a normal knot.

Outside of simply improving your running shoe’s fit, using a heel lock can also help alleviate some common foot aches. The added security at the heel can help eliminate any errant rubbing or chafing at your Achilles, which can do a number for preventing blisters.

Additionally, the more snug collar can help defend against your foot sliding forward during toe-offs and descents. This active convenience can be great for athletes that normally suffer from hammer toe or often feel their digits jamming into the toe box.

Plus, heel locks can be great for athletes that routinely switch up their sock thickness depending on their run. Naturally, the thicker the sock, the more snug your shoes are bound to fit, but those warm and cozy wool options will probably lead to unwanted sweat during summertime jaunts. Using a heel lock can help you get away with any size discrepancy caused by thinner socks, tightening things up around your collar and essentially keeping your foot in place despite the added room.

How do I tie a heel lock?

Photo by Ben Emminger for Gear Patrol

Using the eyelet to create a heel lock is simple. Follow these steps to give your trusted trainers new life and improve the fit.

1. Lace up your shoes normally in the traditional criss-cross method, stopping at the next-to-last eyelet at the top
2. Thread the lace back through the final extra eyelet toward the foot to create a loop
3. Thread each lace through the opposite loop and pull tightly to cinch the loops to the shoe’s exterior
4. Finish off your heel lock with a normal knot

Of course, there are other, more complicated lacing patterns you can employ to improve your running shoe’s fit, but the heel lock method is one of the easiest to master first, and the results are noticeable immediately.

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