What types of speed lacing systems are there?
Quickly slipping into the shoe and securing it with a shoelace or Velcro fastener: this is how shoes are normally put on. But in many situations, conventional lacing is problematic. Whether for sports or work shoes: quick lacing systems make it possible to tie shoes quickly and securely with just one hand.
But which speed lacing solutions are actually available and how do they work? In the following article, you can find out more about the systems and their advantages and disadvantages. We will also tell you how we at Gudo can support you in implementing reliable quick-release solutions for your products. With customized solutions, we are your reliable Swiss supplier for clever locking solutions.
What are speed lacing systems?
Speed lacing systems make it possible to lace up shoes and other items of clothing quickly and securely. As a rule, the systems are designed to allow closing with just one hand. This is particularly important for sports shoes and boots. They can be easily secured even when wearing gloves and in the cold.
Quick lacing systems refer to a whole range of different lacing systems. In the simplest case, the shoe laces are pulled through a simple cord stopper with a locking mechanism. Such simple systems are popular for hiking boots, for example.
At the other end of the spectrum, there are complex closure systems with twist locks that allow for particularly fine adjustment of the mechanism. Such solutions are always relevant when not only comfort but also safety is important.
What are the advantages of speed lacing systems?
The use of speed lacing systems has a number of advantages in practice. The most important of these include
- Safe lacing under adverse conditions: In bad weather or low temperatures, it is often not easy to lace up your shoes. However, it is particularly important in such conditions that they fit securely and close tightly. Speed lacing systems can also be readjusted in freezing temperatures and with gloves on.
- One-handed use: When working outdoors or doing outdoor sports, it can happen that only one hand is available to lace up your shoes. Thanks to easy-to-use quick lacing solutions, this is not a problem. People with disabilities also benefit from this.
- Comfort: Quick-release systems are extremely comfortable and therefore also a good choice for casual shoes. With the help of Clips with Ratchet mechanism sandal fasteners, for example, can also be extremely finely adjusted.
The most widely used speed lacing systems
These are the quick lacing systems that are particularly popular:
- Twist lock system: One of the most modern and now most widely used lacing systems in many areas is based on twist locks. You can find out more about twist lock lacing systems in a moment.
- Tanka closures: This type of fastener relies on so-called cord stoppers or sliding knots - small plastic elements through which the cord is pulled and then fixed. Tanka fasteners are mainly used for shoes on Hiking boots or boots. However, cord stoppers are more commonly found on bags, rucksacks and other trekking equipment.
- Magnetic shoe fasteners: Magnetic solutions are mainly used for fastening casual shoes. The focus here is less on safety and more on ease of use. Magnetic shoe fasteners are used as an alternative to Velcro fasteners and are particularly suitable for people with motor difficulties.
- Clips: This is a comparatively simple solution for fastening ratchet fasteners or straps, for example. We offer clips made of different materials that can be combined with a wide variety of shoes. The designs and shapes can also be used with custom-made footwear. This makes the clips attractive for individual adjustments, for example.
Quick lacing systems with twist lock
One of the most advanced, secure and comfortable speed lacing solutions is based on twist locks. This type of fastener consists of a rotating wheel with a ratchet mechanism and a spool onto which two ends of wire are wound. Some twist fasteners, such as our Swock M PowerThe fasteners also have a quick-release function. This allows the fastener to be opened quickly if required.
The easy-to-grip rotary wheel is the central operating element of the twist lock. It is connected to the spool inside so that moving the wheel also turns the spool. A planetary gear is often used here, which enables an efficient transmission of the applied force. The twist mechanism is also equipped with a ratchet mechanism that prevents the fastener from opening again.
A thin wire or plastic thread is rolled onto the spool. The wire acts as a shoelace on the shoe to be laced. It is pulled through several eyelets in order to evenly distribute the tension created by tightening the wire. The length of the wire is reduced by turning the wheel. This pulls the shoe tighter and binds it firmly to the foot.
To open the twist lock, it must first be loosened. This removes a pawl from the teeth of the ratchet mechanism inside the twist lock. The tightened wire can now move freely again. In systems with a quick-release function, the wire loosens itself. With other fasteners, the twist lock must be turned back manually.
The advantages of the twist lock system are obvious and are as follows:
- Precision: The quick lacing systems with twist mechanism can be very finely adjusted. This makes the shoes comfortable to wear.
- Little time required: Closing and opening the mechanism takes very little time. This is often particularly important for sports shoes.
- Security: Unlike hand-tied shoelaces, shoes secured with a twist lock cannot open by themselves.
Individual speed lacing technology from Gudo
When it comes to speed lacing systems, manufacturers of high-quality shoes depend on reliable suppliers. At Gudo, we are your reliable partner for the manufacture and supply of various high-quality fastening mechanisms for speed lacing systems.
In particular, we offer our customers a wide selection of high-quality twist fasteners. They are just as suitable for sports and leisure shoes as they are for high-quality orthopaedic shoes. We also offer screw fasteners in different sizes. Our Swock M Mini as a smaller version of our bestseller Swock M Power, for example, is compact and inconspicuous. This also makes it suitable for casual shoes.
In addition to twist fasteners, we also offer clips that can be used to fasten wider straps. Clips are an attractive option for closing sandals tightly. The clips we have developed can be used with straps made from a wide variety of materials.
As with all our products, our principle of customizability also applies to our locking mechanisms. Do you have the impression that our standard configurations are not quite the right solution for your needs? Then please feel free to contact us. We will then check together whether it is possible for us to provide you with a customized locking mechanism.
Alternatively, we will be happy to check for you which of our closures might be suitable alternatives. You can reach our team via our Contact form. Alternatively, you can of course also contact us by phone or e-mail.