[Available for monitors] I wonder if shoelaces can soon evolve too. We've checked the power of the new "untilted shoelaces"
According to previous theory, the oldest shoe in mankind dates back to about 3,500 BC, when it was discovered in a cave in Armenia The shoes were made of leather and were tied with strings. If that's the case, humanity has been tying shoes with laces in the same way for over 5,000 years up to the present day. Their long history is not the same as umbrellas that have been frequently ridiculed as "it will never evolve no matter how long it goes."
Of course, it's about time that humanity should seriously consider evolution in shoelaces. At least it's good to be freed from "tied."
Following this story from Nifco, who recently began developing and selling new shoelaces, I actually looked into it and realized that groundbreaking items have been appearing one after another in recent years.
So this time, I would like to share what I've actually worn and looked into, starting from the obvious idea of "using shoelaces with shoelaces," and actually wearing new evolved shoelaces. I'm thinking of reexamining my feet and finding my ideal running style.
table of contents
table of contents
- Have you ever had this experience with shoelaces?
- New shoelaces and test environments we tried this time
- Detailed comparison
- Summary of evaluation results
- summary
- Introduction to the monitor campaign
Have you ever had this experience with shoelaces?
When I think about it again, I realize that shoelaces, which I usually use as a matter of course, are not just problems because of their simplicity. Not that with all shoelaces, but everyone has probably experienced the following inconveniences:
Part 1 It's a hassle to tie it every time
Depending on the type of shoes and lace, it can be a hassle, so if possible, it's definitely better not to tie it.
Part 2 Easy to unravel
Everyone adjusts their shoelaces to their own preference. However, even if you try to adjust it, if the shoelaces are easy to unravel, the feeling of disappointment and stress is incredible. This tendency is particularly strong with round strings than plain weaves.
Part 3 It's easy to loosen
Have you ever experienced more or less looser shoelaces, especially when walking or running through mountains with many bumps (especially downhill). Experienced people will even calculate the looseness and tie it up, but it's nonsense to be concerned about the habits of each shoelaces!
New shoelaces and test environments we tried this time
To these people, we would like to introduce the new shoelaces, "untilted shoelaces," which are said to have overcome the weaknesses of shoelaces, and the choice commonly known as quick laces. Among these new quick lace shoelaces products, we select representative products based on popularity and performance, and try out a variety of them to see if they can actually be used as substitutes for shoelaces.
Candidate #1: SPLC
the SPLC developed by parts manufacturer Nifco, which was also the trigger for this story . It is a unique lock parts type shoelaces that gained 1,141% support during crowdfunding in 2018 It boasts locking power that can withstand a weight of 10kg, and can be locked and released in one action. Nifco has a track record of developing quick shoe systems for various outdoor manufacturers as a part manufacturer for buckles and other products, and has finally launched its own brand and is beginning to develop this product ( please refer to past interviews ). By the way, when it comes to quick shoelaces with lock parts that are not tied, many people think of SALOMON's QUICKLACE KIT, but we have only picked out this one, as SPLC
Candidate #2: Run Laces
NATHAN, a specialist running gear manufacturer, handles Run Laces .
Candidate #2: CATERPY [RUN]
CATERPY [RUN] (and CATERPY [AIR] , hereinafter referred to as CATERPY ) is a type that allows you to adjust the elastic elastic with a bump by hooking it onto the shoe hole This product is often seen online and in running shops these days, and is designed with both running and fashion.
We've picked out the above three models this time. SPLC consists of lock and release parts and non-stretchable shoelaces Run Laces consists of parts and elastic rubber . CATERPY is almost exclusively made from elastic rubber . I put these on various types of shoes and tried them out in a variety of conditions, including road conditions, slopes, and speed, when climbing or running on a trail.
With two people in charge of SPLC, which was their first climb of Tanzawa, I went up to Mt. Tono from the Okura Bus Stop in Tanzawa!
Detailed comparison
Setting
The SPLC is 2mm in diameter and easy to pass through shoe holes, making it suitable for most shoes.
On the other hand, Run Laces (approx. 3mm in diameter) and CATERPY (approx. 6mm in diameter) have thick strings, so it may not be possible to wear them on shoes with narrow shoe holes.
Run Laces and SPLC is a relatively tricky thing to do, but once you learn how to do it, it can be easily installed without being skilled (the photo below shows how to set up the SPLC on the official page).
Is it possible to replace it with another shoe?
CATERPY can be set up in the same way as regular shoelaces, and can be naturally replaced with other shoes. However, be careful if you cut the remaining ends. The SPLC which fastens the end of the shoelaces with parts , can also be replaced with another shoe because the parts themselves are removable.
On the other hand, the claws on the parts that lock the device in Run Laces It's not impossible to remove it by force, but this one cannot be said to be made with the intention of replacing it with another shoe.
exterior
SPLC and Run Laces put shoelace devices under the shoelaces in the upper section, so the shoelace devices are a bit of a concern. With a wide range of colours available SPLC is easier to match with the color of your shoes. On the other hand, it tightly, you will notice the extended ends, but compared to the others, it gives a cleaner look (the [Air] has fewer bumps and a cleaner look). There are also a wide variety of colors.
fitting
For SPLC
The biggest advantage is that you can tighten and loosen your shoes more easily than regular shoelaces. In particular, the smoothness of SPLC's lock and release was shocking. The actions of tightening and loosening the laces are quite intuitive and smooth, and you can set them up quickly, making them incomparable to regular shoelaces (the photo below shows how to operate the SPLC on the official page).
Also, regarding the fit when adjusted correctly, SPLC is made of a material that is not stretchy and resistant to friction, so the tightening is almost the same as that of regular shoelaces . And the locking system, which can withstand a weight of 10kg, is certainly not easy to loosen . If you allow for the length, you can instantly fit with one action with a variety of shoes, including mid-cut and high-cut shoes.
The SPLC has smooth adjustments and is not easy to loosen after setting, and its fixing force is one of the best parts locking types up to now.
For Run Laces & CATERPY
On the other hand, this was something I had expected to be a bit predicted, but Run Laces and CATERPY are made of rubber material, so if they are firmly fixed, the upper will inevitably tighten. In particular, CATERPY has a mechanism in which the shoelaces are held down with a shoe hole, making it difficult to fine-tune. Run Laces is a type where you narrow down the shoelaces in a moderate amount using parts, but the upper is inevitably tight. However, if you adjust the shoelaces loosely, your heels will feel like they will float if they move violently. In particular, trail runs are not only shaky when landing and kicking off, but it is also fatal because pebbles and other garbage are easily allowed into your shoes. In addition, Run Laces and CATERPY , the shoelaces themselves are elastic rubber material, making them easy to loosen. While I was running, the slacking gradually began to become even more relaxed within a few hours.
The elastic elastic always secures the entire upper, so it feels constantly tightened.
Are there differences in fit due to eyelets (string hole)?
Just to be safe, I'm trying to see if there are any differences in the tightening level depending on the type of eyelet (string hole).
SPLC has the same fit in any case of the hole type: fabric, plastic tube, metal, or string loop, and tension is distributed evenly. On the other hand the Run Laces and CATERPY have the characteristic of being easily affected by friction, and the tension tends to be biased when it comes to non-slip holes such as fabrics and string loops, making fitting difficult (although there are preferences).
The SPLC string has a thin diameter and low friction, making it the same feel for any hole.
Ease of running on the field
SPLC: Reliable fixing force even on hard road surfaces, stress-free operation
You can wear shoes with moderate adjustments. While driving, it doesn't slacken much either up or down. It's neither loose nor tight, and always maintains the perfect hold. It does not loosen even when the tension is likely to be applied, such as downhill or stepping hard. It generally seems to go well with the uppers of a variety of shoes.
If you try wearing different types of shoelaces, left and right, the difference is obvious. I was able to feel the high fixed force of the SPLC.
The parts fit in your hand, are easy to adjust the hold, and can be locked and released in one action. The ergonomic operation makes it easy to put on and take off your shoes. Once you get used to it, you can release it quickly with one hand! It's easy to operate with your bare hands or even with your gloves on.
Another major advantage of parts type is that it can be adjusted even while the gloves are still on.
Run Laces & CATERPY: There is a lot of concern about using it on off-road and steep slopes
First, Run Laces . The shoelaces are made of rubber material, so it is difficult to adjust the tension (until you get used to it). Even when I loosen the top of the upper, the toes always feel tight and tight. When climbing the trail, the heels often rise from the heel cup. However, if you tighten it too much, the hold may be too tight, leading to a clenching and breakdown. When I go down, I'm concerned about the tension on the upper part that instantly shifts (looses). There is a bit of concern about technical fields such as scenic places. Also, it's quite difficult to lock and release without both hands and bare hands.
The strings stretch and contract, so you will inevitably feel the shift when pressing hard or braking down.
Similarly, CATERPY is adjusted with rubber material and bumps, so it is undeniable that it is difficult to make moderate fine adjustments to suit the driving. Additionally, the tightening of the upper is even more tightly than in Run Laces When I actually drive on the field, I get the impression that it instantly loosens in scenes such as downhills where the upper tends to get excited, and that it always feels tight when going uphill. Conversely, if you adjust it loosely, the heel cup will likely float when lifting your legs. Also, pebbles, sand, etc. are easily accessible inside the shoes. Not suitable for people with wide feet or those with bunions. Some people may find it unstable, like twisting their ankles.
Durability
Assuming that it will be used in mountains or in hard conditions, you will also need to check whether the parts are easily broken. Since large measuring devices are not possible, we have observed what we felt while actually using them in the field, and we have tested the parts with strong impact to confirm that they are not easily broken.
Run Laces , CATERPY shoelaces are made of rubber material and are stretchy, so I'm worried about their strength. Also, since it is weak to friction, I think it will be the end of the first volume if some kind of catch occurs, such as the roots of trees, and it becomes a bit shattered. the SPLC a special string with a strong core material and a core material in mind, was not only stable in the field, but also did not appear to deteriorate at all when washing the shoes with a brush, so there was no problem. Also, just to be safe, I tried hammering the lock parts with a special gear structure and didn't break.
"SPLC shoes" vs. "Normal shoelaces shoes"
By this point, among the new shoelaces, SPLC 's ease of use and running on trail runs was outstanding. So, to be more careful, I compared the two trainer running shoes with normal shoelaces on the left and right sides, and then checked the running comfort.
Check it out by comparing it with regular shoelaces. Aside from the subtle differences in feel, both are fine as shoelaces.
To put it simply, I don't think there will be any difference in fit while running, as long as you're not a sensitive runner. SPLC than simple plain weave shoelaces , so when tightened, tension tends to be easily distributed throughout the upper. If you are particular about the wearability, such as wanting to slightly adjust the tightness of the upper and ankles, it may not suit your own feeling.
However, it is not a bad thing to distribute tension throughout the upper, and such subtle tightness will become more aligned as you run, so it cannot be said that it is always effective. Once you get used to it, this should be fine. The ease of loosening is also less likely to loosen than previous parts type, and I didn't notice it when comparing it to regular shoelaces. As I mentioned at the beginning, shoelaces have the weaknesses of "it's a hassle to tie each time", "it's easy to unravel", and "it's easy to loosen depending on the material and shape." In this regard, SPLC overcomes these weaknesses and provides comfortable operability and a reliable hold with a one-action lock and release.
Summary of evaluation results
| item | SPLC | Run Laces | CATERPY |
|---|---|---|---|
| This is ◎ | One-action lock and release, reliable hold, versatility for a variety of shoes | Easy lock & release | Easily setting and design |
| This is △ | Nothing in particular (if you say it's difficult to make minor adjustments to the tension) | The rubber feels tight and easy to loosen against strong impacts | The rubber feels tight and easy to loosen against strong impacts |
| Easily setting | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Design and appearance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease and accuracy of fitting | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Comfort and stability during driving | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
summary
Will a new type of shoelaces actually replace shoelaces? We tested this in a tough condition, such as running off-road and walking with heavy loads, but as a result, we could see the potential of the SPLC Other stretchy shoelaces may be sufficient for flat paved roads, but off-roads, which are often used for high and downhill roads, like trail runs, are not particularly suitable.
The one-action lock and release has an ergonomic feel, and can be operated even while still wearing gloves, and is hardly retarded. Even when descending, where tension is likely to be applied, it does not loosen, does not unlock, and holds it firmly. Even with intense movements, the foot can be adjusted steadily without any shaking, and the SPLC has a running feel that is almost the same as shoelaces, making it an incredible experience that allows you to experience its advanced ease of use. Only people who have tried SPLC know this.
However, there are individual differences, so there are some parts that you won't know when it comes to compatibility with SPLC and shoes (or upper) until you try them out. If you're wondering, "Is it true?", I hope you'll take this opportunity to try out SPLC. That's why we were able to have Nifco do a monitor campaign this time, so if you're interested, why not apply?
Announcement of the "SPLC" monitor gift campaign
Nifco, who created the opportunity to review this comparison, is an announcement about the monitor giveaway project for readers.
100 people who actually use the SPLC to answer the survey will be entered into a lottery to win one SPLC. Furthermore, if you give us a review on social media, we will give you another gift.
The application method is easy. During the campaign period, you can simply register as a "SPLC SHOP member" on the official SPLC sales website. The winner will be contacted by SPLC at a later date for a free coupon. The detailed method is explained below.
Application requirements
Monitor gift campaign flow
- If you would like to use the monitor, please check the "Apply Conditions", "How to Apply", and "Notes" below and go to the membership registration form page at the end of the "Apply here (SPLC member registration)" button below by Thursday, January 31, 2019.
- In the information entry field, there is a field called "Application for Monitor Campaign" please enter "Apply for Monitor Campaign"
- The Nifco Campaign Secretariat will be entered into a lottery and on Monday, February 4th, the winner will be informed of the details of the product shipping and monitor contents.
*For further details and precautions, please check the winning notification.
Application deadline
Thursday, January 31st, 2019
Application conditions
- Those who agree to register as a SPLC SHOP member
- Those who can answer online surveys after using the service
*We will also give away another one if you have your own blog or social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) account and post your comments. - Those who are unable to identify individuals and are willing to accept the posting and content answered in the survey to be posted on the SPLC SHOP
About lottery and product delivery
The lottery results will be changed upon delivery of the product. The winners will be shipped sequentially after the deadline. Furthermore, details of the monitor contents will be explained individually once the winner is confirmed, as soon as the product is shipped.
Please go to monitor participants
Be sure to do this:
After use, please respond to the review survey provided by the specified date.
Please do this if possible:
Please make blog posts or social media posts about monitor products, such as impressions after use, by the specified date.
Number of winners
100 people
How to apply
Click the "Apply here" button below to go to the SPLC SHOP membership registration page. There is a field called "Application for Monitor Campaign" in the information entry field "Apply for Monitor Campaign" , enter any other necessary information before applying.
*Applications for the campaign have closed on January 31st. Thank you so much for all the applications!
