in. but can stretch to double the length

Thanks to elastic shoelaces, tightening your shoes no longer requires tying them. Made from stretchy materials that make shoes easier to slip on and off, these nifty products, once installed, can be adjusted with a few tugs.

“Elastic shoelaces offer convenience, comfort, and accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities,” says Suzanne C. Fuchs, a board-certified, Florida-based podiatrist. “Whether someone is looking to save time, improve comfort, or enhance independence, elastic shoelaces are a practical option for footwear.”

The best elastic shoelaces offer stretch, breathability, and comfort, whether you use them for your running shoes, daily sneakers, travel shoes, or dress shoes. Triathletes swear by them for quickly changing between events, and they’re a boon for people who struggle to bend over or use the fine muscles in their hands.

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The Best Elastic Shoelaces

• Best Overall: Lock Laces Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces
• Best Custom Fit: Hickies Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces
• Best for Runners: Caterpy Run The Ultimate Elastic No-Tie Shoelaces for Adults and Kids
• Five Trends in Super Shoes: Nathan Run Laces
• Simplest Design: Xpand No-Tie Shoelaces

What to Consider

Accessibility

Rather than relying on a flimsy, floppy fabric like cotton, elastic shoelaces have more in common with bungee cords, using spandex to provide shoelaces some stretch. Once installed, they use tension to keep your feet securely in place, similar to slip-on sneakers.

Whether you have rheumatoid arthritis that makes tying knots difficult, you’re pregnant and bending over is a chore, or any of the many other reasons tying your shoes may be a challenge, elastic laces are an excellent tool for making one part of your day a bit easier. That said, installing them the first time might be tough for some—they require a bit of pressure and dexterity to get them through the eyelets, cut them to size, and add the plastic anchor.

We also recommend them for kids who haven’t gotten the hang of tying laces yet, or active little ones who always seem to trip over their untied shoes on the playground.

Locking Mechanism

Most elastic shoelaces have a locking mechanism that keeps them in place, but the type varies by brand. Several brands use cinch locks, which you feed the laces through on the initial install, then secure and loosen them by sliding them toward or away from the shoe’s tongue. These are best for runners and triathletes who need a very snug fit to avoid rolling an ankle, as well as anyone who can easily bend over to tighten their shoes—they only need a quick tug or pull to adjust.

For anyone who has issues bending over or just wants a pair of set-it-and-forget-it sneakers—essentially, converting traditional sneakers into easy slip-ons—opt for elastic shoelaces that don’t rely on cinch locks. After installing them into a pair of shoes, they typically anchor your desired level of tension, either by using a plastic piece that locks into an eyelet or some proprietary tech that prevents the laces from slipping. If you struggle with mobility in your hands, take heed: Laces that don’t rely on cinches usually require some cutting to get the correct size, so you may need assistance.

Comfort

Some people find elastic shoelaces gentler on their feet than traditional laces. According to Amy Mangueira, certified running coach at How To Train Calves, runners with wide feet or high arches may find elastic laces exceptionally comfortable due to the varying levels of tightness they offer.

“The flexibility of the elastic adapts to the shape of your foot, reducing pressure points and the potential for blister formation,” says Mangueira.

Convenience

Many triathletes find elastic shoelaces useful for competing and training, especially during transition periods. Elastic shoelaces eliminate the need to tie or untie shoelaces, allowing triathletes to slip their shoes on and off effortlessly, says Fuchs, the podiatrist we spoke to for this story. “This saves valuable seconds during transitions and ensures a secure fit throughout the race,” Fuchs says.

Length and Size

The length of your shoelaces depends on how many eyelets are on your shoes, and the number of eyelets your shoes have depends on your size. Eyelets are counted in pairs, so if you count a total of 14 on a single shoe, it has seven eyelets. According to retailer Shoelaces Express, a shoe with five eyelets has an average lace length of 36 inches, six eyelets is about 40 inches, seven eyelets is about 45 inches, eight is around 54 inches, nine is 63 inches, and 10 is 72 inches.

Regarding sizing elastic shoelaces, brands differentiate theirs by measurements (36 inches, 42 inches, etc.) or standard size symbols (L, XL, etc.). It’s best to refer to the brand’s size charts to find the size you need. Or, the easiest route: simply measure the shoelace you’re replacing and compare it against the elastic counterpart. It’s best to go with a longer length than a shorter one in case you need to cut it to size.

And to that point: If you’re not using elastic shoelaces with cinch locks, you’ll need to cut them down for a proper fit. Elastic shoelaces that rely on tension to secure the foot in place rather than a cinch lock are cut down to the user’s desired length and then anchored in place. Any excess lacing that extends through the topmost eyelets is usually cut, with ends that tuck into the shoe and lock into place with a plastic eyelet anchor, or, in the case of the bumpy The Best Running Shoes of 2025, proprietary tech.

How We Selected

We spoke with a podiatrist and a certified running coach to garner expert recommendations to find the best elastic shoelaces available for triathletes and those who have mobility or dexterity impairments. We also selected some options based on our research of customer reviews, and what we learned from expert insights regarding accessibility, length, ease of use, and locking mechanisms. All of these elastic shoelaces are fit for a wide variety of activities, just like regular laces, including a few options designed specifically for running.