Your thoughts after owning laced shoes?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Your thoughts after owning laced shoes?
Now that laced shoes have been out for some time I am curious for those that put miles on them, if you stuck with them? Loved them then changed your mind and went BOA? What are your long term thoughts....
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times
in
6,054 Posts
I prefer the boa. You can reach down and adjust it while riding if you need to. No possibility of them coming untied. Some shoes have multiple so you can make finer grained adjustments to the fit.
#3
Non omnino gravis
#4
I am potato.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 3,074
Bikes: Only precision built, custom high performance elitist machines of the highest caliber. 🍆
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1765 Post(s)
Liked 1,579 Times
in
911 Posts
I currently own both laced Shimano SPD with 17,000+ miles and Five-Ten Boa, also SPD.
The Shimano needed to have the sole glued back on with Shoe-Goo. First the heel to the cleat, then a year later, the toe to the cleat. 17,000 miles on these shoes & it's etting time for insoles. Not bad for $12 shoes of unknown age & mileage found at a Goodwill Industries retail outlet. I think they needed laces a few years ago.
The Five-Ten's needed replacement Boa cables & dial on the 3rd use. After fitting a free warranty replacement mechanism they seem fine. I think they need to be tightened a few clicks mid-ride, every ride. But I never thought much of it. Boa offers replacement hardware forever, indefinitely. So that's a positive as far as I'm concerned.
I think the thought provoking thing is: Neither provokes much thought.
The Shimano needed to have the sole glued back on with Shoe-Goo. First the heel to the cleat, then a year later, the toe to the cleat. 17,000 miles on these shoes & it's etting time for insoles. Not bad for $12 shoes of unknown age & mileage found at a Goodwill Industries retail outlet. I think they needed laces a few years ago.
The Five-Ten's needed replacement Boa cables & dial on the 3rd use. After fitting a free warranty replacement mechanism they seem fine. I think they need to be tightened a few clicks mid-ride, every ride. But I never thought much of it. Boa offers replacement hardware forever, indefinitely. So that's a positive as far as I'm concerned.
I think the thought provoking thing is: Neither provokes much thought.
Last edited by base2; 06-09-20 at 10:38 AM.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,830
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 128 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4745 Post(s)
Liked 3,861 Times
in
2,510 Posts
Yes, they take longer to lace up. I use different lacing pattern right and left because my feet are very different. Looks odd but I rarely even think of my feet while riding. U se quality knots. There are two bow knots, One is a square knot with loops, The other I was taught when I was 5, A dance between my left and right fingers. But it makes a better knot. I then tie the loops, (Double bow.) That doesn't come undone. I suspect any library has a book of knots for kids that has that bow knot. (Never looked. I have my dad to thank. But I did have to re-teach myself at 24 years old after my head injury. My left still knew how, but all it ever did was hold what my right gave it.)
When I get the time, more of my shoes are going to get laced. Laces rule!
Ben
Likes For 79pmooney:
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 524
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 34 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
When velcro strap shoes came out I switched and never went back (later followed by ratchet-buckles à la early Sidi, then Boa).
Likes For dorkypants:
#8
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,613
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Liked 1,526 Times
in
997 Posts
Laces may look cool and retro, but they are a potential hazard. I started with laced shoes, which were the only option, back in the days of toeclips and straps and cleats that you hammered into your leather soles. The stupid laces, if they ever came loose, had a tendency to get caught between the chain and big ring, more often than not bring the moving parts to a halt with your foot tangled up in the mess.
When velcro strap shoes came out I switched and never went back (later followed by ratchet-buckles à la early Sidi, then Boa).
When velcro strap shoes came out I switched and never went back (later followed by ratchet-buckles à la early Sidi, then Boa).
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posts: 1,259
Bikes: Bianchi Ti Megatube; Colnago Competition; Planet-X EC-130E; Klein Pulse; Amp Research B4; Litespeed Catalyst; Trek Y11
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 596 Post(s)
Liked 476 Times
in
258 Posts
I use Bontrager Classiques (laces), and I love them. Never had any problem with the laces coming undone. If you lace properly, using a loop to lock them down - look up "heel lock", runners use this method to avoid blisters - you won't have a problem; as an added measure, the Bontragers have a snap-shut flap on the tongue that covers the tie.
If you have wide feet, laces make things much more adjustable and comfortable.
If you have wide feet, laces make things much more adjustable and comfortable.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,758
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3192 Post(s)
Liked 2,461 Times
in
1,490 Posts
You can put some speed laces in so you don't have to tie each time.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,567
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1851 Post(s)
Liked 675 Times
in
427 Posts
My track shoes are laced. It's fantastic how snug and secure I can make them, so my foot stays locked in the shoe when pulling up on the pedals.
On my road bikes, I would hate laced shoes. I like to be able to tinker with my fit as I ride.
On my road bikes, I would hate laced shoes. I like to be able to tinker with my fit as I ride.
#12
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,811
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,732 Times
in
3,262 Posts
How they fasten won't matter for the riding I do. So I just look at the entire picture.... how well do the shoes fit me.
#13
Newbie racer
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3,406
Bikes: Propel, red is faster
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1575 Post(s)
Liked 1,568 Times
in
973 Posts
Laces just take more time up front to "get right" before you ride. Boa is like the lazy alternative of slipping into something fast then having to phuff with it after the fact.
If doing an outdoor ride or race, laces. Indoors trainer, boa.
With laces also, you get that perfect foot shape/squeeze/fit. With boa, no matter how many boas or steel wires it has........it's not the same number of pull points on the shoe's upper to enclose your feet as are the numerous crossings of the laces.
If doing an outdoor ride or race, laces. Indoors trainer, boa.
With laces also, you get that perfect foot shape/squeeze/fit. With boa, no matter how many boas or steel wires it has........it's not the same number of pull points on the shoe's upper to enclose your feet as are the numerous crossings of the laces.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 276 Times
in
144 Posts
I had them in the 80's. It wasn't new back then, it's not new now. I don't like them anymore.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 6,016
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1814 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 923 Times
in
569 Posts
Then:
Now:
Light, aero, comfortable, durable.
I had one pair with boas- lumpy and seemed like they were always about to break.
Now:
Light, aero, comfortable, durable.
I had one pair with boas- lumpy and seemed like they were always about to break.
Last edited by woodcraft; 06-09-20 at 10:39 AM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times
in
6,054 Posts
#17
FLIR Kitten to 0.05C
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 5,331
Bikes: Roadie: Seven Axiom Race Ti w/Chorus 11s. CX/Adventure: Carver Gravel Grinder w/ Di2
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2349 Post(s)
Liked 406 Times
in
254 Posts
After having SIDI ratchet buckles, and BOAs...I'm back to laces. Can get laces at any store in NoWhere and they'll never clog with mud.
#18
• —
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Land of Pleasant Living
Posts: 12,155
Bikes: Shmikes
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10104 Post(s)
Liked 5,784 Times
in
3,112 Posts
Used lace-up shoes happily for 15 or 20 years. They have the retro appeal of vinyl records, carburetors, and other obsolete systems. They are definitely inferior to anything you can adjust without getting off the bike
Likes For MoAlpha:
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,830
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 128 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4745 Post(s)
Liked 3,861 Times
in
2,510 Posts
Laces may look cool and retro, but they are a potential hazard. I started with laced shoes, which were the only option, back in the days of toeclips and straps and cleats that you hammered into your leather soles. The stupid laces, if they ever came loose, had a tendency to get caught between the chain and big ring, more often than not bring the moving parts to a halt with your foot tangled up in the mess.
When velcro strap shoes came out I switched and never went back (later followed by ratchet-buckles à la early Sidi, then Boa).
When velcro strap shoes came out I switched and never went back (later followed by ratchet-buckles à la early Sidi, then Boa).
Tying proper knots is becoming a lost art. But the right knots for the job is something you can trust your life to. Sailors, mountain climbers, loggers, fisherman, construction workers, cowboys, etc,. have been using knots where they matter forever, (In many of these activities, having knots that can be untied as surely as they will stay tied can also be life and death.
There's a hilarious video out there of a cowboy who rides to a Walmart (Utah maybe?) As he's walking out, a woman screams "he stole my bike" and points to a young man riding off on her steed, Cowboy jumps on his horse, catches up, lassos and ties the culprit to a tree just using his basic cowboy skills with a steer, I'm a sailor. But we could sit down and have a fun discussion of the knots we use, (Very different knots, but of equal importance.)
Some of my bikes have sported knots, sometimes for years. I had leather wrap on the Mooney's handlebars for about 15 years, I ripped it a couple of times (a crash and another incident). I loved the leather. Loved the feel. So to "save" it, I wrapped it with waxed polyester twine with a standard sailor;s whip used to keep rope from unraveling. Those whips went 10 years and were still perfect when I replaced the bars.
Good knots are good knots. There are good knots for tying shoes. And they allow the sweetest adjustment to shoe fit out there. Happy feet (and no need to adjust mid-ride). Now the part that bugs me - we often have to pay more for laces. What! It costs $20 to grommet your first pair. $10 of that was the tool. After that it is about $8 a pair, most of which is the laces. And if you had a machine, it would take two minutes a pair to grommet and another two to lace.. No stitching,
Ben
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times
in
6,054 Posts
You know what would be nice, though? Knit shoes a la Merrell. Probably with webbing connecting the CF bottom to wrap around your foot for security. Those are extremely breathable and the most comfortable shoes I own.
#21
Senior Member
See my post about tying proper bow knots and doubling. Done right with good non-slippery laces (available at any department store and many other places; plain old cotton laces work really well and they don't untie. That said, I like the synthetic laces that get a little fuzzy because you can cut them to length and melt the cut end with a lighter. I do this with nearly all of my cycling shoes so the doubled bows have nothing that can extend far enough to to more than just brush the crank. (Getting a lace caught in a fix gear chainring always turns out badly.)
Tying proper knots is becoming a lost art. But the right knots for the job is something you can trust your life to. Sailors, mountain climbers, loggers, fisherman, construction workers, cowboys, etc,. have been using knots where they matter forever, (In many of these activities, having knots that can be untied as surely as they will stay tied can also be life and death.
There's a hilarious video out there of a cowboy who rides to a Walmart (Utah maybe?) As he's walking out, a woman screams "he stole my bike" and points to a young man riding off on her steed, Cowboy jumps on his horse, catches up, lassos and ties the culprit to a tree just using his basic cowboy skills with a steer, I'm a sailor. But we could sit down and have a fun discussion of the knots we use, (Very different knots, but of equal importance.)
Some of my bikes have sported knots, sometimes for years. I had leather wrap on the Mooney's handlebars for about 15 years, I ripped it a couple of times (a crash and another incident). I loved the leather. Loved the feel. So to "save" it, I wrapped it with waxed polyester twine with a standard sailor;s whip used to keep rope from unraveling. Those whips went 10 years and were still perfect when I replaced the bars.
Good knots are good knots. There are good knots for tying shoes. And they allow the sweetest adjustment to shoe fit out there. Happy feet (and no need to adjust mid-ride). Now the part that bugs me - we often have to pay more for laces. What! It costs $20 to grommet your first pair. $10 of that was the tool. After that it is about $8 a pair, most of which is the laces. And if you had a machine, it would take two minutes a pair to grommet and another two to lace.. No stitching,
Ben
Tying proper knots is becoming a lost art. But the right knots for the job is something you can trust your life to. Sailors, mountain climbers, loggers, fisherman, construction workers, cowboys, etc,. have been using knots where they matter forever, (In many of these activities, having knots that can be untied as surely as they will stay tied can also be life and death.
There's a hilarious video out there of a cowboy who rides to a Walmart (Utah maybe?) As he's walking out, a woman screams "he stole my bike" and points to a young man riding off on her steed, Cowboy jumps on his horse, catches up, lassos and ties the culprit to a tree just using his basic cowboy skills with a steer, I'm a sailor. But we could sit down and have a fun discussion of the knots we use, (Very different knots, but of equal importance.)
Some of my bikes have sported knots, sometimes for years. I had leather wrap on the Mooney's handlebars for about 15 years, I ripped it a couple of times (a crash and another incident). I loved the leather. Loved the feel. So to "save" it, I wrapped it with waxed polyester twine with a standard sailor;s whip used to keep rope from unraveling. Those whips went 10 years and were still perfect when I replaced the bars.
Good knots are good knots. There are good knots for tying shoes. And they allow the sweetest adjustment to shoe fit out there. Happy feet (and no need to adjust mid-ride). Now the part that bugs me - we often have to pay more for laces. What! It costs $20 to grommet your first pair. $10 of that was the tool. After that it is about $8 a pair, most of which is the laces. And if you had a machine, it would take two minutes a pair to grommet and another two to lace.. No stitching,
Ben
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,830
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 128 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4745 Post(s)
Liked 3,861 Times
in
2,510 Posts
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times
in
6,054 Posts
#25
Senior Member
SERVING MALLETS