Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Cord locks for shoe laces replace traditional knots: the two lace ends pass through a spring-loaded cord lock that slides up to tighten the shoe and releases by pressing the button. They are used on running sneakers, hiking and trail shoes, children’s footwear, and elastic “quick-lace” systems. Choosing the right cord lock depends on the lace shape and thickness.
How cord locks for laces work
The mechanism is the same as for garment cord locks – a body, plunger, and spring. The difference is in the load: shoe laces are strongly tensioned with every step, so the cord lock must hold firmly without slipping. The two lace ends pass through a cord lock with two holes or together through one larger hole. Once the shoe is tightened, the cord lock is pushed down to the last eyelets and holds the laces in place. The free ends are tucked under the laces or into a small pocket on the tongue.
When cord locks are better than knots
- Sports and running – laces don’t come undone during training or competition.
- Triathlon and quick changes – shoes are put on and tightened in seconds.
- Hiking and trail – adjustment with gloves and without bending for a long time.
- Children’s shoes – kids can put on and take off shoes independently.
- People with limited mobility – no need to tie laces.
- Work shoes – less risk of loose laces catching on objects.
Types of laces and suitable cord locks
| Lace | Characteristic | Suitable cord lock |
|---|---|---|
| Round (cord) lace | Easy to adjust | Standard spring cord lock with two holes |
| Flat lace | Folds to fit round hole | Cord lock with oval or larger hole |
| Elastic lace | Thins when stretched | Cord lock with hole at lower limit, strong spring |
| Kevlar or thin technical lace | Very thin and slippery | Special cord lock with small hole or pulley |
For elastic laces that allow quick on/off without untying, the cord lock is set once, adjusted to the foot, and rarely moved afterwards. For regular laces, the cord lock is used each time the shoe is worn, so the spring must be durable.
How to install cord locks for shoe laces
- Remove old laces or loosen them completely.
- Thread the new lace through the eyelets from bottom to top as usual, up to the last pair.
- Press the cord lock button and pass both lace ends through the holes – each through its own hole on models with two holes.
- Put on the shoe, tighten the laces, and slide the cord lock down toward the tongue.
- Release the button and check that the cord lock holds while walking.
- Cut off excess length, leaving a few centimetres for adjustment, and finish the ends with cord ends or a knot.
If the lace is too thick for the hole, do not force it – the braid will fray and the cord lock will jam.
Tucking in the lace ends
The free ends after the cord lock are the main weakness of the system – if they hang loose, they can catch on objects. There are several solutions: shortening the lace and finishing the end with a cord end, tucking the ends under crossed laces, a small elastic pocket on the shoe tongue, or a cord lock cap into which the end fits. In shoe production, the pocket for the ends is often part of the design.
Cord locks for shoes in manufacturing
Manufacturers of sports and children’s shoes use cord locks as part of the product, not as an accessory added later by the customer. In this case, several rules apply:
- the cord lock and lace are selected together and tested with repeated pressing and stretching simulating real use;
- the body is rounded, without edges that could rub the tongue or upper;
- the colour matches the laces or the model’s accents;
- for branded models, the cord lock may carry a logo;
- lace ends are finished with cord ends that do not pass through the cord lock, so they are not lost.
More accessories for the footwear industry can be found in the footwear and leather accessories category.
Elastic lace and cord lock system
The combination of elastic lace and cord lock is popular for children’s shoes, casual footwear, and shoes for older adults. The lace is adjusted once to the foot, the cord lock is fixed, and then the shoe is put on and taken off like a moccasin. For the system to work, the elastic must have suitable stretch: too soft won’t hold the heel, too stiff will press the top of the foot. It is best if the cord lock is small and flat so it doesn’t press through the tongue. In manufacturing, such sets are often delivered ready-made – lace, cord lock, and cord ends in one colour.
Care and wear
Cord locks for laces are washed together with the shoe. Sand and mud can get into the mechanism and cause the button to stick – then rinse the cord lock with water, pressing the button several times. For sneakers washed in a machine, remove the laces with the cord lock and wash them in a mesh bag. If the spring weakens, replace the cord lock – it is an inexpensive part compared to the shoe.
Common mistakes
- Using a garment cord lock with a large hole on a thin lace – it won’t hold when walking.
- Hard, edged body pressing on the tongue and upper part of the foot.
- Long loose ends without cord ends that fray and catch.
- Elastic lace tightened too much – the cord lock holds, but the shoe presses uncomfortably.
You will find spring cord locks in various sizes and colours in the cord locks section.
Cord locks for shoes from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags based in Sofia. We can supply cord locks, laces and cord ends as a set, in matching colours and with custom logos. Send us your shoe type and lace specification via the contact page. Minimum order quantities depend on the item.
