What types of quick-lace systems are available?
Simply slip your foot into the shoe and secure it with laces or a Velcro fastening: that’s how you usually put on shoes. But in many situations, conventional lacing is problematic. Whether for sport or work shoes, quick-lacing systems allow you to fasten shoes securely in no time at all, using just one hand.
But what quick-lacing solutions are actually available, and how do they work? In the following article, you can find out more about the systems and their pros and cons. We’ll also explain how we at Gudo can support you in implementing reliable quick-fastening solutions for your products. With customised solutions, we are your trusted Swiss supplier of smart fastening solutions.
What are quick-lace systems?
Quick-lacing systems make it possible to fasten shoes and other items of clothing quickly and securely. These systems are generally designed to allow fastening with just one hand. This is particularly important for sports shoes and boots. This means they can be easily secured even when wearing gloves or in cold weather.
The term ‘quick-lace systems’ refers to a whole range of different lacing systems. In the simplest case, the laces are pulled through a simple cord stopper with a fastening mechanism. Such simple systems are popular in hiking boots, for example.
At the other end of the spectrum are complex locking systems with twist locks, which allow for particularly precise adjustment of the mechanism. Such solutions are always relevant when not only convenience but also security is important.
What are the advantages of quick-lace systems?
The use of quick-lacing systems offers a number of practical advantages. The most important of these include:
- Secure lacing in adverse conditions: In bad weather or cold temperatures, it’s often not easy to tie your shoes. Yet it’s particularly important in such conditions that they fit securely and fasten tightly. Quick-lace systems can still be adjusted even in freezing conditions and whilst wearing gloves.
- One-handed use: When working outdoors or taking part in outdoor sports, there may be times when you only have one hand free to tie your shoes. Thanks to easy-to-use quick-lace systems, this is no problem. People with disabilities also benefit from this.
- Comfort: Quick-release fastening systems are extremely convenient, making them a good choice for casual shoes too. With the help of Clips with ratchet mechanism For example, sandal fastenings can also be adjusted with the utmost precision.
The most widely used quick-lace systems
These are the quick-lace systems that are particularly popular:
- Twist-lock system: One of the most modern lacing systems – and now the most widely used in many areas – is based on twist locks. You can find out more about twist-lock lacing systems below.
- Fuel cap seals: This type of fastening uses so-called cord stoppers or sliding knots – small plastic components through which the cord is threaded and then secured. On shoes, Tanka fastenings are mainly found on Hiking boots or boots. However, cord stoppers are more commonly seen on bags, rucksacks and other trekking gear.
- Magnetic shoe fastenings: Magnetic fastenings are primarily used to fasten casual shoes. The focus here is less on security and more on ease of use. Magnetic shoe fastenings are used as an alternative to Velcro and are particularly suitable for people with mobility difficulties.
- Clips: This is a relatively simple solution for securing ratchet fastenings or straps, for example. We offer clips made from a variety of materials that can be combined with a wide range of shoes. The designs and constructions are therefore also suitable for use with bespoke footwear. This makes the clips an attractive option for customised fittings, for example.
Quick-lace systems with twist locks
One of the most advanced, secure and convenient quick-fastening solutions is based on twist locks. This type of fastener consists of a twist wheel with a ratchet mechanism and a spool onto which the two ends of a wire are wound. Some twist locks, such as our Swock M Power, also feature a quick-release mechanism. This allows the clasp to be opened quickly when needed.
The easy-to-grip dial is the central control element of the twist lock. It is connected to the spool inside, so that turning the dial also rotates the spool. A planetary gear system is often used for this purpose, enabling the applied force to be transmitted efficiently. In addition, the rotating mechanism is fitted with a ratchet mechanism that prevents the cap from opening again.
A thin wire or plastic thread is wound onto the spool. The wire acts as a shoelace on the shoe being laced. It is threaded through several eyelets to distribute the tension created by tightening the wire evenly. Turning the wheel shortens the length of the wire. This tightens the shoe and secures it firmly to the foot.
To open the twist lock, you first need to release it. This disengages a pawl inside the twist wheel from the teeth of the ratchet mechanism. The tightly wound wire can now move freely again. On systems with a quick-release function, the cable loosens automatically. On 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-lace systems with a twist mechanism can be adjusted with great precision. This makes the shoes very comfortable to wear.
- Minimal time required: It takes very little time to fasten and unfasten the mechanism. This is often particularly important with sports shoes.
- Safety: Unlike shoes with laces tied by hand, shoes fastened with a twist lock cannot come undone on their own.
Gudo’s customised quick-lace system
When it comes to quick-lace systems, manufacturers of high-quality footwear rely on trusted suppliers. At Gudo, we are your trusted partner for the manufacture and supply of a range of high-quality fastening mechanisms for quick-lace systems.
In particular, we offer our customers a wide range 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 twist fasteners in a variety of sizes. Our Swock M Mini For example, as a smaller version of our bestseller, the Swock M Power is compact and understated. This makes it suitable for casual shoes as well.
In addition to twist fasteners, we also offer clips that can be used to secure wider straps. Clips are an attractive option for fastening sandals securely. 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 customisation also applies to our locking mechanisms. Do you feel that our standard configurations aren’t quite the right solution for your needs? If so, please do get in touch with us. Together, we will then assess whether we can provide you with a customised locking mechanism.
Alternatively, we would be happy to check which of our closures might be suitable alternatives for you. You can contact our team via our Contact form. Alternatively, we are of course also available by phone and email.