No-Tie Shoelaces for Arthritis and Limited Mobility
Tying your shoes shouldn't be the hardest part of the day. Lace once, then slide in with a shoehorn. No knots, no bending, no gripping.
Flat Elastic Stretch Shoelaces
Tie once with help, then never again. Slides on and off with a long shoehorn. The most popular pick for limited mobility.
Round Elastic Stretch Shoelaces
Same idea in a round lace for walking shoes and boots with round-lace eyelets.
Quick Lock No-Tie Elastic Shoelaces
A center lock instead of a knot. Set the tension once, no bending to tie ever again.
Why therapists recommend elastic laces
No-tie elastic shoelaces let you keep wearing the lace-up shoes you trust without bending down, reaching, or working a knot with sore hands. Lace the shoe once, tie the one knot with help if needed, and the elastic does the rest: the shoe opens wide enough to slide a foot in with a shoehorn and then holds snug. Arthritis in the hands, swollen feet, hip or back trouble, limited balance, or a hand that no longer grips well: the laces skip the struggle instead of asking you to push through it. Occupational therapists order Stretchlace samples for their patients for exactly this, and the laces fit walking shoes, sneakers, and boots alike.
Sizing for adults
Most adult walking shoes and sneakers take 40 to 47 inches. Remove one lace and measure it, or count the eyelets on one side: six eyelets, 40 to 45 inches; seven or eight, 45 to 55 inches. If feet swell during the day, size up one length. See Sizing Help.
Questions we get
Do I still have to bend down to put my shoes on?
No. Lace the shoe once, tie the bow once, and from then on slide your foot in with a long shoehorn while standing or seated. The one-time install is the same as normal laces, steps in the install and fit FAQ.
Will the shoe feel loose without a tight knot?
No. Stretchlace holds a snug, consistent tension through the day. You set it once when you tie the bow, and you can adjust strap by strap like normal laces. See the install and fit FAQ for how to loosen from the top or tighten from the toe.
My feet swell during the day. Will these still fit by evening?
Yes. The elastic flexes with the foot, so the fit stays comfortable for wide feet or feet that swell. If swelling is significant, go up one length from your original laces. The size guide shows how to pick.
I can't get my old laces out to measure. How do I pick a size?
Count the eyelet pairs on one side and use the eyelet chart in the size guide, or find your shoe on the shoe brand pages. Never go shorter than the laces that came with the shoe.