You can buy a pair of Riplaces, here. Don’t forget to use our promo code, BITR10 for 10% off your purchase!
Stein: Riplaces offer a bunch of different color combinations and styles for both the bands (the stretchy part) and the core (holds it together), and you can customize any combination of core and band through their website. Once you install the laces in your shoes, you’re done. There’s nothing left to do after initial configuration except to enjoy your runs. There are enough bands of varying sizes to accommodate the widest or narrowest feet.
Meaghan: I put these laces on my Skechers GOrun Ride 3, a shoe that I liked, but didn’t love. Riplaces actually made me love them. The shoe seemed to fit better with the stretchy laces in place. Overall, it gave the shoe a snugger, more secure feel. I love that I can slip them on in seconds and I’m ready to head out the door for a run. They come in a ton of different color variations and sizes so they’ll work for just about any shoes you have.
Thomas: The Riplaces work. I was able to create a great custom fit in my Skechers GOrun Speed. After one run and some adjustments to the size of the bands I ran a 5 mile race. The fit was snug without causing any issues with circulation. I had no issues during the race. They have a lot of colors to choose from too.
Stein: Each package of Riplaces contains enough bands for two pairs of shoes, however my feet are narrow so it’s likely that I will never have a use for over a dozen large elastic bands. Compare this to lock-laces, another stretchy shoe-lace that you adjust by snipping off a few inches of unneeded material, and it seems like some unnecessary waste is generated. Perhaps Riplaces should offer a “narrow” and “wide” version of their product to alleviate waste. I also wish there was some way to adjust the lacing system in the middle of the run – being able to tighten or loosen without a stop at home base would be nice. Installation was pretty easy, but it seemed weird that the installation video suggested I use a garbage tie to install them instead of including a tool to feed the bands through the shoes’ eyelets.
Meaghan: Putting these things on is stressful. Not only is it time consuming, but if you pick the wrong size, you’ll find yourself starting all over again. The worst part is, you won’t know until they’re all on and you can try them out. I appreciate the fact that each pack comes with several size options (60 bands, 12 each of 5 different sizes), but I found myself left with a bag full of rubber bands. The good news is they double as hair ties!
Thomas: Getting the right bands in for the right fit can be time consuming. It is not as simple to get the optimum fit as it is with Lock Laces.
Stein: Once you install the Riplaces they look great. Presuming that you’ve chosen the correct size bands (smaller towards your toes, larger towards the ankles) they are a no-maintenance option for shoe laces; you just slip your shoes on and go. With the various core options these laces will probably appeal to the trendy set because they really make your shoes look creative and custom. Personally I prefer a little more on-the-fly-adjust-ability, but the set-it-and-forget-it nature of these laces is really appealing.
Meaghan: I’ll be completely honest, I was skeptical when I first received Riplaces. I didn’t think they’d work. Luckily, it only took one run in them to realize I was wrong. If you’re patient enough to put them on (Ok, it’s really not that bad), this is a great alternative to your traditional shoelace. With all the options they offer, you can customize the look and feel of your shoes however you’d like. Although they don’t offer much (or any) flexibility once they’re on, they give you enough size options to create the perfect fit.
Thomas: The Riplaces are a good option for runners that like a custom fit to their trainers. Lock Laces are hard to reuse in a new pair of shoes. Riplaces can be transferred to a new pair of running shoes. Give Riplaces a chance and let us know what you think.
You can buy a pair of Riplaces, here. Don’t forget to use our promo code, BITR10 for 10% off your purchase!
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