Buying guide
Magnetic Shoelaces: How They Work & Who They’re For
The easiest no-tie laces to do up: the two ends snap together with a small magnet, so there’s no bow, no pinching and no fiddly lock. Here’s how they work, who they suit and how they compare.
Shop magnetic shoelaces →
✓ Snap shut, no tying✓ Easiest for weak grip or one hand✓ Australian owned & fast shipping
Magnetic shoelaces in brief
The quick version before the detail below.
How they fasten
The two lace ends are pulled together by a small magnet and click shut - no bow
Best for
Weak grip, one-handed use, kids, and anyone who wants shoes on and off fast
Fit
Any lace-up shoe with eyelets - sneakers, casual, school and more
Do they hold?
Yes - the elastic sets your tension once and keeps the shoe snug all day
How magnetic shoelaces work
They replace your normal laces with stretchy elastic ones, and swap the bow for a magnet.
You thread the elastic laces through the eyelets just like ordinary laces, but instead of two loose ends you tie, each side finishes in a small magnetic clasp. To put the shoes on, you bring the two sides together and they snap shut on their own. To take them off, you pull the clasp apart. Because the laces are elastic, the shoe stays snug the whole time, so once you’ve set a comfortable tension at fitting you never need to adjust it again.
That’s the key difference from other no-tie laces: there’s no button to press, no lock to slide and no bow to pinch. Lining up two magnets takes far less hand control than any of those, which is why magnetic laces are the easiest no-tie style to fasten.
Who magnetic laces are best for
Anyone can enjoy shoes that go on in a second, but magnetic laces earn their keep most where doing up a lace is genuinely hard. People with arthritis or limited hand strength can fasten them without pinching or gripping. Stroke survivors and anyone dressing one-handed can close them with a single hand, since there’s nothing to hold steady on the other side.
They’re a favourite for kids too, especially children who can’t tie yet or who find fiddly fastenings frustrating - the magnet does the work and they get their shoes on themselves. And for everyone else, they’re simply the fastest way in and out the door: handy at the gym, slipping shoes off at someone’s home, or getting the family out in the morning.
Magnetic vs other no-tie laces
Every no-tie lace ends in a different fastening. Here’s how magnetic compares, and when another style might suit you better (see them all on the no-tie laces by lock type page).
| Fastening | Effort to do up | Best for |
|---|
| Magnetic lock | Lowest - the ends pull together on their own | Weak grip, one-handed use, fast on and off |
| Capsule or smart lock | Low - press or slide a small lock | Everyday wear, and adjusting tension day to day |
| Anchor lock | None after fitting - set once and leave it | A set-and-forget fit and the cleanest look |
| Traditional bow | Highest - pinch, loop and pull | Those who want the classic laced look |
Shop magnetic laces & the alternatives
All in a range of colours, and all fit standard lace-up shoes.
Easiest to fasten
Magnetic Lock
The two ends snap together by magnet. The lowest-effort no-tie lace to do up, one hand or two.
Shop magnetic lock
Adjustable
Capsule Lock
A small capsule holds your tension and lets you change it. Great all-rounder for everyday wear.
Shop capsule lock
Quick adjust
Smart Lock
Slide to loosen or tighten in a second. Handy if your tension needs changing through the day.
Shop smart lock
Cleanest finish
Anchor Lock
Fitted once and left alone, with the lowest-profile look. Set-and-forget for a tidy finish.
Shop anchor lock
Fitting them is a one-time, no-tools job
Take out the old laces, thread the magnetic ones through the eyelets, slip the shoe on to find a comfortable tension, then trim and secure the ends. It takes a few minutes the first time, and after that the shoe is a magnetic slip-on for good.
Fitting guide
Step-by-step fitting
See exactly how to thread, size and secure your no-tie laces. About five minutes, no tools.
No-tie installation guide →
✓ On in a second
Bring the two sides together and they snap shut. Off again with a quick pull.
✓ Stays snug all day
Elastic laces hold the tension you set, so there’s no bow to work loose.
✓ Aussie owned, fast post
Dispatched locally with fast Australian shipping and easy returns.
Magnetic shoelaces - FAQ
How do magnetic shoelaces work?
They’re elastic laces that finish in a small magnetic clasp instead of loose ends. You thread them like normal laces, then bring the two sides together to snap them shut, and pull them apart to open. The elastic keeps the shoe snug, so you set the tension once.
Are magnetic shoelaces strong enough to stay closed?
Yes. The magnet holds the clasp together and the elastic holds the fit, so they stay shut through normal walking and daily wear. They only release when you deliberately pull the two sides apart.
Who are magnetic laces best for?
Anyone who finds a bow hard or just wants speed: people with weak grip or arthritis, anyone fastening shoes one-handed, kids who can’t tie yet, and anyone who wants shoes on and off in a second.
Do magnetic laces fit any shoe?
They fit any lace-up shoe with eyelets - sneakers, casual shoes, school shoes and more. You trim them to size during fitting, so one pair suits most shoes.
Can you run or play sport in them?
Yes - the elastic holds the shoe firmly, and the quick on-and-off is popular for the gym and casual sport. For hard, high-impact use some people prefer a locked style like capsule or anchor for the most locked-down feel.
Are the magnets safe?
The magnets are small and sit inside the clasp at your laces. As with any small magnet, keep loose or spare parts away from young children and pets who might swallow them. If you’re comparing styles first, our
no-tie laces guide runs through every option.
