Product type Shoelace fastenings Country USA Markets World | Owner Street Smart LLC Introduced 1999 Tagline Win. Never tie. | |
Lock Laces is an elastic shoelace fastening system patented by Street Smart LLC. The Lock Lace system consists of an elastic shoestring which is fastened at the top of the shoe by an adjustable locking mechanism.
Eric Jackson is the president and CEO of Street Smart LLC, the owner of the Lock Laces brand. Lock Laces is manufactured and distributed by Positive Distribution LLC and Nathan Sports, Inc.
History
Eric Jackson originally invented Lock Laces for personal use when he became frustrated that his shoelaces would become untied while playing sports. His original design utilized elastic shoestrings and barrel cord locks. After he was laid off from his job as a light bulb salesman, and a personal friend suggested that he sell his invention, Jackson formed Street Smart LLC in order to market Lock Laces. Street Smart LLC was launched with the help of $80,000 raised from investors.
In 1999, Jackson began marketing Lock Laces while assembling the product in his mother’s basement. Jackson later began contracting out the packaging and assembly of Lock Laces to Opportunity Builders, Inc., a Millersville, Maryland-based nonprofit that offers employment opportunities for adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
In 2011, Lock Laces became a national sponsor of the Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes Fit Feet program. Lock Laces has also partnered with the American Indoor Football Association.