General Discussion Triathlon Talk » YANKZ = Blister WTF Rss Feed  
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2009-08-21 2:04 PM

Subject: YANKZ = Blister WTF
So I was FINALLY making some progress with my running.  I am over the shin splint, I have been adding distance and shaving time (some days) from my runs, so I reward myself with a pair of elastic laces (YANKZ BRAND).  The first time out, was for a walk with my wife and kid, and I got a blister!  The shoes had been like slippers before the elastic laces, custom insoles, running store fit, the whole 9 yards...

Discouraging to say the least.  I have put the laces back in, and am now runnning with 4 band-aid's in my heel, covered in bag balm... still hurts. 

SO- Whats the deal, did the laces change the fit of my shoe somehow?


2009-08-21 2:07 PM
in reply to: #2362889

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Champion
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
My feet slide when using any type of elastic laces and I end up with the front of my toes hurting. I'm a big believer in good old tying my shoes.

2009-08-21 2:26 PM
in reply to: #2362889

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
Sorry about the blisters! You probably just need to readjust the laces. It takes me about 2-3 runs before I get the laces right where I want them! I use Yankz in my running and hiking shoes and love them...but they do take awhile to adjust to.
2009-08-21 2:29 PM
in reply to: #2362889

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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
Yeah, it takes time to get them right. Then the shoe and lace stretch and you have to re-adjust. Factor in slight swelling at different times of the day and it can be fun.
2009-08-21 2:34 PM
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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
I've always had to compromise my comfort with Yankz. Thought I had solved the problem going to Speed Laces, but the grommet inserts started rubbing me raw. Bought a pair of Zoots that are working out pretty well, just a little harder to get the foot in when I'm sweaty...
2009-08-21 2:40 PM
in reply to: #2362889

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
They can take a lot of adjusting at first to get the fit right.  Personally, I never got them to be comfortable.  They were always too tight in the toe and too loose in the heel.  I stick with tying my shoes even if it takes a few extra seconds.


2009-08-21 2:44 PM
in reply to: #2362889

Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF

I didn't like Yankz either, no matter how I adjusted them. I'd tried other kinds too. I switched to Lock Laces. They're the only kind I have that I can slip my feet right into the shoe and don't have to adjust them or anything. But during the "installation" process with any of these quick lace set-ups, you have to try them on, move stuff around, etc. It takes a little finagling.

2009-08-21 2:55 PM
in reply to: #2362889

Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
The "fit" with the YANKZ feels great.  Nice and snug, but for some reason, my foot rubs higher up in the heel now.  I don't know if switching back will help because it is still raw and weepy (eewwww).  Im not very inclined to give them another try... the laces I have on the New balance have sort of bumps on them, so they are quick and easy to tighten and lace.  I want to be MOP in my AG and I know seconds count, but F those laces.  Im back to recovering and back to stalled progression on my running...
2009-08-21 3:15 PM
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
I just got a pair of Xtenex laces and I love them!  I am racing in them for the first time this weekend but they felt great on my run this afternoon.  They have the bumps like the New Balance laces, but are elastic and stretchy so I can slide my foot in my shoe.
2009-08-21 3:19 PM
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF

I have found that for me it depends on the shoes.  I find that Yankz in shoes that are cut lower around the ankle, such as Mizuno and Saucony, tend to slip more that those that are higher cut like Asics and Brooks.  They are definitely not for everyone. 

2009-08-21 3:35 PM
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Regular
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
I made my own speed laces with elastic and a single barrel cord lock (cost about $2 total).  I had to experiment with the lacing before I finally got it to the way I like it.  I won't try to explain how it's laced except to say I end up pulling from the third set of eyelets from the top (ankle) of the shoe.  That seems tighten it enough to keep from slipping, but doesn't cause any circulation issues.  I've run about 80 miles with them and they work great.


2009-08-21 4:24 PM
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF

Yankz have been great for me.  I have been wearing them for all of my runs over the past three years and only got blisters at the MCM.

2009-08-21 4:27 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
I also went with Xtenex laces on my Asics racing shoes and they work great now.  I rub Body Glide around the inside of the heel and around the inside perimeter of the shoe and tongue to help my foot just slide in...a quick pull on the tongue to straighten out any lumps and I am good to go!  It did take several adjustments and trial runs to get them just right with the correct fit/feel for the length of the shoe.
2009-08-21 5:14 PM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
the last pair of shoes I bought, the store was out of yanks (thankfully) and I just got a generic kind of elastic laces with a cord lock at the end.  What makes the yanks so funky is the backwards lacing..   didn't help that at the time I was also trying to get used to running in my biking socks, and since they were thinner, my foot moved around like crazy.  I'll be buying a new pair of shoes tomorrow and hopefully just getting the generic speed laces, although I might not even opt for that since I'm done with any tris for this year.  
2009-08-21 9:40 PM
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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
They seem to work well for me in the shorter distances, but i'm coming up on a new pair of shoes to be due here soon and I think i'll keep my current Asics in the Yankz for the Tri's and the regular laces for the short run around Chicago or anything else comparable..

2009-08-22 10:37 AM
in reply to: #2362889


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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
I've used them for a number of years now. Usually I adjust them a few times as the shoes age or I break them in. I find typically they tighten up after I use them a bit. I think it is just the natural motion of running. Once I loosen them up a few times they usually stay put. Make sure you have them laced as recommended. I fouled this up once and they caused a host of issues.


2009-08-22 10:44 AM
in reply to: #2362889

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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
I have used lock laces http://www.locklaces.com for the past 3 years, I have had no problem with the fit and they always seem tight enough.
2009-08-22 6:11 PM
in reply to: #2363106

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Subject: RE: YANKZ = Blister WTF
irondreams - 2009-08-21 3:15 PM I just got a pair of Xtenex laces and I love them!  I am racing in them for the first time this weekend but they felt great on my run this afternoon.  They have the bumps like the New Balance laces, but are elastic and stretchy so I can slide my foot in my shoe.


x2. No love for Yankz from me, but Xtenex are fantastic - much better product - easier to adjust, and much more comfortable. Plus, they definitely attract attention - especially in fluorescent colors  

Cheers, Chris 
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