HICKIES: A Game-Changer for Your Running Shoes

Here's a fun fact: the shoelace was first invented about 5,000 years ago. Who knew? While they've had a great run, it's time for an upgrade. Specifically, HICKIES.

My first encounter with them was back when we filmed The Last 5 with Christine Bullock. She was wearing a bright green set that matched her sneakers. Curious, I asked her about them. The major selling point? No more having to deal with untied shoelaces in the middle of a workout. After feeling envious of Christine, I had to try them, so I got myself a set and I don't think I can ever go back to laces.

HICKIES are the brainchild of Argentinian couple Gastón Frydlewski and Mariquel Waingarten who saw the need for a product that solves all the issues that laces present: untying, slackness, etc. They launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised over 600 percent of their goal and the rest is history.

They're super easy to use. You just slip one through corresponding holes where your laces normally go, hook each side together, and repeat until you reach the top. There's a variety of lacing techniques that can help you customize how you want your shoe to fit--from super snug to loose. (As you know, I'm a huge fan of customizing my shoes.) They have helpful videos on their site to show you how to do each technique. Plus, they have a bunch of different colors to choose from, so you can get really creative.

I "hickied" my running shoes and haven't looked back since my first run with them. I like that I can easily slip my feet in and out of my shoes, but they still feel secure no matter the intensity of the exercise I do. And it's nice to not have to deal with my shoes untying, which usually happens at least once every time I run.

Definitely give HICKIES a try. They're $15 for a set, which seems like a lot for a shoelace replacement, but I promise they're worth it. If you try them, be sure to leave me a comment below to let me know what you think.