Laces often go unnoticed—until something feels wrong. A small pinch, a loose heel, or uneven pressure across the foot can disrupt even the best-planned run. These issues rarely come from size alone. How a shoe wraps and holds your foot affects comfort, support, and control. And that begins with the lacing system. In this article, we explore how dual lacing running shoes improve shoe fit and running shoe performance.
Why Your Shoe Fit Is a Big Deal
If you’ve ever had to stop during a run just to re-tie your shoes, you already know how much a good fit matters. A shoe that fits right doesn’t just feel better—it helps you stay balanced, saves energy, and reduces the chance of injury. But there’s more to running shoe fit than size and shoe shape. The way your shoe closes over your foot plays a big role. That’s where lacing comes in.
The Single Lace Story: A Familiar Friend
Most running shoes use one set of laces that tighten the whole shoe at once. Pull the top, tie a knot, and you're done. It’s simple and fast. But when your run gets longer or your route gets rougher, problems can start to show up.
Maybe your toes feel pinched, but the rest of the shoe feels loose. Or your heel keeps slipping even though the laces are already tight. With one lacing zone, you can’t fix one area without changing the whole fit. That’s a common frustration.
Enter the Dual Lacing System
A shoe that feels fine at mile five can feel completely different at mile thirty. Standard lacing offers little room to adapt mid-run. To meet the demands of long-distance training and racing, many runners now turn to dual lacing systems for more specific control over fit and support.
What Exactly Are Dual Laces, Anyway?
Dual lacing means the shoe is split into two parts—usually the front and the middle. Each part has its own laces. You can tighten the midfoot and leave the toe box looser, or the other way around. This gives you more control over how your shoe fits during the run—not just when you put it on.
Single Lacing vs. Dual Lacing Systems: Key Differences
| Feature | Single Lacing System | Dual Lacing System |
| Structure | One continuous lace controls the entire upper | Two separate zones, each adjusted independently |
| Adjustment Method | Tightens or loosens the whole shoe at once | Forefoot and midfoot can be adjusted separately |
| Foot Shape Adaptability | Suits standard or low-maintenance foot shapes | Better for high arches, wide forefeet, or asymmetrical feet |
| Long-Distance Comfort | Hard to adjust when feet swell—pressure builds | Allows partial loosening or tightening to reduce discomfort |
| Lockdown & Stability | Foot may slide or shift inside the shoe | Midfoot stays secure, reduces unwanted movement |
| Adjustment Speed | Fast, but lacks fine-tuning | Slower, but more precise control |
| Common Issues | Tight on the instep, loose at the toes | May take time to learn the setup and balance |
The Upside: Benefits That Runners Can Feel
Zoned Control and Personalized Fit
Feet CHANGE during an ultra run. They warm up, swell, and flex. And that's why single lacing shoes can't meet your needs during a serious ultra run. A dual lacing system, on the other hand, lets you change the fit in specific spots to match those changes. If your forefoot needs space, you can give it that without messing up the support around your arch.
Some runners use a snug midfoot fit for tempo runs and loosen the front when recovering. Others tighten everything before a trail climb and adjust later. These are the small things that add real comfort during running.
Stronger Lockdown, Less Sliding
A better fit helps your foot stay where it should be. That means less sliding inside the shoe, fewer blisters, and more stability during turns, climbs, or treadmill sprints. Instead of cranking down the whole lace, you can keep one part firm while letting another stay relaxed.
The Flip Side: What to Know Before You Switch
Dual lacing isn’t perfect. But most of its trade-offs are minor and easy to adapt to.
Might Take a Run or Two to Get Used To
If you’re used to regular laces, two zones may seem odd at first. There’s a bit more to adjust. But once you find the setup that works for you, the benefits are easy to feel. Most runners get used to the system after one or two runs.
Slightly More Material
Two lacing zones might add a few extra grams. But this change is very small, and most runners won’t notice it. What you do notice is the difference in comfort and fit.
Mount to Coast Steps Up to the Challenge (R1 + T1)
We believed dual lacing could work better—not just in theory, but in real runs. That belief shaped the R1 ( road running shoes) and T1 ( trail running shoes).
Our Approach: Simplicity with a Purpose
When designing the R1 and T1, we are planning the best running shoes for long distance. We focused on the running shoe performance, and we kept the dual lacing clean, light, and super easy to adjust. No knobs, no wires, just two zones of classic laces placed for maximum control.
Solving the Lockdown Riddle
Some shoes try to lock your foot down with stiff overlays or hard plastic. We took another path.
Dual lacing improves how the shoe grips your foot—especially at the midfoot, where most of the control happens. Once this zone is secure, your foot stays centered inside the shoe, even on turns, downhills, or switchbacks. The heel stops shifting. The forefoot stays aligned. You get full contact without pressure spikes.
This kind of targeted lockdown helps transfer energy more efficiently with every step. For ultrarunners, that means fewer wasted movements and less foot fatigue over time.
Targeted Support: Where You Need It Most
Your feet swell differently across a run. The R1 and T1 let you respond to that. Tighten one area for a firm grip, loosen another for better movement. On long runs or in changing conditions, this makes a big difference.
| Change Type | What Happens | When It Happens | Why It Matters |
| Swelling | Feet expand in volume | After 10+ miles, especially in heat | Tight shoes become painful; pressure builds |
| Arch Flattening | Arch support reduces over time | After long periods on foot | Shoe fit shifts; support may weaken |
| Toe Splay | Toes spread out | Especially on climbs or with foot fatigue | Front of shoe may feel cramped |
| Forward Slide | Foot moves toward toe box | During downhills | Risk of toe bruising or friction |
| Midfoot Fatigue | Muscle tone drops | After hours of uneven terrain | Fit may feel loose even if laced tight |
Easy Adjustment Mid-Run
Adjustments don’t need to slow you down. The TUNEDFIT™ system is designed for fast, single-zone tweaks. If the front of your foot starts to swell, you can loosen just the forefoot in seconds—without untying or resetting the entire shoe.
Each zone works independently, so changes happen quickly and stay stable. You crouch down, pull the toggle, and it’s done—secure and comfortable, and now you are ready to continue your run.
Real-World Impact: What Runners Are Saying
Everything above sounds useful—but does it hold up under real use? Based on what runners tell us, it does.
From Trail to Treadmill Running Comfort
Trail runners say the T1 handles rocks, mud, and steep slopes without the usual shifting. Road runners find the R1 keeps its shape deep into long sessions. On treadmills, the stable fit helps with speed changes and turns.
Some use dual lacing to ease pressure on wide feet. Others use it to prevent toe bruising during descents. Everyone has their reason, but the results are similar: less distraction, better focus.
Finding Your Perfect Fit with Dual Laces
Here are a few running shoe fit tips to help you get started.
Tips to Set Up Your Fit
- Start with the midfoot zone. Aim for a snug but not tight hold.
- Then adjust the front. Your toes should be able to move.
- Walk or jog a bit. Feel for pressure spots.
- Check again after 30 minutes. Feet change—your fit should match.
Who Might Like Dual Lacing
If you:
- Run long distances.
- Train on mixed terrain.
- Have wide feet or high arches.
- Struggle with slipping or lace pressure.
Then dual lacing gives you tools to fix what standard shoes can’t.
Join the Movement: Experience the Difference
We didn’t add dual lacing because it’s trendy. We added it because it works. For runners who want control, comfort, and fewer mid-run stops, it’s a smart upgrade. With two simple zones and no extra fuss, Mount to Coast dual lacing helps every step feel more natural.
Try it. Adjust it. See what a better fit can do.
Quick FAQs About Dual Lacing
Q1: Do I have to tie two separate knots?
A: No. The laces often join at the top, so you tie them as one. You just adjust the zones differently.
Q2: Can I use the dual lacing system if I have wide feet?
A: Yes. That’s one of its main strengths. You control the width in different parts of the shoe.
Q3: Is the dual lacing system only for serious runners?
A: No. Anyone who wants better comfort or fit can benefit.