How to Lace Salomon Shoes: Quick Steps

You just unboxed a pair of Salomon trail runners and noticed there are no traditional laces to tie. That missing knot is the Quicklace system, a specialized design meant for speed and security on rugged terrain. Knowing how to lace Salomon shoes correctly ensures you get a snug fit without tripping hazards or loose ends slowing you down.

This guide walks you through every step from threading the cord to adjusting tension on the fly. You will learn to tighten the S-buckle, store excess lace safely, and troubleshoot common issues so you can focus entirely on your run.

Prepare the Lace Pocket for Operation

Before you thread anything, you must inspect the small fabric sleeve known as the lace pocket. This compartment sits under the tongue flap and stores the excess cord and buckle after you tighten the shoe. Dirt, pebbles, or old mud can block the mechanism if left unchecked.

Flip the tongue upward gently to reveal the pocket opening. Run your finger inside to feel for any debris that might hinder smooth operation. Use a dry cloth to wipe away moisture or grit before proceeding.

• Check that the pocket is fully open and unobstructed.
• Ensure no tangled lace remnants remain from previous uses.
• Verify the area is dry to prevent freezing in cold weather.

A clean pocket guarantees your laces slide smoothly when you need to adjust them later.

Thread the Quicklace System Correctly

Insert the Lace End Properly

The Quicklace uses a single continuous cord running through eyelets from heel to toe. One end has a small pull tab while the other connects to the sliding buckle.

1. Hold the shoe with the heel down and the toe pointing away from you.
2. Locate the rear eyelet near the heel collar.
3. Pull the free end with the tab through this eyelet from outside to inside.
4. Guide the lace forward through each subsequent eyelet just like traditional lacing.

Visual cue: The lace should lie flat against the shoe without any twists or snags.

Feed the Cord Into the Pocket

Once the lace reaches the front eyelets near your toes, pull it through the final hole. Guide the end into the lace pocket from the top opening. Let it emerge at the back of the tongue where the S-buckle sits ready for tensioning.

Now the entire system is threaded and prepared for your first adjustment.

Tighten for a Secure and Snug Fit

Pull Tabs to Pre-Tension

Each side of the lace ends in a pull tab located near the ankle collar. These tabs allow you to set the initial tension before locking everything in place.

• Grasp both tabs firmly with your hands.
• Pull evenly upward to tighten the midfoot and instep zones.
• Avoid over-tightening at this stage so you can adjust gradually.

Pro Tip: Adjust one side slightly tighter if you have asymmetrical feet or need extra heel lock.

Slide the S-Buckle Down

The S-buckle is the heart of the system. It acts as a sliding tension lock shaped like the letter “S”.

1. Hold the pulled tabs with one hand to maintain tension.
2. Grasp the S-buckle with your other hand.
3. Slowly slide the buckle down toward your toes.
4. Watch as this action tightens all lace arms simultaneously.

Stop when the fit feels snug but not restrictive. You want firm pressure across your foot without pinching.

Store Excess Lace and Buckle Safely

Tuck Into the Tongue Pocket

Once you achieve the perfect tightness, position the S-buckle flush against the top of your foot. Fold the excess lace neatly behind the buckle to create a compact bundle.

Slide both the buckle and the folded lace into the storage pocket under the tongue. This step prevents snagging on roots, rocks, or brush during your run. The tongue flap conceals everything for a clean and aerodynamic profile.

Final check: Ensure no loose ends are poking out before you start running.

Adjust On the Fly During Runs

Fine-Tune Mid-Run

Terrain changes often require more or less support from your footwear. The Quicklace system allows micro-adjustments without stopping for long periods.

To re-tighten:
* Pull the lace tabs slightly to create slack.
* Slide the S-buckle further down toward your toes.
* Re-tuck the excess into the pocket.

To loosen temporarily:
* Retrieve the buckle from the storage pocket.
* Squeeze the release button on the side of the buckle.
* Slide the buckle up toward your toes to release tension instantly.

Use this feature to loosen laces while walking uphill or re-tighten before steep descents.

Release and Remove Shoes Quickly

Activate the Quick Release

Removing these shoes requires no untying and no bending over for complex knots. You can remove them in one smooth motion even with gloves on.

1. Reach into the tongue pocket and pull out the S-buckle and lace.
2. Hold the pull tabs taut away from the shoe body.
3. Squeeze the small release button located on the side of the buckle.
4. While squeezing, slide the buckle upward toward your toes.

The entire system loosens immediately, even in frozen or muddy conditions. Slide your foot out smoothly once the tension is gone.

Fix Common Lacing Issues

Uneven Tension Problems

If one side of your foot feels tighter than the other, the lace may be threaded incorrectly. Fully release the buckle and check that both lace arms pass through their respective eyelets.

Retighten using balanced pulls on both tabs. Forcing the S-buckle down before pre-tensioning often causes misalignment and uneven pressure.

Buckle Won’t Slide Smoothly

Stiff movement usually indicates debris in the lace path or a twisted cord inside the shoe. Moisture freezing the mechanism can also cause issues in cold weather.

• Unthread the lace completely to inspect the path.
• Clean all components thoroughly and dry them.
• Re-lace following the correct path without twists.

Rinse your shoes after muddy runs and let them air-dry away from direct heat to prevent this.

Maintain the Quicklace System

Clean After Every Run

Mud and grit degrade performance over time if left inside the mechanism. Remove the insole and rinse the interior lightly with water.

Flush the lace pocket with water using a spray bottle or syringe. Work the buckle up and down while rinsing to clear internal grit. Let the shoe dry naturally with the tongue flipped up for airflow.

Inspect Monthly for Wear

Check your system regularly for frayed or stretched lace material. Look for cracked or brittle buckles and worn eyelet guides that might snag the cord.

The Quicklace system typically lasts 300 to 500 miles under normal trail use. Contact Salomon support if you find damaged parts needing replacement.

Optimize Fit for Different Conditions

Cold Weather Runs

Thicker socks require slight adjustments to your lacing routine. Loosen the pre-tension slightly before putting the shoe on to accommodate the extra bulk.

Pull the tabs firmly and slide the S-buckle down as usual. Perform this adjustment indoors since cold fingers make fine motor tasks difficult.

Wet or Muddy Trails

Water can cause materials to swell temporarily during your run. Lace the shoe snug but allow slight room for foot expansion.

Avoid over-tightening as this can restrict circulation on long runs. The non-absorbent material of the Quicklace prevents stretching when wet, maintaining your set tension.

Long-Distance Comfort

Prevent hot spots by leaving a little slack over the instep if you are prone to pressure points. Prioritize heel lockdown by pulling rear tabs tighter than the front.

Re-adjust every few miles as your feet naturally swell during extended activity.

Why Quicklace Beats Traditional Laces

No Tripping Hazards

Loose laces catching on rocks or roots are a major safety risk on technical trails. The Quicklace system tucks everything away securely to eliminate this danger.

The streamlined design enhances safety on steep descents where a loose end could cause a fall.

Faster Transitions

This system is ideal for trail races or multi-sport events where speed matters. You can lace up in under 10 seconds with no need for re-tying mid-run.

All-Weather Reliability

Frozen laces that refuse to untie are a thing of the past with this technology. The squeeze-and-slide release works perfectly with gloves on.

Mud slides off the smooth lace surface easily. Runners report significantly faster gear changes compared to knotted laces.

Final Tips for Best Results

• Break in the system: Practice lacing at home before your first trail run to build muscle memory.
• Carry a spare lace: Replacement laces are available from Salomon and take only two minutes to install.
• Do not cut the lace: It is designed as a closed loop, and altering it breaks the functionality.
• Use OEM parts: Aftermarket laces may not withstand the specific stress of trail running.

For troubleshooting beyond this guide, email support@salomon.com or call +1-800-SALOMON. Live chat is also available weekdays via the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salomon Quicklace

How do I loosen Salomon Quicklace shoes?

Retrieve the buckle from the tongue pocket and hold the laces taut. Squeeze the release button on the side of the S-buckle while sliding it upward toward your toes. This instantly releases all tension for easy removal.

Can I replace the Quicklace if it breaks?

Yes, Salomon sells replacement Quicklace kits specifically designed for their shoes. The process takes about two minutes and requires no special tools to thread the new cord through the eyelets.

Why won’t my S-buckle slide down to tighten?

Debris in the lace pocket or a twisted cord often blocks the buckle. Clean the pocket thoroughly and ensure the lace lies flat without twists before attempting to tighten again.

Is the Quicklace system good for wide feet?

The system provides uniform compression that adapts well to various foot widths. You can adjust the tension on each side individually before locking the buckle to accommodate wider feet comfortably.

Do I need to tie a knot with Quicklace?

No, the system uses a mechanical lock via the S-buckle to hold tension. Tying a knot is unnecessary and may interfere with the storage pocket function.

Key Takeaways for Lacing Salomon Shoes

Mastering how to lace Salomon shoes transforms your trail experience by providing a secure fit and eliminating tripping hazards. The Quicklace system offers rapid adjustment and reliable performance in mud, rain, or snow without the hassle of traditional knots.

Remember to keep the lace pocket clean and inspect the cord regularly for wear. Practice the tightening and release steps at home so you can handle any terrain with confidence. Lace up, tuck in, and go run somewhere fun.