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What Is a Freelock Lacing System?

25 October 2023  |  Amelia

With the search for innovative and practical ways to enhance your safety at work, the emergence of safety footwear without laces has appeared - and is becoming a highly popular choice for professionals across a wide range of industries. Among new kinds of slip-on shoes, wellies and safety clogs, lie the safety shoes with a Freelock lacing system, which is sometimes known as a BOA fastening system.

Our guide takes you through the Freelock Lacing System, how it works and how it can significantly improve your safety, convenience and productivity at work. Stick here to discover more about the Freelock fastening system.


What Does This Guide Cover?


How Can You Benefit From Lace-Free Safety Shoes?

Lace-free safety footwear with integrated innovative lacing systems such as Freelock and BOA can positively impact your time at work in a number of ways. Key benefits include:

  • Easy-turn dial adds to convenience when applying/removing shoes
  • Designed to prevent injuries in the workplace by eliminating the risk of trips and falls
  • Can offer a tidier, more presentable footwear alternative, particularly in formal settings
  • Absence of laces reduces the need for constant replacements, saving you money
  • Used as an accessible footwear option for professionals with limited mobility, for greater inclusivity 
  • Enhances your overall comfort by minimising pressure points on the feet 

Industrial applications where Freelock and BOA shoes would be beneficial for professionals include:

  • Construction
  • Building
  • Warehousing
  • Gardening
  • Assembly
  • Agriculture
  • Logistics
  • Engineering
  • Automotive

The Freelock Fastening System Explained

The Freelock lacing system is designed to provide a quick and easy alternative to fastening your shoes. Traditional laces are replaced with a durable wire/hard plastic that is fed through your footwear, and connected to a turn-dial which is used to tighten your shoes on your feet.

When it's time to remove your shoes, you can loosen them by turning the dial in the opposite direction. For a visual demonstration on how to use the Freelock fastening system, please watch the video below.

 


Is a BOA Fastening System the Same As a Freelock Fastening System?

Yes, the BOA fastening system is recognised as another kind of Freelock lacing system, with almost identical features and capabilities.

For more on the BOA fastening system, please watch the video below.

 


Our Favourite Freelock and BOA Shoes

Here at Workwear, we have a wide selection of safety footwear that employ the use of the Freelock or BOA lacing system. With no compromise to your protection at work, these alternative fastening systems add an extra layer of convenience and comfort to your day, reducing the need to constantly adjust and re-tie loosened laces.

Below are a selection of our favourite safety shoes, trainers and boots - all of which either have a Freelock fastening system or a BOA fastening system.

Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Boots 2453 (Black)

Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Boots 2453 (Black)

£102.49 (Ex. VAT)
Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days  Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days
Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Shoes 2451 (Black)

Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Shoes 2451 (Black)

£99.99 (Ex. VAT)
Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days  Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days
Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Shoes (Black)

Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Shoes (Black)

£103.74 (Ex. VAT)
Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days  Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days
Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Boots 2455 (Black)

Blaklader Workwear ELITE Safety Boots 2455 (Black)

£141.66 (Ex. VAT)
Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days  Usually Dispatched in 5 - 10 Working Days
Portwest Base B1223 I-CODE Low Safety Shoes S1P ESD SRC (Black/Blue)

Portwest Base B1223 I-CODE Low Safety Shoes S1P ESD SRC (Black/Blue)

£69.16 (Ex. VAT)
Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)  Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)
Portwest Base B1007 K-Energy Grey/Blue Waterproof Anti-Static Safety Shoes

Portwest Base B1007 K-Energy Grey/Blue Waterproof Anti-Static Safety Shoes

£90.05 (Ex. VAT)
Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)  Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)
Portwest B1605 Base Footwear ''T-Robust'' Puncture-Resistant Work Boots

Portwest B1605 Base Footwear "T-Robust" Puncture-Resistant Work Boots

£120.83 (Ex. VAT)
Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)  Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)
Portwest Base B0820 Be-Fast Anti-Static Heat-Resistant Men's Safety Shoes (Black/Blue)

Portwest Base B0820 Be-Fast Anti-Static Heat-Resistant Men's Safety Shoes (Black/Blue)

£105.50 (Ex. VAT)
Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)  Dispatched in 1 - 5 working days (Due to a warehouse update, some orders are currently being slightly delayed)
Ejendals Jalas 5372 SP0C Occupational Shoes with BOA Fastening

Ejendals Jalas 5372 SP0C Occupational Shoes with BOA Fastening

£116.66 (Ex. VAT)
Usually dispatched in 3 - 8 working days  Usually dispatched in 3 - 8 working days
Ejendals JALAS EXALTER 9985 BOA Fastening System High Impact Boots

Ejendals JALAS EXALTER 9985 BOA Fastening System High Impact Boots

£154.16 (Ex. VAT)
Usually dispatched in 3 - 8 working days  Usually dispatched in 3 - 8 working days
Ejendals Jalas 1278 Heavy Duty Steel Toe Cap Work Boots with Boa Fastening

Ejendals Jalas 1278 Heavy Duty Steel Toe Cap Work Boots with Boa Fastening

£166.66 (Ex. VAT)
Usually dispatched in 3 - 8 working days  Usually dispatched in 3 - 8 working days
 


Want to Transition Away From Traditional Laces?

If you're looking for ease and convenience when putting on and removing your shoes, we've got you covered. Below is an additional list of safety footwear options that offer a secure and convenient alternative to shoes with conventional laces.

Explore the options below to enhance your safety and comfort.