The Powerlace: Self-Lacing Sneakers

We’re not quite sure why Velcro sneakers became the sole property of toddlers, but here it is 2014 and we’re still being forced to tie our damn shoes. Canadian footwear designer Frederick Labbe shares our frustration and has done something about it—he’s created self-lacing sneakers.

The Powerlace automatically tighten when you slip them on, as the natural weight in the shoe is used as a counterbalance for the auto-lacing mechanism. You then flip a lever on the back to lock the laces in place and you’re good to go. Just flip that same switch again when you’re ready to hop out of ‘em. No motors, no springs, no gears. The whole project has taken Labbe and his crew some seven years to perfect, and they’re now taking pre-orders starting at $175. [Purchase]