Well, the laces broke right through the holes at the top. I was no different from always tying my shoelaces. I was initially skeptical when I noticed that the top hole supports are cheap plastic. They didn't look like durable plastic but I tried them and after a week of lacing they didn't hold up. So I drilled an extra hole and it broke too. They are comfortable and beautifully designed, for which they have received several compliments.