How to Carry a Key While Running

I’ve had shoelaces come undone before. We all have. So if I need to stash something valuable on my person — like a car key (while I’m running) or a wedding ring (while I’m lifting weights), working it into my shoelace knot (as suggested in this Reddit thread) doesn’t feel like a very safe proposition. But there is a better way.

I’ve been doing this with my rings for years, and it works just as well with your car key if you’ve driven out to a running trail and you don’t have a zipper pocket or a sports bra to tuck it into. (Pro tip for the rest of us: put your key in the side of the bra, in the armpit/side boob area. It might get sweaty but it won’t move around.)

Anyway, here’s how:

1. Untie your shoe, and remove one lace from its top eyelet.
2. Thread your ring or key through the shoelace.
3. Put the lace back through the eyelet, and then tie your shoe as usual.

If the key looks like it’s going to flap around, just tuck it under the other laces, like I’ve done in the photo above.

This way, even if your shoe comes untied, the key will be secured on the lace between the eyelets. I’ve never had a shoe come unlaced while I’m running, have you?

I’m convinced a shoe is the best place to put a small item like this, because you will have to take your shoes off eventually, which will remind you of where you put your ring or key. No more “crap, did I leave it in my pocket? Or in my gym bag?” Nope, it’s right there on the shoe you’re taking off.