# Magnetic shoelaces ## Overview https://youtu.be/y-vm-Z-48fY ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/038/144/medium800/3d_printing_hero.jpg?1483028132) In this project we’ll show you how to 3d print your own magnetic shoe lace closures. This can be really useful for anyone with dexterity problems, or if you just want to make tying your shoes a whole lot easier. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/953/medium800thumb/3d_printing_self-close.jpg?1481405345) Strong neodymium magnets help keep your laces together while running, walking or even working out. And after a long day on your feet, the magnets are easy to detach.   ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/038/145/medium800/3d_printing_hero-apart.jpg?1483028168) The parts are 3D Printed and the design is easy to comstimze to fit your shoe size. The magnets press fit inside the parts and don't require any adhesives. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/952/medium800/3d_printing_parts.jpg?1481405329) ## Parts, Tools and Supplies You'll need the following tools, parts and supplies to complete this build. - [3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/245) - [3D Printer Filaments](https://www.adafruit.com/categories/785) - [High-strength 'rare earth' magnet](https://www.adafruit.com/products/9) - [Digital Calipers](https://www.adafruit.com/products/294) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/967/medium800thumb/3d_printing_lace-loop.jpg?1481418588) # Magnetic shoelaces ## 3D Printing ## Download and 3D Print The 3D printed parts can be downloaded with the link below.  [Edit Design Source](http://a360.co/2hqOVsQ) [Edit Design (with User Parameters)](http://a360.co/2gJiw12) [Download from Thingiverse](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1963581) [Download from Youmagine](https://www.youmagine.com/designs/magnetic-shoelaces) [Download from Pinshape](https://pinshape.com/items/29903-3d-printed-magnetic-shoelaces) ## Slice Settings Depending on your 3D printer, you may need to adjust the slice settings. We tested the closure on a Sigma BCN3D, Deltaprintr Go and a Printrbot Play. They do not require any support material and are oriented to print "as is". - Nozzle: 0.4mm - Extrusion Multiplier: 1.0 - Extrusion Width: 0.48mm - Layer Height: 0.2mm - Nozzle Temperature: 220c ## Customize Shoelace closures Our shoelace closures are designed in Fusion360. Modify the design by adjusting the magnet size, lace hole spacing and the entire size of the closure. Each action is labled in the timeline. You can aslo download different formats to use in your preffered modeling program. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/954/medium800/3d_printing_lace-hole-spacing.jpg?1481405370) ## Adjusting magnet tolerences   Magnets can have small variations in size and thickness, so we’ll need to make sure the tolerances are pretty tight.   Carfully measure each magent and then update the height of the closure cavity.   ## Adjusting Spacing The pattern feature controls how far apart the lace holes and magnets are from each other. Measure and adjust the values based on your shoes tongue size and laces holes spacing. ![3d_printing_magnet-spacing.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/955/medium640/3d_printing_magnet-spacing.jpg?1481405405) ![3d_printing_magnet-height.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/956/medium640/3d_printing_magnet-height.jpg?1481405437) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/957/medium800/3d_printing_closure-size.jpg?1481405449) ## Adjusting shoelace closures size The default length of the closures should work on most shoes but you could always update the design files to completely customize the size and look of the closures. # Magnetic shoelaces ## Assemble ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/958/medium800/3d_printing_01-insert-magents.jpg?1481405476) ## Fit magnets inside shoelace closures Press fit the magnets into each side of the printed closures. Make sure the tolerences are tight so the magents can't pull each other out of the closures. These magnets can have small variations in size and thickness, so we’ll need to make sure the tolerances are pretty tight. You could also use glues to hold the magnets in place. ## Align magnets We want to make sure the magnets are all facing each other so they don’t repel.  ## Check tolerances Test the strength of the fittings by pulling the closures apart. We want to make sure the magnets can't pull each other out of the cavities.  Adjust the design or use glue if the magnets can pull each other out of the closures. ![3d_printing_02-align-opposite-magnets.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/959/medium640/3d_printing_02-align-opposite-magnets.jpg?1481405515) ![3d_printing_03-align-opposite-magnetsB.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/960/medium640/3d_printing_03-align-opposite-magnetsB.jpg?1481405539) ![3d_printing_04-check-tolerances.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/961/medium640/3d_printing_04-check-tolerances.jpg?1481405577) ## Prep shoes   Untie your shoes but leave laces on the last row of holes like shown in picture.  ## Loop laces   Thread laces through each lace hole and then loop the laces into each closure from the bottom of the shoe to the top. Leave a bit of slack so the laces aren’t too tight. Test by putting your shoes on to ensure the magnets can still reach each other.   ## Hide excess laces Once you lace the closures to the top of the shoe we can either shorten the laces or hide the remaining laces by looping it back into the shoe. ![3d_printing_05-untie-laces.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/962/medium640/3d_printing_05-untie-laces.jpg?1481405635) ![3d_printing_06-loop-laces-into-closures.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/963/medium640/3d_printing_06-loop-laces-into-closures.jpg?1481405656) ![3d_printing_07-loop-laces-extra.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/964/medium640/3d_printing_07-loop-laces-extra.jpg?1481405677) ![3d_printing_08-loop-laces-extraB.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/965/medium640/3d_printing_08-loop-laces-extraB.jpg?1481405697) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/966/medium800/3d_printing_09-lace-looped.jpg?1481405903) Now you can adjust any twisted parts of the laces and try them on! We tested the magnet holder extensively through a couple of the Disney parks and never encountered any problems with them detaching. They easily snap together when you put them on and easily come off after a long day of walking around. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/037/968/medium800thumb/3d_printing_lace-loop.jpg?1481418605) And that’s pretty much it! We think this is a great project idea for anyone who’s looking to get into designing for 3D printing. There’s a lot to learn when designing to solve problem. Even if it’s a simple project, it proves really useful because it’s something you can use everyday. ## Featured Products ### High-strength 'rare earth' magnet [High-strength 'rare earth' magnet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/9) Yow! These things are super powerful. .47" diameter and .18" thick discs. Great for use with your SpokePOV Kit. If you have an aluminium frame, use tape/foam sticky tape to attach it. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/9) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/9/guides) ### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types [Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink.  And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new.  That's why we've started carrying a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides) ### Ultimaker 3 - 3D Printer [Ultimaker 3 - 3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3300) The **Ultimaker 3**  is one of our favorite 3D printers on the market. It's a well-built open-source compact machine with an excellent UX. Every inch of the Ultimaker 3 is designed to create the most effortless and reliable 3D printing experience ever!  No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3300) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3300/guides) ### Flashforge Creator PRO [Flashforge Creator PRO](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2742) The **Flashforge Creator Pro** is the latest addition to FlashForge’s Creator family, built upon an open source platform. Based on proven design of the Creator X chassis, the Pro is now enclosed so you can print ABS better and more efficient than ever. The upgraded... 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