The Original Stretchlace on 'Shark Tank': What is the cost, who is the founder and is it similar to Season 5's U-Lace?
Tying a pair of shoes seems like a simple enough task. But for those developing fine motor skills or who have permanently or temporarily lost the same, even a seemingly simple task like this can prove to be cumbersome. Luckily, there is a quick solution - The Original Stretchlace!
A product that looks exactly like shoelaces, The Original Stretchlace, allows you to turn any shoe into slip-ons. Seeing that they are elastic based, they also help provide the wearer with the right kind of comfort and mobility, making it perfect for athletes or those on the go.
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What is The Original Stretchlace?
The concept of The Original Stretchlace is fairly simple - although it looks like your normal shoelace, these laces are elastic, allowing you to convert any pair of shoes you have into slip-ons, while still looking like a pair of lace-ups. The laces can be used on a wide range of footwear too, from high tops, to formal shoes, combat boots and more.
As per the official website, the product is described as: "Stretch shoelaces that turn every shoe into a slip-on, giving you the freedom to wear whatever shoes you like while elevating comfort, and providing ultimate ease-of-use. We are the only elastic stretch shoelace that looks like classic lace ups and works on all types of shoes and boots. Bounce, stretch, jump, run...our laces are designed to support any and all movement no matter the activity. Make every lace up a slip on, giving you the ultimate freedom and support you need to take on the day."
Who is the founder?
Jamie Montz is the founder of The Original Stretchlace. What sets her product apart is the fact that The Original Stretchlace looks exactly like a shoelace, as opposed to other similar products that mimic laces instead. Montz grew up in Boise, Idaho and Seattle. She later returned to Boise, where she now lives. Montz studied Business Marketing at the University of Idaho and is the first college graduate from her family. As reported by Authority Magazine, Montz has worked for a range of startups and Fortune 50 companies.
She was one of the first third-party sellers on Amazon and later went on the work in the frozen foods and apparel categories. In 2016, she founded The Original Stretchlace, a product that has gained popularity with athletes, kids, the elderly and people from all walks of life. Montz also spoke about how important her customers are to her.
"At The Original Stretchlace we treat our customers like family, and we make ourselves accessible to our customers for anything. We want to build a company that is for profit but ethically. We try to make the most minimal carbon footprint. Instead of using cheaper, plastic packaging we use recyclable cardboard packaging as well as recyclable shipping materials," she explained.
"We are thoughtful on how we create waste and strive to have our Stretchlaces outlast their shoes. In addition, our products give a brighter outlook for customers. They may be a convenience for some, but for others they give them their dignity, independence, and freedom back. It’s important for a stroke victim to be able to put their shoes on by themselves during recovery. I believe our Stretchlaces are doing their job, helping to put a spring back into our customers steps," she added.
What is the cost and where to buy The Original Stretchlace from?
The Original Stretchlace retails for $9.99 onwards. You can purchase them on the official website or on Amazon. The product has reviewed rather positively on Amazon.
'I am disabled as the result of having a stroke. Among the many problems I have now, one of the most difficult problems to adapt to is I can no longer use my right hand. I had a friend tie these one time only for me and I am able to slip them off and on now without difficulty. I usually do not offer up a review because of my stroke. It is too difficult. You wouldn't believe to number of times I have had to hit the "Backspace" to correct my own words. I am enjoying these laces so much however that I had to share this time.' wrote a customer.
'My husband (61) recently had a stroke. He is too young to be so dependent in so many areas of self care. I need to help him with so much, and he is coming along nicely with his rehabilitation. But not being able to completely dress himself was so discouraging.
Then I found out about your stretch laces. What a difference it has made. I laced his sneakers, tied them up once, and I'm done! Now he can easily put on his sneakers himself, and can regain some of his independence. Plus they look and feel like regular laces. So no one will ever know his secret! What a terrific product. They would be helpful for anyone with any fine motor loss or arthritis in their hands. As a Geriatric Care Manager I intend to recommend these to my clients and their families. My only problem is that my husband won't give up his shoes for me to take along to show others (LOL)
Thank you for a great product! Randi Rubin,' added another.
Who will steal the deal?
Mark Cuban might most likely be the shark to steal the deal. Seeing that he previously invested in a very similar product - U Lace, which is elastic shoelace inserts, he is actively aware of how the market functions. Having invested $200,000 for 35% equity in U-Lace, the company reportedly sells $1.5 million worth of product. Although they have a very similar concept, the U-Lace are individual inserts while The Original Stretchlace is an elastic shoelace. While the former doesn't require to be tied into a knot, the latter does. However, The Original Stretchlace can be used with a wider range of footwear. If The Original Stretchlace has the potential to mirror those numbers, Cuban will definitely be ready to take the bait.
‘Shark Tank’ Season 12 Episode 24 returns to ABC after a week's break on May 14, 2021, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Pluto, FloatNGrill and The Original Stretchlace on May 14, 2021, from 8 pm ET to 9 pm ET.
Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. Not just that, you can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
