I’ve read several comments recently, both here and at other sites, about the clip-on Nike Running Shoe Wallet becoming loose and falling off of people’s shoes while running. There’s a simple solution which doesn’t require any modification of the Shoe Wallet or shoe, and guarantees that the wallet stays in place.

A couple of months ago I tested and reviewed the Nike Running Shoe Wallet as a way to attach the Nike+iPod sensor to a non-Nike+ shoe. I found it to be a reasonably-priced solution for people who didn’t want to modify their shoes. Before writing that article, I only ran a few times with the wallet on my shoe and it remained tight and secure. Since then, I’ve returned to running with the sensor velcroed to my shoe, but have continued to use the shoe wallet for my keys.

It is true that over time the plastic clip on the Nike Shoe Wallet can stretch open and become loose, causing it to “ride up” as you run, with the potential of eventually falling off. The small plastic tab at the end of the clip is supposed to help grab the shoelace and prevent this from happening, but it doesn’t seem to work all that well. I never noticed any of this, however, because when I started using the Shoe Wallet regularly, I also started tying my laces over the flap before closing it. Why did I do this? Well, I didn’t entirely trust the plastic clip not to break while on a run, and losing my keys is not an option ($50 for a replacement set at my building). Tying my shoe this way kept me blissfully ignorant of the problems other people were having.

So without further adieu, I give you the “Podophile Nike Wallet Shoe Tie Method.” Feel free to follow along at home:

And that’s all there is to it.

Lastly, if you’re using the Nike Running Shoe Wallet as a pouch for your Nike+iPod sensor, don’t forget that in order to get accurate results the the sensor needs to be orange-side up, and it mustn’t be able to move around at all. This means stuffing the pouch with tissue or paper towels to prevent the sensor from moving once inside.

Anyone else have issues or ideas to share regarding this product? Post ‘em here.

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