Originally Posted by mattcalifornia

I had laces + velcro on my riding shoes in the 80s and 90s. I don't miss them. I much prefer Boa and buckles because you can adjust them while riding and are easier to get dialed in correctly for me. You also don't need to worry about tucking your laces so they don't get caught on the chainring (happened multiple times). However, I note that hockey players use laces because they say it helps them get the fit better. That might be more of an issue with high-top skates than low top shoes. My rollerblades have boa, and they work great for speed/fitness skating. However, for hockey, you need more lateral dexterity, and virtually all of those skates are laced. On the other hand, hockey players are also guided by tradition and style - and Boa hockey skates don't look as cool as laced skates, so that could just as easily be the explanation. Anyway, to each their own.