ROCHESTER, N.Y., April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh off of its recent appearance on the hit ABC Television show Shark Tank, where the company landed multi-billionaire Mark Cuban as an investor, U-Lace is finding that its Sneaker Customizing Laces are a lot more than just a fashion product for customizing sneakers.

In the four weeks since appearing on the show, U-Lace has shipped thousands of orders, signed deals with major retailers, and hired new staff. Something else has happened, too - the company has received countless letters from moms and dads of autistic children thanking U-Lace for making the lives of their children more livable.

April is Autism Awareness Month, and one of the things U-Lace has learned is that many children with autism struggle to tie their shoes. That often means velcro closures, which can be a catalyst for both teasing and frustration.

The benefit of U-Lace is that the stretchy modular lace transform lace-up sneakers into slip-ons that never need to be tied again, but of particular interest to moms of autistic children; they also look like regular shoelaces when installed.

U-Lace inventor and CEO Tim Talley said, "I created U-Lace as a fashion accessory after a trendspotting trip to Japan. In fact, we were named #1 Hot New Trend Product in Japan soon after we launched the product. Finding out that our little product is having such a huge impact in the lives of autistic children is just as awesome. It really makes me, Mark Cuban and everyone at our company extremely happy that we are helping autistic children to have better lives. We truly embrace that our product has become so much more than just a fashion accessory. We've also received similar letters from wounded warriors, and others with mobility issues, and it warms our hearts."

U-Lace would like to share just a few comments from happy moms of autistic children:

"Thank you so much ... these help my autistic son to wear shoes like everyone else. He loves them!" - Shannon H., Fayetville NC

"My son is 10 and high functioning autistic. Shoe tying has been a huge battle and not something he's been able to conquer. When I saw these laces I knew we had to have them." - Monica B., USA

"Once they outgrow velcro shoes, finding a solution is a parent's nightmare. Thank you for this product!!" - Luz G., USA

"My son is 16 with autism. He can't tie shoes. We try to help our son be independent, but also conscious of how he looks.  Adult velcro shoes are horrible and parents tying shoes is demeaning." - Leigh W., USA

"Where can I find U-Laces? I've read how helpful they are for kids with autism. I NEED to get them for my daughter." - Jeannie L., USA

"My lad is autistic and he loves designing these. He can't tie his shoes so U-Lace is perfect for him." - Claire Y., London UK

Company CEO Talley continued by saying, "U-Lace now seeks ways to partner with the autism community to be an agent of change for the betterment of the lives of autistic children. This is too important for us to just hang back and see what develops, so be on the look out for an aggressive campaign on behalf of U-Lace to reach out and be a part of the autism solution."

About U-Lace:
Named the top trend product in Japan and sold in 50 countries, U-Lace is the world's first and only modular, customizing lacing system for sneakers that looks like real shoelaces. U-Lace gives consumers quick and easy access to the sneaker customization trend. U-Lace targets consumers ages 5 to 35.

U-Laces are elastic shoelace inserts that empower wearers to lace sneakers in multiple colors and patterns. U-Laces pop in and out with ease, which means users can swap out colors and change patterns as often as they wish. Once laced with U-Lace lace-up sneakers instantly become slip-ons. To see sneakers laced live with U-Lace, visit http://bit.ly/NCoDR7

U-Lace gives artistic power to consumers so they can customize their sneakers, hook-up and coordinate with team colors, school colors or fashion colors. U-Lace transforms sneakers into a wearable, one-of-a-kind piece of art, again and again. For more information about U-Lace, visit http://www.U-Lace.com, http://www.facebook.com/u-lace or http://www.twitter.com/U_Lace or http://www.instagram.com/ulacesneakerlaces

Photos:
http://www.prlog.org/12305763

SOURCE U-Lace Sneaker Customizing Laces