It looked promising until I tried it out with the thick original laces. You were right about the bottom knot. It was too noticeable through the leather and rather uncomfortable. Tried it again with thinner laces and the results were about the same. I just couldn't get pass that bottom knot. Maybe if the leather was thicker I could deal with it but my Pennines are already very soft. Overall, the Lock laces still were less of a hassle for me.