shoelacing

Shoelacing is the method of threading a shoelace through eyelets, hooks, or other fasteners to secure footwear on the foot. It allows the user to adjust snugness and distribute pressure across the top of the foot while keeping the shoe in place during activity.

A shoelace consists of a flexible core covered with fibers; ends are finished with aglets to ease threading. Laces vary in material (cotton, nylon, polyester), width (flat or round), and length, which depends on the number of eyelets and the desired pattern. Eyelets, grommets, and hook hardware provide entry points and tension.

The most common pattern is criss-cross lacing, where the lace crosses over the tongue in alternating directions. Straight lacing (bar lacing) presents horizontal bars across the shoe and is popular for dress shoes. Other patterns address function or aesthetics, such as heel-lock techniques to reduce heel slip in athletic or work shoes. The chosen pattern can affect comfort, fit, and ease of tying.

Maintenance includes keeping laces clean and dry, replacing worn laces or aglets, and tying knots securely to prevent loosening during use. Some people replace standard laces with elastic laces or speed laces for convenience.

Laces have been used for centuries; the advent of machine-made laces in the 19th century expanded availability and patterns. Today shoelacing remains a basic, functional skill across many types of footwear and is also a site for customization and style.