The Reason Sneakers Have an Extra Set of Holes (2024)

If you examine your favorite items of clothing closely enough, you may start to ask questions like:Why are shirt buttons on different sides for men and women? (Because, historically, womendidn't dress themselves.) Orwhy do my jeans have a tiny pocket? (To hold yourpocket watch, of course.) Both of the clothing quirks mentioned above are relics of a different time, but if you look at your sneakers, you'll find a commonly-ignored detail that can be useful to your daily life.

Most sneakers have an extra set of holes above the laces that are often left empty. The holes may not line up exactly with the rest of the laces, indicating that they're there to serve a special purpose. For many situations, ignoring this pair of holes is totally fine, but if you're tying up your shoes before a rigorous run or hike, you should take advantage of them.

The video below from the company Illumiseen illustrates how to create a heel lock with these extra holes. Start by taking one lace and poking it through the hole directly above it to create a loop, and then do the same with the lace on the other side. Next, take the ends of both laces and pull them through the opposite loops. Tighten the laces by pulling them downwards rather than up. After creating the heel lock, secure it with a regular bow tie.

What this method does is tighten the opening of your shoe around your ankle, thus preventing your heel from sliding against the back of it as you run. It also stops your toe from banging against the front of your shoe. The heel lock is especially handy for long runs, walks, and other activities that often end with heel blisters and bruised toes. Even if you aren't slipping on your shoes for exercise, lacing up those extra holes can make a loose-fitting sneaker feel more comfortable.

Of course, the trick only works as long as your laces stayed tied—which even the most expertly-tied knot can't guarantee. Here's some of the science behind why your shoes oftenuntie themselves.

The Reason Sneakers Have an Extra Set of Holes (2024)

FAQs

The Reason Sneakers Have an Extra Set of Holes? ›

The heel lock is especially handy for long runs, walks, and other activities that often end with heel blisters and bruised toes. Even if you aren't slipping on your shoes for exercise, lacing up those extra holes can make a loose-fitting sneaker feel more comfortable.

What are the extra loops in shoes for? ›

These extra holes provide a heel-lock, also called a lace lock or a runner's loop. When these shoes are tied effectively, they maintain the heel firmly in place, providing support and mitigating extra rubbing that may cause injuries to the feet.

What causes holes in shoes? ›

Repetitive pressure & rubbing from your big toe or your little toe may cause small holes to appear on the upper of your shoes, what does this mean? Some possibilities include: Choose a shoe with a wider toe box to allow some wiggle room. Try half a size larger shoe.

What is the 2 holes on my shoes? ›

That extra lace hole is the key to employing a heel lock, also called a lace lock or a runner's loop. Tied properly, it holds the heel securely in place, preventing excess rubbing that might cause blisters and providing support.

Are Converse meant to be worn without socks? ›

Many people prefer to wear their Converse with no socks at all, with an increase in breathability and ventilation a factor. They may also feel more comfortable, but there are some negatives to wearing trainers or Converse without socks.

How to recognize fake Converse? ›

Examine the tongue and insole. A real pair of All Star Converse will have "All Star" printed on the tongue and "Converse" on the insole. Authentic Converse shoes will have a serial number on the label on the inside of the tongue and each shoe will bear this number.

What's the difference between Converse and Chucks? ›

Chuck Taylor All-Stars or Converse All Stars (also referred to as "Converse", "Chuck Taylors", "Chucks", "Cons", "All Stars", and "Chucky Ts") are sneakers manufactured by American fashion brand Converse (a subsidiary of Nike, Inc.

What is the loop on the back of sneakers for? ›

Meet the runner's loop! For years runners have wondered, what do you do with that extra eyelet on your shoes? The answer, it's to help keep your running shoes from sliding while you're out having fun!

What are the holes in shoes called? ›

An eyelet is a hole that's meant for threading a cord or lace through. When you lace up your sneakers, you pass the shoelace through eyelets in your shoes. Many eyelets have metal rings that make it easy to put strings or cords through them, while others are simply holes punched in cloth or leather.

Why do shoes have RFID? ›

RFID technology allows for the identification of footwear in order to achieve an overall improvement in the efficiency of production and logistics processes, and ensures the traceability of products.

Why is there an extra hole in sneakers? ›

Also known as a runner's loop, runner's tie or lace lock, a heel lock gives you better stability near the back of your foot. By threading your laces through this eyelet and employing a quick adjustment to your normal sneaker structure, you can create a better connection between your frame and footwear.

Should I use all shoelace holes? ›

The only time Dr. Barnett recommends not using the extra shoelace hole is when a sneaker is already tight-fitting.

What are the holes in sneakers called? ›

An eyelet is a hole that's meant for threading a cord or lace through. When you lace up your sneakers, you pass the shoelace through eyelets in your shoes. Many eyelets have metal rings that make it easy to put strings or cords through them, while others are simply holes punched in cloth or leather.

What is the loop behind sneakers for? ›

Meet the runner's loop! For years runners have wondered, what do you do with that extra eyelet on your shoes? The answer, it's to help keep your running shoes from sliding while you're out having fun!

What are the decorative holes in shoes called? ›

With a unique style that can be easily identified by looking at the surface of the shoe, the first thing to note is that the term 'brogue' refers to the holes punched into the leather. The more holes that are on the shoe, the more brogueing it has.

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