Shoes are not only a necessity for walking, but also an extension of personal style and taste. And hidden in this small upper is a detail that cannot be ignored – the shoelace holes. So, what are eyelets on shoes? Today, let this article unveil its charm from multiple dimensions.

What are eyelets?

Eyelets are those little holes in a shoe that you can lace through. They are neatly arranged on both sides of the shoe to help you thread the laces through and tighten the shoe so your foot doesn’t fall out. The holes are designed with both functionality in mind as well as fashion and aesthetics.

Choosing the material of the eyelets

The eyelets need to be made of durable material to withstand daily wear and tear and walking. Many good shoes use metal, strong plastic or special alloys to make the eyelets, so they are less likely to break and last longer.

Different Types of Shoelace Eyelets

Over time, shoelace eyelets have acquired various types, each unique and tailored to the shoe’s function, style, and the wearer’s needs. The following are their types.

Standard round holes

• This is the most common type, usually round or oval holes arranged evenly on the upper.
• Evenly distributed on both sides of the shoe, providing a channel for the shoelaces to pass through, thereby fixing the shoe.
• The design of the round hole is simple and practical, easy to pass the shoelaces through, and will not cause too much pressure on the foot.
• Applicable to all kinds of casual shoes, sports shoes and formal shoes, it is the standard configuration of most shoes.

D-shaped ring

• D-shaped ring is not a “shoelace hole” in the traditional sense, but a metal or plastic ring fixed to the upper, and its shape is similar to the English letter “D”.
• It is usually used in conjunction with the shoelace system as part of the shoelace passing or fixing to increase the beauty and functionality of the shoe.
• D-shaped rings are commonly found in certain styles of shoes, such as work boots, outdoor shoes or hiking shoes, adding a tough and practical atmosphere to the shoes.
• Its materials are diverse, including zinc alloy, iron, etc., and are polished, electroplated and other surface treatments to improve its durability and beauty.

Hook and loop

• A small metal or plastic part that is fixed to the upper of the shoe to facilitate the tying of shoelaces.
• They are usually located on the top or side of the shoe as a fixed point for lacing.
• The design of the hook and loop makes lacing easier and faster without having to tie the laces all the way to the top of the shoe.
• This design is common in outdoor sports shoes, hiking shoes or some shoes that need to quickly adjust the tightness.

Webbing holes

• Made of materials with high strength, wear resistance, tensile strength, etc., such as nylon, polyester, etc.
• With unique weaving texture or pattern, it is both practical and beautiful.
• Provides good support and durability, suitable for a variety of footwear designs.

Summary

Next time you tie your shoelaces, pay more attention to these small holes. Although they are small, they play a very important role in daily life. Through this article, do you know what are eyelets on shoes? The last thing to note is that although the shoelace holes are not easy to get dirty, you still need to clean them regularly to keep them clean and unobstructed.