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How much do you know about the humble shoelace? Most of us use them every day, but these handy little laces tend to get overlooked.
Here’s everything you need to know about shoelaces.
How long have shoelaces been used?
Shoelaces have played a key role in footwear since pretty much the very beginning. It’s difficult for archeologists to determine exactly how long human beings have been relying on shoelaces for, but examples have been found that date back as far as 3500BC.
What are shoelaces made of?
Traditionally shoelaces were made from leather or cotton. Most modern shoelaces are made of a combination of synthetic fibres.
Are there different types of shoelaces?
There are two key factors to look for in a pair of shoelaces. The first is colour: the general rule with formal shoes is to opt for laces that are the same colour as your shoes, usually black or brown. However, shoelaces are available in a whole rainbow of colours, and some people like the look of a bold statement lace.
The second thing to keep in mind when choosing a pair of shoelaces is length. Formal shoes usually have fewer eyelets than boots or trainers. The few the eyelets, the shorter the laces you’ll need.
How should shoelaces be laced?
There are various different types of lacing to choose from. Formal shoes in the UK are usually laced with straight bar lacing, while some less formal shoes use criss cross lacing.
How should shoelaces be tied?
Most people use a simple bow to tie they shoelaces. Though this isn’t necessarily the most secure of knots, it has the double benefit of looking attractive and not leaving much of the length hanging loose.
Want to know more about the anatomy of your shoes? Here’s our built up history of heels.