Shoelaces
They typically consist of a pair of strings or cords, one for each shoe, finished off at both ends with stiff sections, known as aglets.
Each shoelace typically passes through a series of holes, eyelets, loops or hooks on either side of the shoe.
Traditional shoelaces were made of leather, cotton, jute, hemp, or other materials used in the manufacture of rope.
On the other hand, smooth synthetic shoelaces generally have a less rough appearance, suffer less wear from friction, and are less susceptible to rotting from moisture.
The stiff section at each end of the shoelace, which both keeps the twine from unraveling and also makes it easier to hold the lace and feed it through the eyelets, is called an aglet, also spelled aiglet.
Leather shoelaces with a square cross-section, which are very common on boat shoes, are notoriously prone to coming undone.
Cotton laces have a rough surface and will make a more reliable knot compared to polyester (the most common yarn used in shoelaces).
Finishing processes are available, including waxing and silicone treatments, which enhance friction and stop knot slippage.
[5] These are all variations of the same concept of looping the top part of the knot twice instead of once, which results in a finished bow of almost identical appearance but with the laces wrapped twice around the middle.
This double-wrap holds the shoelaces more securely tied while still allowing them to be untied with a (slightly firmer) pull on the loose end(s).
[6] This is the process of running the shoelaces through the holes, eyelets, loops, or hooks to hold together the sides of the shoe with many common lacing methods.
Archaeological records of footwear are rare because shoes were generally made of materials that deteriorated readily.
The more complex shoes worn by Ötzi the Iceman, who lived around 3300 BC, were bound with "shoelaces" made of lime bark string.
Most forms of the upper-class Roman calceus were bound with wide straps fitted into hooks or eyelets down the front and then knotted decoratively.
As for shoelaces in the sense that we know them in modern times, the Museum of London has documented examples of medieval footwear dating from as far back as the 12th century, which clearly show the lacing passing through a series of hooks or eyelets down the front or side of the shoe and being tied in a knot rather than hanging loose.
These are worn on the section of shoelace closest to the toes, in other words the last lace, so that the image or writing on the tag is visible (as can be seen at right).
