A shoelace is a cord or string you thread through the holes in your shoes and tie to keep them snug on your feet. Most shoelaces are made of cotton, nylon, or polyester, often woven flat or rounded into a cylinder. The plastic or metal tips at each end, called aglets, keep the lace from fraying and make it easier to push through the eyelets (those small holes in your shoes).

Learning to tie your shoelaces is a milestone most kids master around age five or six. There are several methods: the classic “bunny ears” technique, the “loop, swoop, and pull” method, or the quick one-handed tie that looks impressive once you've practiced it. A poorly tied shoelace comes undone easily, which can be annoying during gym class or even dangerous if you trip over it while running.

Before shoelaces became common in the early 1900s, people fastened shoes with buttons or buckles. Today's athletic shoes sometimes use alternative fasteners like Velcro straps or elastic laces, but traditional tied shoelaces remain a popular option. When someone's shoelaces are untied, it's considered polite to let them know before they trip.