Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: Have you ever bought a new pair of sneakers and noticed two extra holes near the top of the laces? If you’ve always wondered why they’re there, you’re not alone.
Those holes are often left unused, making them look like a strange design detail. But they actually have a practical purpose. The extra holes can help create a more secure fit around your ankle, especially during activities such as running, hiking, walking, or playing sports.
They’re commonly used to create what is known as a heel lock, runner’s loop, or lace lock.
Here’s how they work, why shoe manufacturers include them, and when you should actually use them.
What Are the Extra Holes on Shoes For?
The extra holes near the top of many athletic shoes are designed to provide an additional lacing option.
Instead of simply tying your shoes through the regular eyelets, you can use the final holes to create a tighter loop around your heel and ankle.
This technique helps reduce unwanted movement inside the shoe.
The result can be a more secure feeling, particularly when you’re moving quickly or going downhill.
What Is a Heel Lock?
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: A heel lock is a lacing technique that uses the extra eyelets near the top of the shoe.
It creates additional tension around the ankle area without necessarily making the entire shoe tighter.
This can help keep your heel from sliding upward inside the shoe.
Heel movement may be especially noticeable when:
- Running
- Hiking
- Walking downhill
- Playing sports
- Climbing stairs
- Exercising
- Wearing shoes that feel slightly loose around the heel
The technique is simple, but it can make a noticeable difference in how a shoe feels.
How to Use the Extra Shoe Holes
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: You don’t need special equipment to use the extra holes.
Try this simple lacing method.
Step 1: Lace Your Shoes Normally
Start by threading the laces through the regular eyelets as you normally would.
Continue until you reach the second-to-last pair of holes.
Step 2: Leave the Top Holes Open
Instead of crossing the laces through the final holes normally, use the extra holes to create small loops.
Thread each lace straight up into the top hole on the same side.
Don’t pull the laces completely tight yet.
Step 3: Create Two Small Loops
You should now have a small loop of lace on each side of the shoe.
These loops are sometimes called runner’s loops.
Step 4: Cross the Laces
Take the left lace and pass it through the loop on the right side.
Take the right lace and pass it through the loop on the left side.
Step 5: Tighten Carefully
Pull the laces backward and slightly upward to tighten the loops around your heel.
Avoid pulling so tightly that you create pressure or numbness.
Step 6: Tie Your Shoes Normally
Once the heel feels secure, tie the laces using your preferred knot.
Your heel should feel comfortably held in place without your foot feeling squeezed.
Why Does the Heel Lock Work?
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: The heel lock changes how tension is distributed across the upper part of the shoe.
When the laces are tightened through the extra holes, they create additional tension around the ankle area.
This can help reduce the amount of vertical movement between your heel and the shoe.
In simple terms, the shoe is better secured around your foot.
This doesn’t mean the technique will solve every fit problem. If a shoe is significantly too large or too small, different lacing cannot completely compensate for the wrong size.
Can Extra Holes Prevent Blisters?
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: They may help in some situations, but they aren’t a guaranteed solution.
Heel movement can contribute to friction, and excessive friction may contribute to blisters.
By reducing heel movement, a heel-lock lacing technique may reduce friction for some people.
However, blisters can also be caused by:
- Poorly fitting shoes
- Moisture
- Socks
- Long periods of activity
- Foot shape
- Friction from seams
Choosing properly fitting footwear remains the most important step.
Why Don’t Shoe Companies Explain the Extra Holes?
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: The extra eyelets are fairly self-explanatory to experienced runners and athletes, but many casual shoe buyers don’t know how to use them.
Manufacturers often include the additional holes because they provide flexibility in fit.
Not everyone needs them.
For everyday walking, the standard lacing pattern may be perfectly comfortable. The extra holes simply give you another option when you need more heel security.
Do All Shoes Have Extra Holes?
No.
Extra eyelets are especially common on:
- Running shoes
- Walking shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Training shoes
- Basketball shoes
- Tennis shoes
- Other athletic footwear
Dress shoes and casual shoes may not have them because their designs and intended uses are different.
Are the Extra Holes Only for Runners?
Not at all.
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: Although runners frequently use heel-lock lacing, the technique can be helpful for many types of activities.
Hiking
A secure heel can be particularly useful while walking downhill, where your foot may move forward inside the shoe.
Walking
People who experience heel slipping during long walks may find the technique useful.
Gym Workouts
Extra ankle support can make shoes feel more secure during certain exercises.
Sports
Quick changes in direction can cause the foot to move inside a loosely fitted shoe. A heel lock may help provide a more secure fit.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Them?
Usually, nothing.
If your shoes feel comfortable and your heel isn’t slipping, there’s no requirement to use the extra holes.
They are simply an additional fitting option.
Think of them as a feature that gives you more control over the way your shoes fit.
Should You Always Use the Extra Holes?
No.
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: A heel-lock lacing pattern is most useful when you need additional security.
If you use it unnecessarily and tighten the laces too much, you could create uncomfortable pressure around your ankle or the top of your foot.
The goal isn’t to make your shoes as tight as possible.
The goal is to make them secure but comfortable.
Extra Holes vs. Regular Lacing
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: The difference is simple.
Regular lacing:
- Provides a comfortable everyday fit
- Allows normal foot movement
- Works well for many casual activities
Heel-lock lacing:
- Adds security around the heel
- Can reduce heel slipping
- May be useful for running and hiking
- Can help when descending slopes
- Requires careful tension adjustment
Neither method is automatically better. The best option depends on your foot, your shoes, and what you’re doing.
A Common Shoe Mistake: Tightening Everything
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: One common mistake is tightening the entire shoe to stop heel movement.
This can create excessive pressure over the top of the foot.
Using the extra eyelets can be a better approach because it allows you to increase security around the heel while keeping the rest of the shoe relatively comfortable.
However, if you experience pain, numbness, tingling, or persistent discomfort, loosen the laces and reassess the shoe fit.
When Should You Try a Heel Lock?
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: Consider trying the extra-hole lacing method if:
- Your heel slips while walking
- Your heel moves during running
- Your toes hit the front of the shoe when going downhill
- Your shoes feel slightly loose around the ankle
- You want a more secure fit during sports
- You experience friction from excessive heel movement
If your shoes already feel secure and comfortable, you may not need it.
The Extra Holes Are a Small Detail With a Big Purpose
Why Do Shoes Have Extra Holes: Shoes contain many design features that aren’t immediately obvious.
The extra holes near the top of your sneakers are a great example. They may look decorative, but they can provide a useful way to customize the fit.
By creating a heel lock, you can increase security around your heel without necessarily tightening the entire shoe.
It’s a simple trick that can be especially useful for runners, hikers, athletes, and anyone who experiences heel slipping.
FAQs
Why do shoes have two extra holes?
The extra holes near the top of many athletic shoes allow you to create a heel-lock lacing pattern. This can help secure the heel and reduce movement inside the shoe.
What are the extra holes on shoes called?
They are generally called extra eyelets. They’re commonly used for a technique known as a runner’s loop or heel lock.
Should I use the extra holes on my running shoes?
If your heel slips or you want a more secure fit, they can be useful. If your shoes already fit comfortably, you don’t necessarily need to use them.
Can extra shoe holes help prevent blisters?
They may reduce friction caused by excessive heel movement, but they cannot guarantee blister prevention. Proper shoe fit, socks, and moisture management are also important.
Are extra shoe holes useful for hiking?
Yes. A heel lock can help reduce foot movement inside hiking shoes, particularly when walking downhill.
Can I use extra holes on everyday shoes?
Yes, if the shoes are designed with those eyelets. However, you don’t need to use them unless you want additional heel security.
Conclusion
So, why do shoes have extra holes?
Those small eyelets near the top of many sneakers aren’t just decorative. They’re designed to give you another way to adjust the fit of your shoes.
By using them to create a heel lock, you can help reduce heel slipping and create a more secure fit during running, hiking, walking, and other activities.
The next time you buy a pair of sneakers, don’t ignore those extra holes. They could be one of the most useful features hiding in plain sight.
And if you enjoy discovering the hidden reasons behind everyday designs, check out Why Do Jeans Have a Tiny Pocket? and Why Do Hotels Put a Chocolate on Your Pillow? for more interesting everyday mysteries.
Author
Hitasha is a lifestyle and trends writer at Trendyopedia, covering interesting everyday facts, fashion, beauty, wellness, travel, and modern lifestyle topics. Her goal is to make ordinary things more interesting by explaining the stories, facts, and ideas behind them.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical, footwear, or other expert advice. If you experience persistent foot pain, discomfort, numbness, or injury, consult a qualified healthcare professional.