The Hidden Purpose of Those Two Tiny Holes on Your Sneakers
The clever money-saving hack retailers hope you never discover — and how to use it to slash the cost of your next purchase.
You know that extra lace hole sitting at the very top of your sneakers? The one you ignore because it looks like a design flourish? It actually earns its keep. Use it right and your shoes fit better, your heel stops sliding, and those mystery blisters stop showing up after a long walk or run.
What that top hole is really for
That tiny bonus eyelet is designed for a specific lacing trick called the 'heel lock' (also known as the 'runner's loop'). The point is simple: lock your heel down so it does not ride up and down inside the shoe. Less movement means more comfort and fewer problems like blisters, hot spots, and friction-related aches.
How to tie a proper heel lock
- Lace your shoes normally up to the second-to-last holes. Leave the very top extras unused for now.
- On one side, take the lace that just came out of the second-to-last hole and feed it into the extra top hole on the same side, going from the outside in. Do not pull it all the way through; leave a small loop sitting on the outside of the shoe.
- Repeat that on the other side so you have two small exterior loops at the top.
- Now cross the laces: take each free end (the part heading toward the tongue) and thread it through the loop on the opposite side.
- Pull both lace ends to cinch those loops down. You will feel the heel counter hug your heel more securely.
- Finish with your usual bow. Done.
The small tradeoff
This lock makes taking your shoes off a touch slower. If heel slip rarely bugs you, stick with standard lacing day to day and bring out the heel lock for long walks, races, or any workout where a secure fit matters. Mild inconvenience, big upgrade.