Shoelaces

The laces, braid, laces, Schuhnestel, Schuhbanderl or shoelaces ( Switzerland, Baden- Württemberg, Vorarlberg, Franconia ) or shoelaces ( Austria ) are bands or cords that are used to close shoes with laces to their hold on the foot to ensure.

Word origin

The word " lace " is " cut " a noun form of the verb ( " to make fall " ) and originally referred to an anchor ( OHG " Senkil " = anchor). From then derived the importance of Lot ( plumb ), with which one could draw a " vertical " line.

This is the expression " in the lace set", meant as " accomplish something ", "on the right way to bring ", " get in shape ( in balance) ," most likely to understand.

The term originated on the laces going through clothes fashions, for example, Belt with dangling cords and tassels sided. At the end of a metal piece also laces was previously often attached, such as for example the solder. The laces were and are still partially provided with additional ( drooping predominantly at high lace-up boots ) jewelry.

( See, eg, even the phrase " go to someone on the laces or runner". )

Historical

When the first laces came up, you do not know exactly. The found in the Alps ice mummy "Ötzi" was already wearing shoes with a kind of laces (leather strap ) were locked.

With bands closed shoes are already common in the Middle Ages. The above Lace and lace-up boots made ​​in turning technology and thus turning shoes were either sealed with strips of leather or fabric, the so-called Nestelband. Alternatively, they were closed by Knöpfriemen or buckles. The Nestelband that you also laces called even then, was also used as an ornament or for closing the clothes.

Types and materials

Laces especially after appearance ( flat laces and round laces ), production method ( woven, plaited or knitted) and material (cotton, synthetic fibers or blends, rare leather bands) distinguished. In addition, there are other distinguishing features, such as the type of coloration, presence of a Lüstrage (so-called " waxed laces " ) and whether it is fine or coarse grandchildren. Very large, often colorful laces of hip- hop fashion are called Fat Laces.

The "needle" called lace ends are either a "pen" welded together ( only for synthetic fiber grandchildren possible), with a plastic film ( " needles " or " pins " ) umsiegelt or provided with a metal cap made of lace plate. Local dialect the metal end of a shoelace is called " Pink ". This prevents fraying and ensures trouble- threading. There are also the so-called Senkelbehang ( tassels, pompons ) for decoration. As a plastic film previously often washed off celluloid films of old films were used. Latter day the needles are ultrasonically welded by Tipping Machines.

Binding modes

Laces have by the way and order in which they are threaded through the eyelets, impact on the overall appearance of the shoe. A rough distinction in Parallelschnürung ( for elegant shoes, model type Oxford), criss cross ( athletic shoes, model type Derby) or Kombinationsschnürungen. The common node to which the laces ends are knotted together, is the shoe loop or stitch. Correct shoes are about the reef knot, the surgeon's knot or tied fast to the fetter nodes. Almost half of the people makes a mistake, however, Indian node that is identified by the oblique or vertical loops. Often the Indian node is linked with another overhand knot or below the shoe tongue ( tab ) set to prevent opening. Many young people tie their shoelaces also for reasons of fashion below the tongue, because the loop is not seen. Also teenagers often stuck to tie the laces without them sideways in the shoe into it to allow the use of the shoe as a slipper. Some cyclists tie the knot on the outside of the shoe, so that the loops out of the chain. The Ashley Book of knots leads also in this example from # 2033 to # 2039 different binding modes before.

Length of the shoelace

The time required for a particular pair of shoes length of the laces is primarily dependent on the number of lacing - hole pairs, but can also vary ( Breitschnürung, Engschnürung, using hooks instead of eyelets, etc.). One clue is the following table:

As a rule of thumb for the length laces is true in about: 10 * individual holes - 10

Colors of laces

The lace color contributes greatly to the overall appearance of the shoe. In classic leather oxfords lace the color is kept slightly darker than the leather color. Black leather shoes have black laces. Deviations from these general rules are found in stressed fashionable leather shoes. Sports and hiking shoes allow other lace colors.

The colors of laces is in some social groups (eg, punks or skinheads ) partially attributed to a political significance, however, can be interpreted differently from region to region. A well-known example is the wearing of white laces in Doc Martens or steel cap boots: Depending on the interpretation of this combination should be an expression of a racist attitude or sign of the unity of blacks and whites.

Alternatives

To avoid tying the laces or simplify, there are various solutions.

• Twisted Laces ( " Spyrolaces ", " NO- TIE LACES " or " Spiralschnürbänder " ) from the United States were designed to help people who have difficulty in the lacing to help: Pulling on both ends is sufficient to the lacing to change to tighten.
• Elastic laces. In addition to these twisted laces as simple elastic laces can be used. After tying off the shoes can then be easily tightened to the shoehorn, without tying the laces again. Another possibility is the use of cord stoppers with which the laces are simply drawn. So that eliminates tedious for some stooping Bind on putting on the shoes.
• Velcro fastener
• Buckles ( technically: buckles ) to Sandal, ski boot
• Click buckles
• Zippers on the shoe tongue, laced left and right; often is used in fire-fighting, police and military boots to accelerate the tightening of the boots and facilitate