Laces, a seemingly simple and everyday item, have been an integral part of footwear for thousands of years.
Although we take them for granted today, their evolution is fascinating and reveals a lot about the social needs and trends of different times. Have you ever wondered who invented shoelaces or how they came to be what they are today?
Table of Contents
In this article, we will travel through history to discover how shoelaces came about, who popularized them, and how they have been used throughout the centuries.
Who invented shoelaces?
Shoelaces, also known as shoelaces or shoe laces, have a fascinating history that dates back centuries . The first shoelaces are believed to have been used by the ancient Mesopotamians in 3,000 BC , who used them to tie sandals and keep their feet protected and safe.
Over time, laces became popular in different cultures and regions of the world, becoming an essential element in footwear.
Although the oldest lace-up shoe dates back to 3,500 BC, found in Armenia, laces as we know them today were patented much later.
In 1790, British inventor Harvey Kennedy revolutionized footwear with a simple but ingenious idea: he added small metal tips, known as aglets , to the ends of shoelaces, making them easier to thread and prolong their life. This marked the beginning of the modern shoelace, which quickly became popular and an essential part of footwear.
Historical Evolution
During the Middle Ages, laces were considered a symbol of social status , as only upper-class people could afford shoes with elaborately decorated laces.
Over time, laces became standardized in their design and use, becoming a functional and practical accessory to keep shoes fitted to the foot.
In the 20th century, shoelaces underwent a significant evolution with the introduction of new materials and designs . Different styles of shoelaces emerged, such as waxed, elastic, or brightly colored laces, allowing people to customize their shoes and express their unique style.
Today, laces remain a fundamental element in footwear, both for their practical function of keeping shoes fastened to the foot, and for their ability to add a touch of style and originality to any pair of shoes.
Whether laces for sneakers , dress boots, or casual shoes, shoelaces continue to be a versatile and timeless accessory that has stood the test of time.
When were laces first used in footwear?
Although the oldest example of laced footwear is the Areni-1 shoe, which dates back over 5,500 years , the use of strings and straps to fasten footwear is even older.
The sandals worn by Roman gladiators, for example, also featured leather straps that served a similar function to today's laces. Since the days of early civilizations, people have sought ways to secure their shoes, and laces, in one form or another, have always been the ideal solution.
First patent registered on shoelaces
As we mentioned in the introduction, the first official patent for shoelaces was the work of Harvey Kennedy in 1790, and it was his innovation that consolidated the use of the modern shoelace .
The addition of aglets, those little prongs we now see on all shoelaces, made it much easier and quicker to tie and untie shoes. It also helped prevent the laces from fraying, improving the durability of the shoe. This invention was not only a commercial success, but it forever transformed the way people put on and took off their shoes.
Cords as a military distinction
Throughout history, lanyards have also played an important role in the military field . In many armies, especially in Europe, lanyards have been used as symbols of rank or achievement within the armed forces.
A clear example is the French army of the 19th century, where coloured cords were used as insignia on ceremonial uniforms, indicating ranks or military merits. This tradition was maintained in several countries and, even today, cords remain a decorative symbol on military dress uniforms.
Final conclusion
Despite their simplicity, shoelaces have had a significant impact on daily life throughout history. From humble beginnings in early civilizations to becoming a fashion accessory and military symbol, shoelaces have evolved in ways few could have imagined.
Although there are alternatives today such as Velcro closures or laceless shoes, laces are still an effective and long-lasting solution to keep our shoes in place.
Next time you tie your shoes, remember the whole story behind those little threads.
