Have you ever wondered when lacing up a new pair of sneakers why the manufacturer added an extra eyelet near the outside of the instep? Or maybe you have a life and you haven’t wondered.
Whether you have or haven’t, a viral YouTube video from Illumiseen — a maker of LED-based safety products geared to runners, hikers, walkers, and cyclists who run, hike, walk, and/or cycle after dark — explains the purpose of the elusive hole.
According to text accompanying the video, the hole is there as a “heel lock” or “lace lock” that creates extra friction between the laces at your ankle and can be used by runners to eliminate blisters.
