The Surprising Reason Your Sneakers Have That Extra Hole

The extra shoelace hole at the very top of most running shoes and sneakers is not a mistake or a style choice. It is designed for a lacing technique called a heel lock (or a "runner's loop"), which holds your heel firmly in the back of the shoe and can help reduce slipping and the blisters that come with it.

If you look closely at almost any pair of sneakers in your closet, you will probably spot it near your ankle. It is easy to ignore, or to assume it is just for people with unusually shaped feet. Threading the lace straight through it usually leaves the laces too short to tie a proper bow, which makes it easy to give up on.

Why Do Sneakers Have an Extra Hole at the Top?

The extra hole exists to anchor a heel lock. When you buy a pair of sneakers, the factory lacing usually stops right below that top hole. This is fine for casual walking. But when you are running, hiking, or playing sports, your foot naturally wants to slide forward and backward inside the shoe.

That sliding causes friction, and friction can cause painful blisters on your heel. It also means your toes can get jammed into the front of the shoe, which can lead to bruised toenails (yikes).

The extra eyelet is positioned further back toward your ankle bone. Used correctly, it creates a tight loop that acts like a seatbelt for your foot, pulling your heel into the back of the shoe and limiting how much it can slide.

How Do You Tie a Heel Lock?

You do not just thread the lace through the hole like normal. Here is how to tie a proper heel lock:

1. Lace Normally: Lace your shoes up normally until you reach the second-to-last hole on both sides.
2. Create the Loops: Take the left shoelace and run it straight up on the outside of the shoe, feeding it into the top extra hole on the same side. Leave a small loop sticking out. Do the exact same thing on the right side. You should now have two little "bunny ears" loops on the outsides of your shoe.
3. Cross and Thread: Now, take the very end of your left shoelace, cross it over the tongue of your shoe, and thread it through the loop you created on the right side. Take the right shoelace, cross it over, and thread it through the left loop.
4. Pull Down and Tighten: This is the most important part! Instead of pulling the laces straight up to tighten them, pull them down and backwards towards your heel. You will immediately feel the loops tighten around your ankle, pulling the heel cup of the shoe snugly against your foot.
5. Tie as Normal: Once it is locked in tight, just tie your normal bow!

It sounds a bit complicated when written out, but after the first time it takes about two seconds.

Is a Heel Lock Worth Using?

For running, hiking, or sports, it is worth trying. A heel lock can make your shoes feel closer to custom molded and may help prevent heel blisters caused by slipping. If blisters or toenail pain keep coming back even with a snug fit, the shoe size or shape may be the real issue, and a running store or foot specialist can help. Either way, next time you put on your sneakers, stop ignoring that extra hole and give your heels the support they deserve!