Shoelaces, also called shoestrings (USEnglish)or bootlaces (UK English), are a system commonly used tosecureshoes, boots and other footwear.They typically consist of apair ofstrings or cords, one for each shoe, finished off at bothends withstiff sections, known as aglets. Each shoelace typicallypassesthrough a series of holes, eyelets, loops or hooks on eitherside ofthe shoe. Loosening the lacing allows the shoe to open wideenoughfor the foot to be inserted or removed. Tightening thelacing andtying off the ends secures the foot within theshoe.