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Velcro

Velcro is a registered trademark and brand name that describes the hook and loop fasteners found on items such as shoes, purses, clothing items and other items. It was invented in 1945 by George de Mestral and has now become a staple in the shoe industry. Velcro can be found on shoes, especially for children and the elderly, who have not yet learned to tie their shoelaces or who find bending or tying laces difficult.

The Velcro straps on shoes work in the same manner as shoelaces in that they close the width of the shoe, enabling the shoe to stay on the foot. Velcro straps can be easily loosened by detaching one side of the strap from the other. The hook side, which is simply a piece of fabric covered with tiny plastic hooks, is usually found on the underside of the strap. The loop side is found attached to the shoe's upper, which consists of smaller, frayed plastic loops. When the two sides are pressed together the hooks attach themselves into the loops keeping the two together. Velcro is a quality, reliable system in the shoe industry and is used on shoes not just for functionality but style as well. Velcro is often used on water shoes and other athletic shoes because they are easy to use and do not come undone unless the Velcro has aged considerably and needs to be replaced or it has been pulled apart by the wearer.