Why Are Shoes Being Sold with Tongue and Laces?

watwatwat on 08/08/2023 - 16:35
Last edited 08/08/2023 - 19:07

Shoes/sneakers exist that have a constant ring around the ankle so the shoe can be put in without needing to pull back on a tab/tongue thing and do up laces. It makes it easy to put on shoes and take them off without needing to do anything. And now New Balance has a feature on the back of the shoe which is sturdy and means that you can also put the shoe on while you are standing, thus preventing need to reach over and put them on.

For some reason, most shoes in shoe shops seem to have that same old-school tab/tongue (that most shoes have) under the laces that you need to pull back on before you can put the shoes on. And they still have laces that you can do up.

Can anyone explain why anyone would ever want this? Why would you want to do up laces on shoes when you can avoid it? Why would you want to screw around with this moving tab/tongue when it gets in the way of easily putting the shoe on and off?

I don't understand why the industry has not gotten rid of this tongue yet and why people would want this.

I'm sure you can make the shoe more tight around your feet by having a tongue but I also think this could not be required for all people?

EDIT: here is an example:

https://di2ponv0v5otw.cloudfront.net/posts/2022/06/28/62bb6e…

https://runblogger.com/images/2012/04/nike-free-3-0-v4-initi…

https://www.adidas.com.au/ultraboost-1.0-shoes/HQ4201.html

Fashion & Apparel

Comments

  • Xistn on 08/08/2023 - 16:37

    I'm sure Globe make a tongue shoe style from like the early 2000s

    • Scrooge McDuck on 09/08/2023 - 14:51
      +14

      Why do we even need shoes when we can all work from home?

  • SBOB on 08/08/2023 - 16:38
    +65

    Why would you want to do up laces on shoes when you can avoid it?

    We've reached peak random ozbargain post… I'm just unsure if this peak is the top or bottom of the mountain…

    • Xistn on 08/08/2023 - 16:44
      +1

      I feel like they're Bots to be honest.

      • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 18:02
        +7

        I doubt a bot would even go there. Even if hard programmed.

    • Gunnar on 08/08/2023 - 16:48
      +19

      User does have twat in their name

    • cobknob on 10/08/2023 - 01:32

      Zip, Fasten or Fasten, Zip? - Taking a piss the other day and couldn't figure out which 1 I done first.

    • SolitaryMan on 10/08/2023 - 12:26

      Only on OzBargain would you get a post from someone who thinks they’ve solved the problem of shoes that nobody ever even noticed we had.

  • Tech5 on 08/08/2023 - 16:47
    +4

    Why do people wear a baseball cap when it is not sunny? Why do people wear shirts with front pockets that are not used?

    It's the preference for a particular style and associations with it.

    • Mechz on 08/08/2023 - 19:25
      +3

      If all my pockets have things in them how would I be able to get things later on to put in them?

    • AustriaBargain on 09/08/2023 - 09:13
      +3

      AJE journalist Minelle Fernandez likes to wear a blouse with just the pocket flaps on the breasts, no pockets. The flaps constantly flap around when she's on camera I guess it gets windy in Sri Lanka. It's like a vestigial flap from when shirts used to have pockets there or something, like the shirt would look wrong without the flaps even without the pockets. I reckon shoes would look wrong without laces too.

    • DONMAI on 10/08/2023 - 09:31

      Tough questions, please create a new post to discuss in detail.

  • gbinitt on 08/08/2023 - 16:51
    +6

    It's a conspiracy

  • parsimonious one on 08/08/2023 - 16:53
    +24

    i was under the impression the purpose of the tongue and laces was to allow the wearer to loosen the tongue and laces to allow greater space to put the foot in the shoe and then tighten the laces to better secure the shoe around the foot

    a slip on shoe will either be relatively loose (compared with a laced shoe) or rely on some sort of elasticised material which can stretch to allow the foot to enter and the retract to provide some retention, which again will likely not be as tight and secure as laces (which can be adjusted to the wearers preference)

      • bobbified on 08/08/2023 - 17:31
        +6

        but perhaps other people want great tightness

        Oh.. I definitely love the 'great tightness'. Not just in shoes either!

      • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 18:05
        +3

        Yes all feet are definitely same, ergo all shoes fit all people, the same way as they fit you.
        You could start a petition. Get the bandwagon rolling. You could also crowd fund and start a shoe factory.

        • watwatwat on 08/08/2023 - 19:08
          -2

          Yes all feet are definitely same

          Did I say that? No.

          • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 19:20
            +2

            @watwatwat: You came close a few times.
            Including

            "I don't understand why the industry has not gotten rid of this tongue yet and why people would want this."

            • watwatwat on 08/08/2023 - 19:24
              +3

              @Protractor: That is a correct statement. I would like to get opinions from others so I can understand common thoughts about this, and how this could impact where the industry is going.

              I never said I think that people all have the same feet and that they fit the same way as me. Of course everyone has different feet and different preferences.

              If a lot of people prefer the tongue shoe for purposes of specifically a tighter fit, then that is good for me to learn about.

              • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 19:27
                +9

                @watwatwat: Problem solved then>

                "everyone has different feet and different preferences."

                Manufacturers know this.
                Hence variety. The rest is primary school economics.

                • watwatwat on 08/08/2023 - 19:44

                  @Protractor: People have different preferences when buying dishwashing detergent yet 99% of the industry is dishwashing tabs even though it is the same stuff as dishwashing powder (just compacted in to cube form).

                  Is it 50% powder and 50% tabs? No because consumers liked tabs and manufacturers liked higher margins.

                  I am trying to find out about other people's preferences and how this impacts the shoes that are available to me to buy. If you cannot understand that, then cool.

                  • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 19:54

                    @watwatwat: Read the title of your thread again. Add into that some of the broad conclusions you drew based on YOUR own situation.
                    You're moving the goal posts every response.But good luck getting the answer you need so you can move fwd.

  • Gdsamp on 08/08/2023 - 16:56

    I had a pair of Nike Presto Fly that had the tongue integrated into the upper, and the laces threaded into loops that hid under the upper/side sections. Wish these were still made/sold new.

  • Gunnar on 08/08/2023 - 17:05
    +3

    OP you should check out Puma Discs

  • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 17:21
    +9

    When someone can explain the point of the question, I'll explain the pointlessness of it being answered.

    • watwatwat on 08/08/2023 - 17:24
      +1

      I am struggling to buy shoes. I want to buy ones that are easy to put on and off and I'm wondering if I am doing it wrong.

      • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 17:25
        +6

        Doesn't line up with the question

        • smartazz104 on 09/08/2023 - 13:57

          But the truth comes out.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 08/08/2023 - 20:36

        Merrell Jungle Mocs are what you are looking for.

      • DogeConomy on 08/08/2023 - 22:26

        Just try them on at the store the old fashioned way? as the legendary saying goes: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" ;)

      • banana365 on 11/08/2023 - 02:24

        Just buy yourself a pair of Crocs if that is your only criteria. What? You don't like the look of them? They don't give the support you need? They're too cold? They have no grip?

        Everyone has different preferences and needs. I think it's more interesting that this wasn't obvious enough for you that you needed to ask the question.

  • djones145 on 08/08/2023 - 17:28
    +3

    if u lift br0 u would have ankles the size of watermelons.
    the ones with constant rings wont fit

    do u lift br0?

    its a preference thing. i hate it, but thats cause i dont like boots. the ring is too small and u can never get ur feet in and have it tight.

    also back when i ran, and played squash i needed the shoes extra tight, any sliding meant blisters

  • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2023 - 17:35
    +3

    Narrow feet & skinny ankles here so I prefer tab tongue & laces for my sneakers so that I can adjust them to fit properly.

    • dtc on 08/08/2023 - 17:59
      +3

      yes, OP is person who thinks the way they are is the way everyone is and doesnt understand that some people are physically different. My talon footed daughter can barely find lace up shoes that fit her feet, let alone anything that is a generic 'one width fits all'

      • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2023 - 18:22
        +3

        I think it was adidas that first started the elasticised section around the ankle & sans tongue/laces & I avoided them as they looked fugly. I finally tried on a pair of Ultraboost & they looked like hideous clown shoes.

        … talon footed ….

        lol - this reminds me of the lady in accounts at my company that gets pedicures with very long false nails à la Khloe Kardashian manicure & wears open toe shoes year round to show them off …. so gross.

    • witheredcouch on 09/08/2023 - 11:44
      +1

      Agreed. There is also aesthetics, as I find shoes without laces/tongues would look extremely odd. But I have narrow long feet and skinny ankles, and definitely have needed tight laces on any shoe I've ever worn to get it to fit. Just because the OP has a foot/ankle combo that can work without laces or a tongue, doesn't mean everyone can.

  • djones145 on 08/08/2023 - 18:25
    +20

    do u wear jumpers?
    why would u wear jumpers, a zip up is better, u can remove it easier and wear it easier. u can half zip it if its cool wear it or wear it to the max

    why on earth would they continue to make jumpers. a zip up is like 100 times better. are people stupid? or is it just me?

    • Smol Cat on 09/08/2023 - 17:11
      +7

      Haha omg you've hit the essence of this post perfectly. IDK why I wasted my time even reading this. What am I even doing here? What even is the meaning of life as I've wasted my time on these shit posts. What am I?

    • quick-dry on 11/08/2023 - 02:52

      bracing for the cardigan crowd to come in and… would they be indignant? brush the sleeves up to their elbows and look stern?

  • Benoffie on 08/08/2023 - 18:40
    +5

    Im confused. Is the question why haven't we all decended into the circle of hell where slippers and outer wear socks are the norm?

    Oh wait, Birkenstocks and Crocs…. 🤦‍♀️💀

  • squash on 08/08/2023 - 18:50
    +3

    what the (profanity) are you talking about

    • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 19:13

      Who knew tight shoes would result in so much harm.

  • mskeggs on 08/08/2023 - 19:09
    +1

    OP, check out homypeds from the chemist for very practical shoes.
    Also Dunlop Velcro kt26.
    And maybe Soylent, which makes feeding yourself easier, and maybe adult incontinence products to streamline the other end.
    It seems crazy the fashion industry doesn't make a standard range of identical zip up jump suits with inbuilt incontinence pads for maximum convenience.

    I am also interested in any other products you are waiting for.

    • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 19:18

      Thought bubble filter> ^ high on the list

    • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2023 - 19:24

      What happened? You've been so polite and now this …

      I fear that this OzB a/c has been hacked ??

      • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 20:43

        LOL Ozb hacked.
        Looking at some of the recent threads and what is deemed to be 'ok' as far as content goes,

        People would probably hack their way out, first.

    • Mechz on 08/08/2023 - 19:33

      I prefer the New Balance and Nikes with a soft heel because you never get blisters and the inside lining of the heel never wears out.

  • GordonD on 08/08/2023 - 19:17
    -1

    Velcro was invented a long time ago now.

    See Dunlop KT26/KTX.

    And Slazenger SZR.

    That's what I wear because (a) I'm long retired so I don't care what people think any longer, and (b) I have nerve damage in my left hand thanks to that damn covid vaccine which means I have difficulty tying knots in laces.

    • dazweeja on 10/08/2023 - 07:41

      Sneakers peaked at the KT26 and have been going downhill ever since :)
      Although I was rocking some white Aerosports from Kmart when the KT26 was king.

    • GeorgeTropos on 10/08/2023 - 11:59
      -4

      @GordonD
      Yep, hopefully other people also realise that the covid vaccine has caused lots of issues and was not tested enough.

      I hope at least the government has given you compensation for what their mandated covid vacine did to you.

      • GordonD on 10/08/2023 - 13:05
        +1

        Compensation, ha! You were counted as an official case of covid if you tested positive to antibodies, even if you didn't feel sick and had no symptoms, and had only got tested because you had to be. But you were only counted as an official case of an adverse reaction to the vaccine and qualified for compensation if it resulted in hospitalisation or death, and a specialist certified that nothing else could have caused it. Is it surprising that the official statistics prove officially that the vaccine is really really safe because and lots and lots of people had it and almost no-one officially had a serious adverse reaction. I didn't want compensation, I just wanted it on my official medical record that I'd had an adverse reaction to that vaccine so I couldn't be required to be allowed to work or travel to have another dose of it and risk another adverse reaction. But what the specialist put on the official record was that since I'd still been able to walk, ie I didn't get carted off to hospital in an ambulance, I had officially not had an adverse reaction. Officially 173 people had a severe case - ie they were hospitalised because they couldn't breathe unaided - of what I had a mild case of. Officially 173 people had a severe case - ie, they were in ICU requiring assistance to breathe - of what I had a mild case of.

        And, anyway, the paperwork required to get compensation is so onerous its not surprising that most of the applications are on hold demanding more documentation. You're sick enough you're in hospital, doctors walk in and out, but you've got to produce the medical records from all the specialists who saw you that they all think it was definitely caused by the vaccine, not anything else, and why, and what tests they did to prove that. There were nearly 10,000 vaccine related hospital admissions. About 100 people have gotten compensation.

  • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 19:21

    Ballet shoes

    • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2023 - 19:34

      I had many pairs & had to donate them to goodwill as they are awful for your feet despite looking so cute.

      • Protractor on 08/08/2023 - 19:37

        What of the tutus?

        • [Deactivated] on 08/08/2023 - 19:40

          Also donated along with the leotards & tights.

  • randomusername2017 on 08/08/2023 - 20:45

    Prefers slip on shoes to keep hands free for other activities… 👋👋💦

  • p1 ama on 08/08/2023 - 21:15
    +2

    If you're referring to sports shoes, it's because different people have different size ankles and, also because people may wish to vary how tight their shoes are around their ankles.

    If I'm going for a walk, sure, it doesn't matter. For a run, it should be a bit tighter. Anything with lots of lateral movement (e.g. tennis) will need the shoes to be super tight otherwise you'll risk rolling your ankle and seriously injuring yourself (not to mention moving around in your shoes makes movement really difficult).

  • jv on 08/08/2023 - 22:30

    Can anyone explain why anyone would ever want this?

    To wear their shoes.

  • skid on 08/08/2023 - 22:50

    I have the adidas linked in the post and wear it without laces. The laces dig in to the top of my foot.

    • watwatwat on 09/08/2023 - 00:17

      I think I tried these in the past and it felt like my toes were overlapping the sole. And for some reason the sole was moveable instead of being fixed, which was annoying.

      Did you find this?

      • skid on 09/08/2023 - 09:35

        No, the fit is fine and the material is a bit stretchable. The soles are not sliding in my pair.

  • Kongzi on 09/08/2023 - 00:00
    -1

    Because covid

  • EightImmortals on 09/08/2023 - 07:45
    +2

    I guess the shoelace lobby industry is just too big.

  • Nutrino on 09/08/2023 - 07:46
    +1

    How old are you?

  • Duckie2hh on 09/08/2023 - 09:25
    +1

    Whilst we are at it, why are shoes sold with soles? Since they are no longer used to walk with and just sit in a glass case.

  • Waltervp on 09/08/2023 - 09:33
    -1

    It's because people don't like change. If something new and smart comes along the far greater majority rejects it for a decade before adopting it. Not only that, some of these same people will argue against change with vengeance and come up with the most ridiculous reasons (and lies if needed) to keep the old. Some exceptions of course but shoelaces is clearly one.

  • azonki on 09/08/2023 - 09:49
    -2

    It doesn't matter what shoes are sold with.
    If you don't like them, don't buy them.
    Although perhaps a pronoun would make them/they/it better for you?

  • Geoff01 on 09/08/2023 - 10:00
    +4

    I don't think I have once looked down and thought."damn..why have I got laces and a tongue on my shoes…my life needs to change" really to have put this much thought into a shoe style that will never change portrays way to much spare time or lack of any real interest.

  • [Deactivated] on 09/08/2023 - 10:10
    +2

    Tell us you can't tie shoelaces without telling us you can't tie shoelaces.

  • jpl on 09/08/2023 - 11:07

    There are a few purposes for those pull tabs.

    1. Like everyone else and you said, to help pull
    2. In certain extreme running conditions like soft sand and soft mud running, the shoe will often get sucked in. A longer lace can be used to loop around those tabs to secure and thus have less chance of the shoe from coming out.
    3. Sometimes longer laces are annoying, the tabs are used as a tie point for the long laces to wrap around.
    4. To prevent padded tongue shifting left or right when tying with longer laces.
    5. To be used a loop so that the shoes can be hooked to the backpack.
    6. For aesthetic purposes, often to have distinct colours or patterns. At times, logos are also being placed there.
  • pharkurnell on 09/08/2023 - 11:28
    +1

    While we are at it, why wear shoes at all? or sox.. or clothes..

  • tmcn85 on 09/08/2023 - 11:31
    +1

    The shoelace industrial complex, duh.

  • Herbse on 09/08/2023 - 13:28

    Isn't it a premium feel thing?

    Like everything we buy. Most shoes are probably made by the same large manufacturer that handles all the brands. The brands then advertise different shoes with laces for one price then make slip on ones for more expensive, even though the manufacturing cost is probably the same, if not cheaper.

    It's all marketing and business to make people feel like their buying into the more premium product.

  • smartazz104 on 09/08/2023 - 13:58
    +1

    I bet OP wears socks with thongs too.

  • lunchbox99 on 09/08/2023 - 16:37
    +3

    Why would anyone want slip on shoes? I just spray my bare feet with bitumen.

  • terrys on 09/08/2023 - 18:28
    +1

    Sheeples, you have been fooled. It's a sign of the End Times and you have been blinded.

    Open your eyes!!!

    https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Shoe_Event_Horizon

  • Antikythera on 09/08/2023 - 22:48

    1 - to tie laces together and throw over power lines.
    2 - so they can be tight enough that they don't fly off whilst kicking the footy.
    3 - so "big shoelace" can sell more.
    4 - to prank your little brother by tying his laces together.

  • rave75 on 10/08/2023 - 00:13

    Laces to lock down your feet, tongue to prevent said laces to eat onto your feet.

  • cobknob on 10/08/2023 - 01:34

    I use zubit magnetic locking - fuk doing laces up everytime

  • Kiro on 10/08/2023 - 09:32

    I use to own puma discs back in the day. They were ok but couldn't hold the for in as secure as places

  • CrabLord on 10/08/2023 - 10:53
    +1

    Time to crack out the double velco straps

  • charkwayteo on 10/08/2023 - 11:50
    +1

    Life must be good if this warrants enough worry to make a thread about.

  • Naigrabzo on 10/08/2023 - 16:20

    I cracked open a soda and sat down in the afternoon near my sunny window to read this one. :)

  • derrida derider on 10/08/2023 - 19:17

    Some of us have really odd shaped feet. Mine are very wide at the forefoot and pretty narrow near the ankle. Elastic sided or topped shoes/boots will slip right out if they're big enough to fit my forefoot. So lace ups it has to be.

    This has been another deep and profound answer to to one of the great mysteries of the universe.

  • fredk1000 on 11/08/2023 - 00:22

    Op needs buckles for his shoes.

  • Sinnerator on 11/08/2023 - 08:49

    these may not work for ALL types of feet, just like some people cannot get their feet into some boots that don't have laces
    these will stretch over time and become loose, laces you can always tighten

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