They serve several purposes. In addition to preventing the fibers of shoelaces and cords from fraying or unraveling, aglets make it easier to thread laces through the tiny eyelets in shoes. Aglets also help you to hold and grip shoelaces to tie your shoes. Today, most aglets on shoelaces are hard plastic.

Why was the aglet invented?

The aglet, which is typically plastic, was invented in 1790 by Harvey Kennedy. The aglet protects the end of the shoe lace from fraying and makes the process of tying and threading the lace through the eyelet easier. ... We don't realize it, but shoe laces are a small, important item in our lives.

Why do we still use laces?

Goldstein said shoelaces have also improved over the years to be sturdier, easier to lace, and look more stylish. And a study published in the Journal of Sports Science found shoelaces can even help prevent injuries in runners, when compared to a shoe that uses an elastic fastener.