Solved: Why Do Some Canvas Sneakers Have Two Little Holes on the Side?

Have you ever looked down at your favorite pair of canvas sneakers, perhaps a classic pair of Converse Chuck Taylors, and wondered about their design? Beyond the laces and the rubber toe cap, there’s a feature you've likely seen a thousand times but never questioned: those two small, metal-ringed holes on the side, near the sole. Are they just for decoration? A random brand signature? The truth is, these unassuming eyelets are a brilliant piece of functional design with a history rooted in performance. This post will unravel the mystery behind those two little holes, revealing their dual purpose that combines everyday comfort with a clever, forgotten feature.

The Primary Purpose: A Breath of Fresh Air

The most commonly known and immediately practical reason for these side holes is ventilation. Think about the materials used in a classic canvas sneaker. The thick canvas upper and rubber sole are durable, but they aren’t naturally breathable. When you’re walking around on a warm day or being physically active, your feet heat up and sweat.

These two side eyelets act as exhaust ports. They allow air to circulate inside the shoe, helping to:

• Release trapped heat and moisture.
• Keep your feet cooler and drier.
• Improve overall comfort and hygiene.

Essentially, they are vents designed to prevent your sneakers from becoming a swampy environment. For a shoe that was originally designed for athletes, this was a crucial feature for comfort and performance during long periods of wear.

The Sneakerhead Secret: Advanced Lacing for a Better Fit

While ventilation is a key benefit, it’s only half the story. The original and perhaps more fascinating reason for these holes dates back to the shoe’s athletic origins. The Converse All-Star, the shoe that made this feature famous, was introduced in the 1920s as an elite basketball shoe. For basketball players, a snug, secure fit is non-negotiable to prevent their feet from sliding inside the shoe during quick cuts, jumps, and pivots.

Those two side holes were designed to enable a special lacing technique that creates a tighter, more customized fit. By looping the laces through these eyelets, a player could pull the sides of the shoe in, cinching the canvas upper securely around their foot. This "bar lacing" method provides extra support and stability right where it’s needed most.

How to Use the "Bar Lacing" Technique

Curious to try it yourself? It’s simple and can make a noticeable difference in how your sneakers fit.

1. Start by unlacing the top two or three sets of standard eyelets on your shoe.
2. Take the shoelace from the inside of the shoe and thread it out through the side eyelet closest to the toe.
3. Run the lace across the outside and thread it in through the second side eyelet (the one closer to the heel).
4. Pull the lace back up to the main eyelets and continue lacing your shoes up to the top as you normally would.

When you tighten your laces, you'll feel the sides of the shoe pull snugly against the arch of your foot, locking it in place.

A Legacy in Design

Today, most people wear canvas sneakers for casual style rather than high-performance sport. As a result, the advanced lacing function has been largely forgotten by the general public. However, the feature remains a signature element of the shoe's iconic design. It serves as a visual nod to the sneaker’s athletic heritage, a remnant of a time when every detail was engineered for performance on the basketball court. These two little holes are a perfect example of how functional design can evolve to become a beloved aesthetic trademark.

So, the next time you slip on your favorite pair of canvas kicks, you’ll know that those two little holes are more than just a stylistic quirk. They are a clever, dual-purpose feature designed for both breathability and a superior, locked-in fit. They represent a piece of footwear history that continues to provide comfort and style to millions of people around the world. Why not give the old lacing trick a try and connect with the shoe's original purpose?