The Small Holes on the Sides of Canvas Shoes Aren't for Lacing! Official Reveals the True Historical Purpose—Many Got It Wrong

Take a canvas shoe out of your closet and look closely at the inner side—you'll likely notice two small metal holes near the arch of the foot. These holes don't have laces running through them and don't quite look like ordinary decorations, leading to a popular online theory: these holes weren't meant for ventilation, but were a special design used by early basketball players to secure the shoe and prevent feet from slipping inside.

However, this theory is only partially correct. While the side holes can indeed be used to thread laces and adjust fit, according to current product information released by brands, their primary function remains air circulation.

What Are the Two Small Holes on Canvas Shoes For?

Take the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star as an example. In its official product description, the brand directly refers to the small holes on the inner side of the shoe as "medial eyelets" and states that their purpose is to enhance airflow. Some shoe model descriptions explicitly mention that the two additional metal holes on the side are designed for ventilation. In other words, these holes are not useless decorations—they genuinely help reduce heat and stuffiness inside the shoe.

While canvas material is lightweight and durable, it doesn't allow large-scale heat dissipation like the mesh or knit uppers commonly found in modern athletic shoes. After walking or exercising for a while, heat and moisture can easily build up inside the shoe. Adding small ventilation holes to the shoe body became a relatively straightforward solution at the time.

Canvas Shoes Were Originally Basketball Shoes Over a Century Ago

Today, canvas shoes are often worn as casual fashion items, but they weren't originally designed for everyday styling. Converse was founded in 1908 and launched its early All Star model in 1917, featuring a canvas upper and rubber sole, primarily targeting basketball players. Player Chuck Taylor later joined the company and provided improvement suggestions regarding flexibility and ankle support, gradually shaping the classic look we recognize today.

In an era without air cushioning, functional mesh, or moisture-wicking linings, basketball players running on the court needed proper ventilation inside their shoes. The two seemingly insignificant holes on the side are a functional design legacy from this athletic background.

Therefore, the so-called "true purpose from a century ago" wasn't a mysterious military function or a secret code, but rather a practical solution to improve wearing comfort in early basketball shoes—allowing better airflow to reduce heat and moisture during intense activity.

Can You Lace Through the Side Holes to Secure Your Feet?

Since the side holes are equipped with metal eyelets and are large enough for standard laces, some people extend the laces from the front eyelets to the side holes and loop them back to the upper. This lacing method creates additional tension on both sides of the shoe, making the canvas shoe fit more snugly and reducing foot movement inside.

This is the origin of the theory that "the side holes were originally meant to secure basketball players' feet." From a practical standpoint, the side holes can indeed be part of alternative lacing techniques. Converse's official website even provides multiple lacing methods, showing that the classic eyelet design offers considerable adjustability.

Not Just for Ventilation, and Not Everyone Needs to Lace Through

The side holes on canvas shoes can serve multiple purposes. When left empty, they assist in ventilation; when wearing the shoes, if the fit feels too loose, threading the laces through the side holes can enhance midfoot support.

However, pulling the laces too tight may compress the arch and block the ventilation openings. People with wide feet or sensitive arches don't need to force lacing through the side holes just to follow a trendy method.

Next time you put on a pair of canvas shoes, take a moment to look at the two small holes on the side. This seemingly redundant design actually preserves the history of canvas shoes evolving from professional basketball courts into everyday life.