Did you ever stop to think about that little piece of plastic at the ends of your shoelaces? Maybe you have while trying to tie your shoes with your shoelaces that don't have those little plastic tips. It's pretty difficult, right?

The laces begin to fray so much where you can barely use them. That little bit of plastic at the end of your shoelace is called an aglet. The inventor of the aglet is unknown. Their use can be traced back to the Roman times so no one really knows who invented the aglet. It's an invention we all use on a daily basis.

Have no fear the aglet is here! The aglet performs two very vital functions. First, when laces begin to fray so much where you can barely use them the aglet prevents the fraying on the ends. This happens sometimes when Aglets are broken or when the aglet has been removed. The second function is to allow the shoelace to pass through the eyelet. This is accomplished by compressing each end of the shoelace into a small stiff end that can easy be inserted into the eyelets also known as the shoelace holes on the shoe. What other way would you lace your shoes?

The word itself comes from the Latin word "needle". The dictionary states that: "Aglet is the ends of a shoelace, a plain or ornamental metal or plastic sheath covering the end of a shoelace or ribbon."

Aglets represent a consumer product that is extremely helpful. Consumer products do not have to be big or expensive. Aglets are extremely underrated for their use They are something that you didn't even realize you needed.

How else can we lace our shoes?

Aglets have been made out of various materials such as metal, tin, stone, and even glass! Many ribbons have had aglets on them. They used to be laced through cloth to keep clothes fastened until buttons were invented.

"If this invention became a superhero it's name would be: Captain Agletto, Defender of Loose Shoes and Stopper of Knots"

If it weren't for the invention of the aglet shoes might never be laced and people could trip and fall and perhaps even die from a traumatic injury. Aglets save lives. Without aglets, people would never be able to run or walk. Everyone would live a very dull life full of health risks. Aglets save lives.