SHOE SECURING STRAPS

Abstract

The present invention extends to removable shoe securing straps. A strap includes one or more portions of hook material on an end and/or on a side of the strap. The strap also includes one or more portions of loop material on another end and/or on another side of the strap. The strap can be inserted through eyelets on both sides of a shoe. The one or more hook portions can then be placed in contact with (e.g., folded over onto) the one or more loop portions to hold the strap in position. Thus, the strap secures the shoe onto the human foot. When secure, a human wearer is essentially prevented from “walking out” of the shoe. Accordingly, a human wearer can secure shoes to their feet in a more efficient manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/328,130, entitled “Shoe Securing Straps”, filed Apr. 27, 2016, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/259,585, entitled “Shoe Securing Straps”, filed Nov. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Shoes typically have a plurality of shoestring holes (sometimes referred to as eyelets) allowing a shoestring to be interlaced through them. Tying tightly or loosening a shoestring is convenient for wearing or taking off shoes respectively. However, a tied shoestring can become lose over time based on forces applied to the shoe (e.g., rapid foot movement) and/or because the shoestrings were inadequately tied. Even when special care is given to tightly tie a shoestring, the shoestring can be become untied. Untied shoestrings are unsightly, can present a tripping hazard to the wearer, and may allow a shoe to become separate from the wearer's foot. Longer shoestrings may pose a tripping hazard even when securely tied.

Some shoes may include a strap or other covering mechanism that covers some or all of a shoestring. The strap or other cover holds the shoestring in place so even if the shoestring becomes untied, tripping hazard is at least somewhat mitigated.

Additionally, some people, for example, due to age (to young or to old) and/or medical conditions (e.g., arthritis), may lack the manual dexterity to adequately tie shoestrings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specific features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A depicts an example strap and aglet.

FIG. 1B depicts the aglet attached to the strap.

FIG. 2A depicts another example strap and aglets.

FIG. 2B depicts the aglets attached to the strap.

FIG. 3A depicts a set of example components that can be used to assemble a shoe securing strap.

FIG. 3B depicts a shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts a set of example components that can be used to assemble a shoe securing strap.

FIG. 4B depicts a shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A depicts a set of example components that can be used to assemble a shoe securing strap.

FIG. 5B depicts a shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A depicts a set of example components that can be used to assemble a shoe securing strap.

FIG. 6B depicts a shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict an example of securing a shoe with shoe securing straps.

FIG. 8A depicts a set of example components that can be used to assemble a shoe securing strap.

FIG. 8B depicts a shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A depicts a set of example components that can be used to assemble a shoe securing strap.

FIG. 9B depicts a shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 9A.

FIGS. 10A-10F depict an example of securing a show with shoe securing straps.

FIG. 11 depicts a removable shoe securing strap with a compressed end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention extends to shoe securing straps. In general, a removable securing strap is used to secure a shoe to a human foot. The strap includes one or more portions of hook material on an end and/or on a side of the strap. The strap also includes one or more portions of loop material on another end and/or on another side of the strap. The strap can be inserted through eyelets on both sides of a shoe. The one or more hook portions can then be placed in contact with (e.g., folded over onto) the one or more loop portions to hold the strap in position. Thus, the strap secures the shoe onto the human foot. When secure, a human wearer is essentially prevented from “walking out” of the shoe. Accordingly, a human wearer can secure shoes to their feet in a more efficient manner. Human wearers with reduced manual dexterity and/or that are incapable of tying shoe strings (e.g., children, the elderly, persons with medical conditions, etc.) are also provided an alternative for securing their shoes.

In this description and in the following claims, “hook and loop” is defined as a first component (hook) and a second component (loop) (e.g., two lineal fabric strips, two round “dots”, two squares, etc.,) which are attached (sewn, adhered, electronically welded, etc.) to opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component, a “hook side”, includes tiny hooks. The second component, a “loop side” includes (potentially even smaller) “hairy” loops. When the first component and second component are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops to (temporarily) fasten or bind the opposing surfaces together during the time the first and second components are pressed together. The first and second components (and thus the opposing surfaces) can be separated by pulling or peeling the two components apart. When the surfaces are separated, a “ripping” sound may be produced. Hook and loop can be made from a variety of different materials, including but not limited to nylon, polyester, Teflon, glass, etc. Examples of hook and look fastening technologies include Velcro, Texacro, other slidably engaging fasteners, Xolok™, etc.

In this description and the following claims, an “aesthetic” is defined as a treatment (e.g., fashion and/or artistic treatment) placed on part of a removeable shoe securing strap. An aesthetic can be construed into or separately attached to a component of a removable shoe securing strap. In one aspect, an aesthetic includes a separate piece of material (e.g., fabric) that is attached to part of a removeable shoe securing strap. An aesthetic can include any of: text, images, textures, digital displays (e.g., flexible OLEDs, LEDs, etc.), illumination (e.g., fiber optics, glowing materials, etc.), reflective material, stickers, fur, other fashion treatments, other artistic treatments, etc. Some aesthetics can also provide utilitarian aspects. For example, displays, illumination, and reflective material may provide some safety benefit at night.

FIG. 1A depicts an example strap 101 (a removable shoe securing strap) and aglet 102. FIG. 1B depicts aglet 102 attached to strap 101. Sides 101A and 101B can be two sides of strap 101.

Side 101A of strap 101 can optionally include an aesthetic at one end and loop at the other end nearer aglet 102. Side 101B of strap 101 can include hook at one end and loop at the other end nearer aglet 102. Strap 101 can be inserted in a first eyelet on a first side of a shoe, pulled across the tongue of the shoe, and inserted through a corresponding second eyelet on a second other side of the shoe. Strap 101 can be pulled through such that portion 111 remains over the tongue of the shoe. The optional aesthetic and hook can be outside the first eyelet. The loop and aglet can be outside of the second eyelet.

In this position, side 101A of strap 101 can be facing towards the sole of the shoe (e.g., down) and side 101B of strap 101 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Thus, the optional aesthetic and loop on side 101A are facing towards the sole of the shoe (down). On the other hand, the hook on side 101B is facing away from the shoe (up).

After insertion into a shoe, strap 101 can be used to secure the shoe to a human foot. The end of strap 101 with aglet 102 can be folded over the top of the second eyelet back towards the first eyelet. Folding in this manner, the loop on side 101A is transitioned to both resting on top of portion 111 and facing away from the shoe (up). In combination, the other end of strap 101 (with the hook and optional aesthetic) can be folded over the top of the first eyelet back towards the second eyelet. Folding in this manner, the hook is transitioned to resting on top of the loop and facing towards the sole of the shoe (down). The hook coming into contact with the loop can secure the shoe to a human foot. Folding in this manner, the optional aesthetic is also transitioned to facing away from the shoe (up) and is visible.

FIG. 2A depicts an example strap 201 (a removable shoe securing strap) and aglets 202 configured to be passed through adjacent eyelets on each side of a shoe. FIG. 2B depicts aglets 202 attached to strap 201. Sides 201A and 201B can be two sides of strap 201.

Side 201A of strap 201 can optionally include an aesthetic at one end and loop at the other end nearer aglet 202. Side 201B of strap 201 can include hook at the end opposite aglets 202. Strap 201 can be inserted in a first pair of eyelets on a first side of a shoe, pulled across the tongue of the shoe, and inserted through a corresponding second pair of eyelets on a second other side of the shoe. Strap 201 can be pulled through such that portions 211A and 211B remains over the tongue of the shoe. The optional aesthetic and hook can be outside the first pair of eyelets. The loop and aglets can be outside of the second pair of eyelets.

In this position, side 201A of strap 201 can be facing towards the sole of the shoe (e.g., down) and side 201B of strap 201 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Thus, the optional aesthetic and loop on side 201A are facing towards the sole of the shoe (down). On the other hand, the hook on side 201B is facing away from the shoe (up).

After insertion into a shoe, strap 201 can be used to secure the shoe to a human foot. The end of strap 201 with aglets 202 can be folded over the top of the second pair of eyelets back towards the first pair of eyelets. Folding in this manner, the loop on side 201A is transitioned to both resting on top of portions 211A and 211B and facing away from the shoe (up). In combination, the other end of strap 201 (with the hook and optional aesthetic) can be folded over the top of the first eyelet back towards the second eyelet. Folding in this manner, the hook is transitioned to resting on top of the loop and facing towards the sole of the shoe (down). The hook coming into contact with the loop can secure the shoe to a human foot. Folding in this manner, the optional aesthetic is also transitioned to facing away from the shoe (up) and is visible.

FIG. 3A depicts a set of example components that can be used to construct a removable shoe securing strap. As depicted in FIG. 3A, body 301 incudes loop 306 (e.g., Velcro loop) and heel 307. FIG. 3A also depicts aglet 302, panel 303 (with optional aesthetic, for example, a design, logo, text, picture, display, LED, reflector, etc.), and hook 304 (e.g., Velcro hook). FIG. 3B depicts a removable shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 3A. As depicted in FIG. 3B, panel 303 is attached to side 301A of body 301 and hook 304 is attached to side 301B of body 301. Aglets 302 are attached at the end of body 301 near loop 306.

The removable shoe strap depicted in FIG. 3B can be used similar to strap 101 to secure a shoe to a human foot. Hook 304 can be hooked to loop 306 on side 301A. In this configuration, panel 303 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Thus, any optionally included aesthetic can be visible to both the wearer of the shoe and other people.

FIG. 4A depicts a set of example components that can be used to construct a removeable shoe securing strap. As depicted in FIG. 4A, body 401 is made of elastic 408. Body 401 includes loop 406 (e.g., Velcro loop) and heel 407. FIG. 4A also depicts aglets 402, panel 403 (with optional aesthetic, for example, a design, logo, text, picture, display, LED, reflector, etc.), and hook 404 (e.g., Velcro hook). FIG. 4B depicts a removable shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 4A. As depicted in FIG. 4B, panel 403 is attached to side 401A of body 401 and hook 404 is attached to side 401B of body 401. Aglets 402 are attached at the end of body 401 near loop 406.

The removable shoe securing strap depicted in FIG. 4B can be used similar to strap 201 to secure a shoe to a human foot. Hook 404 can be hooked to loop 406 on side 401A. In this configuration, panel 403 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Thus, any optionally included aesthetic can be visible to both the wearer of the shoe and other people.

FIG. 5A depicts another set of example components that can be used to construct a removeable shoe securing strap. As depicted in FIG. 5A, a strap can include elastic 508, loop 506 (e.g., Velcro loop) with heel 507, aglet 502, panel 503 (with optional aesthetic, for example, a design, logo, text, picture, display, LED, reflector, etc.), and hook 504 (e.g., Velcro hook). FIG. 5B depicts a removable shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 5A. As depicted in FIG. 5B, panel 503 and loop 506 are attached to side 501A of elastic 508. Hook 504 and loop 506 are attached to side 501B of elastic 508. Aglet 502 is attached to the end of loop 506.

The removable shoe securing strap depicted in FIG. 5B can be used similar to strap 101 to secure a shoe to a human foot. Hook 504 can be hooked to loop 506 on side 501A. In this configuration, panel 503 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Any optionally included aesthetic can be visible to both the wearer of the shoe and other people.

FIG. 6A depicts another set of example components that can be used to construct a removable shoe securing strap. As depicted in FIG. 6A, a strap can include elastic 608, loop 606A and 606 B (e.g., Velcro loop) with heel 607, aglets 602, panel 603 (with optional aesthetic, for example, a design, logo, text, picture, display, LED, reflector, etc.), and hook 604 (e.g., Velcro hook). FIG. 6B illustrates a removable shoe securing strap assembled from the components in FIG. 6A. As depicted in FIG. 6B, panel 603 is attached to side 601A elastic 608 and hook 404 is attached to side 601B of elastic 608. Loop 606A and 606B are attached to side 601A of elastic 608. Aglets 602 are attached to the ends of loop 606A and 606 B.

The assembled removable shoe securing strap depicted in FIG. 6B can be used similar to strap 201 to secure a shoe to a human foot. Hook 604 can be hooked to loop 606A and 606B on side 601A. In this configuration, panel 603 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Thus, any optionally included aesthetic can be visible to both the wearer of the shoe and other people.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict an example of securing shoe 711 with removable shoe securing straps. In FIG. 7A, two removable shoe securing straps have already been inserted into eyelets of and secured to shoe 711 As such, aesthetics 703A and 703B visible. Additionally, strap 702 is inserted through eyelets 712A. In FIG. 7B, strap 702 is also inserted through eyelets 712B. Ends of strap 702 are folded back towards eyelets 712A (and crisscrossed) causing loop 706A to be exposed. Strap 701 is also inserted through eyelet 722A.

Turning to FIG. 7C, hook 704A is secured to loop 706A. In this configuration aesthetic 703C is visible. Strap 701 is also inserted through eyelets 722A and 722B. Strap 701 includes hook 704B and loop 706B. In FIG. 7D, hook 704B is secured to loop 706B. In this configuration aesthetic 704B is visible.

One or more of or different subsets of aesthetics 703A, 703B, 703C, and 704D can be the same as one another and/or can differ from one another. Aesthetics 703A, 703B, 703C, and 704D can be configurable such that the wearer of shoe 711 can select and configure different combinations of aesthetics. Aesthetics 703A, 703B, 703C, and 704D can also be removable and interchangeable so that a wearer of shoe 711 can change, replace, modify, re-configure, etc., aesthetics 703A, 703B, 703C, and 704D as desired. Aesthetics 703A, 703B, 703C, and 704D are optional. As such, a wearer may choose not to include an aesthetic on one or more of the removable shoe secure straps used to secure shoe 711.

In other aspects, a removable shoe securing strap similar to strap 201 or 702 can span three or more eyelets. The removable shoe securing strap can include components for insertion into each of the three or more eyelets. Alternately, the removable shoe securing strap can include components for insertion into some but not all of the three or more eyelets, leaving one or more eyelets unused (but covered). For example, a removable shoe securing strap can span three eyelets but include components for insertion into two of the three eyelets (e.g., leaving a middle eyelet unused).

FIG. 8A depicts a set of example components that can be used to construct a removable shoe securing strap. As depicted in FIG. 8A, a removable shoe securing strap can include t-aglet (which may also be referred to as a “toggle aglet”) 802, panel 803 (including optional aesthetic, for example, a design, logo, text, picture, display, LED, reflector, etc.), hook 804 (e.g., Velcro hook), and loop 806 (e.g., Velcro loop). Panel 803 is also optional. In one aspect, loop 806 is stretchable or elastic loop (having stretching properties similar to a separate elastic component). Panel 803 and hook 804 can be on opposite sides of the same strap component. FIG. 8B depicts a removable shoe securing strap 811 assembled from the components in FIG. 8A. As depicted in FIG. 8B, panel 803 is attached to side 801A and hook 804 is attached to side 801B. T-aglet 802 is attached at the end of removable shoe securing strap 811. In operation, hook 804 is folded over on top of loop 806. In this configuration, any optionally included aesthetic on panel 803 faces away from the shoe and is externally visible.

T-aglet 802 can have multiple positions. A first position for t-aglet 802 is in alignment with removable shoe securing strap 811. A second position for t-aglet 802 is transverse to removable shoe securing strap 811. In the first position, t-aglet 802 can be threaded through an eyelet of a shoe. Once threaded, the t-aglet 802 can be toggled to the second position to maintain removable shoe securing strap 811 in place in the eyelet. The other end of removable shoe securing strap 811 can be threaded through an opposing eyelet of the shoe. Alternately, in the first position, t-aglet 802 can be threaded through an eyelet and a corresponding opposing eyelet. Once threaded through both eyelets, the t-aglet 802 can be toggled to the second position to maintain removable shoe securing strap 811 in place. In either arrangement, hook 804 can then be folded over on loop 806.

Accordingly, removable shoe securing strap 811 is secured to the shoe and in turn secures the shoe to a human foot. In this configuration, panel 803 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Thus, any optionally included aesthetic can be visible to both the wearer of the shoe and other people.

FIG. 9A illustrates a set of example components that can be used to construct a removable shoe securing strap. FIG. 9A depicts t-aglets (which may also be referred to as “toggle aglets”) 902, panel 903 (including optional aesthetic, for example, a design, logo, text, picture, display, LED, reflector, etc.), hook 904 (e.g., Velcro hook), and loop 906 (e.g., Velcro loop). Panel 903 is also optional. In one aspect, loop 906 is stretchable or elastic loop (having stretching properties similar to a separate elastic component). Panel 903 and hook 904 can be on opposite sides of the same strap component. FIG. 9B illustrates a removable shoe securing strap 911 assembled from the components in FIG. 9A. As depicted in FIG. 9B, panel 903 is attached to side 901A and hook 904 is attached to side 901B. T-aglets 902 are attached at the end of the shoe securing strap. In operation, hook 904 is folded over on top of loop 906. In this configuration, any optional included aesthetic on panel 903 faces away from the shoe and is externally visible.

Each of t-aglets 902 can have multiple positions. A first position for each of t-aglets 902 is in alignment with removable shoe securing strap 911. A second position for each of t-aglets 902 is transverse to removable shoe securing strap 911. In the first position, t-aglets can be threaded through adjacent eyelets and corresponding opposing adjacent eyelets. Once threaded through the eyelets, each of t-aglets 902 can be toggled to the second position to maintain removable show securing strap 911 in place. Hook 904 can then be folded over on loop 906. Accordingly, removable shoe securing strap 911 is secured to the shoe and. in turn secures the shoe to a human foot. In this configuration, panel 903 can be facing away from the shoe (e.g., up). Thus, any optionally included aesthetic can be visible to both the wearer of the shoe and other people.

FIGS. 10A-10F illustrates example removable shoe securing straps 1011 and 1021 relative to shoe 1001. As depicted in FIG. 10A, removable shoe securing strap 1011 includes hook 1012 (e.g., Velco hook), loop 1013 (e.g., Velcro loop), t-aglets (which may also be referred to as “toggle aglets”) 1014, and aesthetic 1016 (e.g., a design, logo, text, picture, display, LED, reflector, etc.). Similarly, removable shoe securing strap 1021 includes hook 1022 (e.g., Velco hook), loop 1023 (e.g., Velcro loop), t-aglet (which may also be referred to as a “toggle aglet”) 1024, and aesthetic 1026 (e.g., a design, logo, text, picture, LED, reflector, etc.). Shoe 1001 includes eyelets 1002A, 1002B, 1003A, 1003B, 1004A, and 1004B, along with additional eyelets and other show components. In FIG. 10A, t-aglets 1014 and 1024 are transverse (closer to perpendicular) to removable shoe straps 1011 and 1021 respectively.

Turning to FIG. 10B, t-aglets 1014 and t-aglet 1024 are manipulated to be more closely aligned (with (i.e., closer to parallel with the length of) removable shoe securing straps 1011 and 1021 respectively. When more closely aligned with removable shoe securing strap 1011, t-aglets 1014 can more easily be inserted into eyelets 1002A and 1003A. Similarly, when more closely aligned with removable shoe securing strap 1021, t-aglet 1024 can more easily be inserted into eyelet 1004A. Turning to FIG. 10C, t-aglets 1014 are inserted through eyelets 1002A and 1003A respectively. Similarly, t-aglet 1024 is inserted through eyelet 1004A. Turning to FIG. 10D, hook 1013 is pulled through eyelets 1002A and 1002B until t-aglets 1014 are near eyelets 1002A and 1003B. Similarly, hook 1023 is pulled through eyelet 1004A until t-aglet 1024 is near eyelet 1004B.

Turning to FIG. 10E, t-aglets 1014 are inserted into eyelets 1002B and 1003B back through towards the inside of shoe 1001. After being pulled through eyelets 1002B and 1003B, t-aglets 1014 are manipulated to be transverse (closer to perpendicular) to removable shoe securing strap 1011. In the more transverse configuration, t-aglets 1014 are much less likely to pass back through either of eyelets 1002B and 1003B. As such, t-aglets 1014 essentially secure removable shoe securing strap 1011 to shoe 1001 at eyelets 1002B and 1003B. T-aglets 1014 are also covered such that they are not visible.

Similarly, t-aglet 1024 is inserted into eyelet 1004B back through towards the inside of shoe 1001. After being pulled through eyelet 1004B, t-aglet 1024 is manipulated to be transverse (closer to perpendicular) to strap 1021. In the more transverse configuration, t-aglet 1024 is much less likely to pass back through eyelet 1004B. As such, t-aglet 1024 essentially secures removable show securing strap 1021 to shoe 1001 at eyelet 1004B. T-aglet 1024 is also covered such that it is not visible.

Turning to FIG. 10F, hook 1012 is folded over onto loop 1013. In this configuration, aesthetic 1016 faces away from shoe 1001 and is more readily visible to a wearer of shoe 1001 as well as other people. Removable shoe securing strap 1011 is secured by t-aglets 1014 at eyelets 1002B and 1003B. Removable shoe securing strap 1011 is secured at eyelets 1002A and 1002B by hook 1012 be held together with loop 1013. Hook 1022 is folded over onto loop 1023. In this configuration, aesthetic 1026 faces away from shoe 1001 and is more readily visible to a wearer of shoe 1001 as well as other people. Removable shoe securing strap 1021 is secured by t-aglet 1024 at eyelet 1004B. Removable shoe securing strap 1021 is secured at eyelet 1004A by hook 1022 be held together with loop 1023.

In other aspects, a removable shoe securing strap similar to strap 1101 can span three or more eyelets. The removable shoe securing strap can include components for insertion into each of the three or more eyelets. Alternately, the removable shoe securing strap can include components for insertion into some but not all of three or more eyelets, leaving one or more eyelets unused (but covered). For example, a removable shoe securing strap can span three eyelets but include components for insertion into two of the three eyelets (e.g., leaving a middle eyelet unused).

FIG. 11 depicts a removable shoe securing strap 1101 with a compressed end 1103. The depicted side of removable shoe securing strap 1101 incudes elastic loop 1102 (hook may be included on the other side or on other components of removable shoe securing strap 1101). Compressed end 1103 can be formed during construction of removable shoe securing strap 1101. Compressed end 1103 can be folded or compressed and molded into the general shape of a t-aglet. Thus, compressed end 1103 can be used as an alternative to t-aglets.

As described, aspects of the invention can be implemented using hook and loop. In general, hook and loop can work by joining two panels of material, one panel with a surface of fairly rigid plastic hooks, and another panel with a surface of thinner wispy loops of plastic that the hooks cling to when the panels are pressed up against each other. When the panels are pressed together, the hook and loop holds in place fairly firmly, until the panels are pealed back from one another. This allows for quick and secure fastening and release.

One of advantages of hook and loop over other fastening technologies is the ease of fastening and removal. To fasten, a hook panel surface is pressed against the loop panel surface. To remove it, one simply pulls back on the surfaces to “rip” them apart. Not only does this mean fastening and removal of hook and loop is faster than that of buttons, zippers, or snaps, it can also be refastened more easily during use. As such hook and loop is easier for children, elderly, those with medical conditions (e.g., arthritis), etc. to use. Further, the bonding strength of hook and loop does not decline much from repeated use.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A removable shoe securing strap for securing a shoe to a human foot, comprising:

a component for removable insertion into a first eyelet and then into a corresponding second eyelet of a shoe, the first and second eyelets being on either side of the tongue of the shoe;

loop attached to a portion of the removable shoe securing strap; and

hook attached to another portion of the removable shoe securing strap; and

wherein the removable shoe securing strap is reconfigurable after removable insertion into the first and second eyelets to place the hook and loop in contact with one another to secure the removable securing strap to the shoe.

2. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, wherein the hook is generally on one end of the strap and the loop is generally on another different end of the strap.

3. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, wherein the hook is generally on one side of the strap and the loop is generally on another different side of the strap.

4. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, wherein the removable shoe securing strap being reconfigurable to place the hook and loop in contact with one another comprises the removable shoe securing strap being reconfigurable to fold the component folded back over the second eyelet towards the first eyelet.

5. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, wherein the removable shoe securing strap being reconfigurable to place the hook and loop in contact with one another comprises the removable shoe securing strap being reconfigurable to fold the component folded back over the first eyelet towards the second eyelet.

6. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, further comprising an aesthetic included in the component.

7. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 6, wherein the aesthetic comprises one or more of: text, an image, a texture, a digital display illumination, a reflective material, a sticker, or fur.

8. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 6, wherein the aesthetic is constructed into the component.

9. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 6, wherein the aesthetic is a separate component attached to the component.

10. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, wherein an end of the component includes a t-aglet.

11. The removable show securing strap of claim 10, wherein t-aglet is re-configurable between being essentially parallel to the component and being essentially perpendicular to the component.

12. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, wherein a molded end of the component is molded into the general form of a t-aglet.

13. The removable show securing strap of claim 12, wherein the molded end is re-configurable between being essentially parallel to the component and being essentially perpendicular to the component.

14. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, further comprising:

a second component for removable insertion into a third eyelet and then into a corresponding fourth eyelet of a shoe, the third and fourth eyelets being on either side of the tongue of the shoe, the third eyelet being on the same side of the shoe as the first eyelet, the fourth eyelet being on the same side of the shoe as the second eyelet;

additional loop attached to a portion of the removable shoe securing strap; and

additional hook attached to another portion of the removable shoe securing strap; and

wherein the removable shoe securing strap is reconfigurable after removable insertion into the third and fourth eyelets to place the additional hook and additional loop in contact with one another to secure the removable securing strap to the shoe.

15. The removable shoe securing strap of claim 1, wherein the component and the second component are configured for insertion into adjacent eyelets of the shoe.

16. A removable securing strap for securing a shoe to a human foot, comprising:

loop attached to one side of the securing strap;

hook attached to another side of the securing strap;

the hook generally on one end of the strap and the loop generally on another end of the strap; and

wherein the securing strap is configured for insertion into a first eyelet and a corresponding second eyelet, the first and second eyelets being on either side of the tongue of the shoe, the one side of the securing strap facing towards the sole of the shoe after insertion, the other side of the securing strap facing away from the shoe after insertion;

wherein the securing strap is further configured such that the loop is folded back over the second eyelet towards the first eyelet, folding the loop back transitioning the loop to face away from the shoe; and

wherein the securing strap is further configured such that the hook is folded back over the first eyelet towards the second eyelet, folding the hook back transitioning hook to attach to the loop and secure the strap in place, folding the hook back also transitioning the aesthetic to face away from the shoe and become visible.

17. The removable securing strap of claim 16, further comprising an aesthetic selected from among: text, an image, a texture, a digital display illumination, a reflective material, a sticker, or fur.

18. A securing strap for securing a shoe to a human foot, comprising:

a hook and loop attached to a side of the securing strap; and

one of: a toggle aglet or molded end, the toggle aglet or molded end rotatable between a first position essentially in alignment with the securing strap and a second position that is essentially transverse to the securing strap such that the toggle aglet or molded end can be threaded through one or more eyelets of a shoe in the first position and the toggle aglet or molded end then rotated to the second position to maintain the securing strap threaded through the one or more eyelets;

wherein the hook is generally on one end of the strap and the loop is generally on another end of the strap;

wherein the securing strap is further configured such that the hook is folded back over the first eyelet towards the second eyelet, folding the hook back transitioning the hook to attach to the loop and secure the strap in place, folding the hook back also transitioning the aesthetic to face away from the shoe and become visible.

19. The removable securing strap of claim 18, further comprising an aesthetic attached to the other side of the securing strap.

20. The removable securing strap of claim 19, wherein the aesthetic selected from among: text, an image, a texture, a digital display illumination, a reflective material, a sticker, or fur.