Velcro sneakers are sports shoes with velcro straps instead of laces, designed for sports but popular as casual footwear. Invented in 1941, Velcro gained widespread acceptance in 1978 when international patents expired. Velcro slippers were popular in the mid-1980s and are still popular with seniors. When purchasing Velcro shoes, check the quality of materials and the method used to secure the Velcro.
Velcro sneakers are canvas shoes that use velcro straps instead of laces. The sneakers are sports shoes with a rubber sole and soft upper material. They are designed to be worn while participating in a sporting activity, but have become very popular as casual footwear.
Invented in 1941 by George de Mestral, Velcro is designed to allow two materials to connect firmly yet come undone easily. He was inspired by deburring his dog’s coat after a walk outside. Velcro has a myriad of applications, but there were challenges in manufacturing the product that held back its success.
Velcro did not gain widespread acceptance in the consumer market until 1978, when international patents obtained in the 1950s expired. Manufactures in Asia produced a wide range of Velcro products at lower cost and were able to encourage its use in industrial and commercial products. This change, combined with improvements in the manufacturing process, hastened the application of Velcro as a reusable fastener.
Velcro slippers were very popular in the mid-1980s among consumers young and old for the ease and security of closure. The trend began to fade in the early 1990s, with hook-and-loop slippers aimed at preschoolers and older adults.
The invention of Velcro slippers came at a time when increasing numbers of women with young children were returning to the full-time workforce. Childcare became more acceptable and widely available. Velcro slippers were a wonderful way to top the stage when kids lack the manual dexterity to tie their own shoelaces.
Seniors are also a key consumer of Velcro slippers. Rubber-soled shoes provide a firm footing, and Velcro allows the shoe to be secured firmly without the difficulty of bending over to find and tie the laces. Since they don’t come undone, there’s no risk of tripping over a shoelace, reducing the risk of falls.
When purchasing Velcro shoes, check the method used to secure the Velcro to the shoe. It must be sewn into the shoe itself. Glue is a faster method, but it soon breaks down over time, since it’s not designed to withstand the pull necessary to secure the shoe. Research the quality of the materials used in general footwear. The sidewalls need to be quite firm, as lacing is not available to provide additional support for the foot.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
