Must Everything Be So Difficult?

Simply put, we're overcomplicating things

I’m going to tell you about my shoelaces. It’s not that they’re particularly interesting in and of themselves, it’s that the situation I recently found myself in because of them is emblematic of how simple things have become way too complicated.

I was tying my sneakers when part of one of the laces snapped off. If you haven’t been paying attention, sneakers have evolved to possess such elaborate lacing mechanics that they sometimes come with instructions. There are frequently mysterious folds and flaps and narrow passageways. Sometimes the tongue is involved, sometimes it isn’t. It’s like trying to figure out sex all over again.

Not only that, but my sneakers’ laces have a certain percentage of elastic in them that makes them think they’re better than other laces. (They’re not.)

Given all that, I figured I’d order replacements direct from the company, so I went to their site and clicked on “Accessories.” There I could choose from an array of socks, shoe bags, hats, and headbands. However, this athletic shoe company doesn’t sell shoelaces.