A shoelace hole, also known as an EYELET or ilet, is a small hole in the side of a shoe that is used to thread a shoelace through. Eyelets are typically made of metal or plastic and are usually reinforced with a grommet or washer to prevent the lace from tearing through the material. Ilets are similar to eyelets but are usually made of fabric and are not reinforced. Both eyelets and ilets are essential components of a shoe, allowing the wearer to adjust the fit of the shoe and secure it to their foot.