* Protection: The tongue acts as a barrier between your foot and the laces. It prevents the laces from rubbing against your skin and causing discomfort or blisters.
* Comfort: The tongue helps to cushion your foot and provides extra padding. This is especially important for athletic shoes that need to absorb shock and impact.
* Fit: The tongue allows the shoe to be adjusted for a more personalized fit. This is achieved by lacing the shoe up to create a snug fit.
* Flexibility: The tongue allows the shoe to bend and flex with your foot, making it more comfortable to walk and run.
* Ventilation: Some shoe tongues have holes or mesh panels to help improve air circulation and keep your feet cool and dry.
It's important to note that the term "tongue" is a bit of a misnomer, as the piece of material isn't actually connected to the shoe in the same way a tongue is connected to your mouth. It's a separate piece that is sewn onto the shoe.