Patent attributes
An article of footwear is configured so that a child or other wearer may easily insert his or her foot into the article of footwear without tying laces while maintaining the look of a laced article of footwear. A lateral portion of the eyelet region partially surrounding the vamp is removably attached to the upper, such as with a hook-and-loop system, to allow the width of the vamp to be manipulated. The medial portion of the eyelet region is fixedly attached to the upper so that the rubbing together of the medial sides of the feet to not unintentionally disengage the medial portion from the upper. The lateral portion of the eyelet region rotates on a hinge formed in the eyelet region. Laces are fixedly attached to the eyelet region. A gore strap is optionally provided for more secure wear.