All shoes should be velcro, rather than tie-up.

This is also one of my first debates, so I accept that the finer rules of debating will not be strictly adhered to. However, may I point out that since I am the instigator, and am arguing that a change in the status quo is required, I am thus required to prove my case sufficiently, otherwise the opposition will win by default. This means that Con does not need to raise any new points (although they may if they choose to), but they are required to rebut my premises (supporting statements to the argument). If they do not specifically state they disagree with the statements, the statements will stand unchallenged and should weigh in my favor. This being said, I'll give Con another round to refute any of the premises stated in round 1 if he wishes to, but if he does not refute them in round 2, I will not accept a round 3 rebuttal to a round 1 statement. I agree that knot tying is a very useful skill in many situations. However, I argue that the type of knot used in shoe lace tying is not very useful in many other situations, and I challenge Con to provide proof that the knot learned in shoe tying can be very useful in many other situations. Since Con made this statement, it is his burden to offer proof and or a strong argument to show that it is true. {If I were to state that I have a hot tub in my backyard filled with wrestling naked supermodels and 50 gallons of KY jelly (none of which are true, sadly) it is my obligation to provide evidence or strong arguments supporting this claim, and a statement showing relevance to this debate. Otherwise, Con would be able to very easily dispute this statement.} :) Con states that laces are tighter than velcro. I do not disagree with this statement. However, this debate is not about which of the two can be tightened more, and nor should it be. I'm sure a wire cable could be tightened past the point of cutting off circulation, and indeed would rip through the eyes of the shoe, which is an undesirable result when fastening shoes. Con states that "the little strip overshoots the end of the strip on the shoe" and explains this will result in the shoe not being tight enough. But he contradicts this statement by stating this problem is solved by "put[ting] it as tight as it possibly goes". The disadvantage to this being it "looks kind of crazy". I argue that laces cause a similar, if not worse predicament. The tighter the laces are on a shoe, the more extra lace you have when tying them. In order to tie shoes, this extra lace results in large loops, which can be a safety hazard, unless they are tucked in in some crazy looking manner. http://www.longcountdown.com... This evidence shows proof that balances and thus negates Con's arguments that velcro creates a situation where one must choose between tightness or not looking "crazy", since shoe laces cause a similar situation. Con states that shoes with laces can be tightened at different places in the shoe, to customize comfort and fit. I do not dispute this statement. I do, however, provide evidence that velcro offers a similar, if not superior solution to this problem. Most velcro shoes have more than 1 strap, and thus you can tighten different places in the shoe. http://2.bp.blogspot.com... http://www.tillys.com... Additionally, the process for adjusting the velcro straps at different positions of the shoe does not necessitate an adjustment of any of the other straps. With laced shoes, you have to untie and loosen the top laces before attempting to adjust the laces closer to the toe, then tighten all the laces again, wasting a lot of time. I have shown that Con's arguments are unjustified and in some cases, untrue. I conclude that all shoes should use Velco instead of laces.