At first glance, this puzzle looks simple. You see a sneaker with several visible openings and are asked one question:How many holes are there?

The answer choices are:

A) 14

B) 15

C) 16

D) 17

Many people immediately start counting the obvious holes and end up with the wrong answer. The trick is to think about all the holes in the shoe, not just the ones that are easiest to see.

Step 1: Count the Lace Holes
There are 7 visible eyelets (the metal rings where shoelaces normally go).

A common mistake is counting only the eyelets you can see. However, each eyelet passes completely through the shoe and has a matching hole on the opposite side.

So:

7 eyelets on the visible side
7 matching eyelets on the hidden side
Total: 14 holes

Step 2: Count the Large Ankle Hole
Near the back of the shoe is a large circular opening.

This opening goes completely through the side of the shoe, allowing you to see the background behind it.

14 + 1 = 15 holes

Step 3: Count the Torn Hole
The ripped opening near the bottom of the sneaker is another obvious hole.

Since you can see through it, it counts as one more hole.

15 + 1 = 16 holes

Step 4: Don’t Forget the Main Opening
Finally, there is the large opening at the top of the sneaker where a foot goes in.

Many people overlook this because they think of it as the entrance to the shoe rather than a hole. But by definition, it is an opening in the object, so it counts.

16 + 1 = 17 holes

Final Answer
D) 17

Quick Summary
7 visible lace holes = 7
7 matching lace holes on the other side = 7
Large circular side hole = 1
Torn hole = 1
Top opening of the shoe = 1
Total = 17 holes

Did you get it right on your first try? Most people stop at 15 or 16 because they forget either the hidden eyelets on the far side or the opening at the top of the shoe.