🕳️ How Many Holes Are There? The Answer Might Surprise You!

At first glance, this puzzle seems easy. Most people quickly count the obvious holes and choose the wrong answer.

Let’s break it down carefully.

Step 1: Count the Lace Holes

The shoe has 7 visible eyelets (the holes where the shoelaces go).

But each eyelet goes completely through the shoe, meaning there is a matching hole on the opposite side.

• 7 holes on the visible side
• 7 holes on the hidden side

Total so far: 14 holes

Step 2: Count the Circular Side Hole

There’s a large round opening on the side of the shoe.

Since you can see straight through it, it counts as another hole.

14 + 1 = 15 holes

Step 3: Count the Tear

Near the bottom of the sneaker, there’s a ripped opening.

Because it goes through the material, it is also a hole.

15 + 1 = 16 holes

Step 4: Count the Main Opening

Finally, don’t forget the opening at the top where you put your foot into the shoe.

Many people overlook this one, but it is still an opening in the shoe and therefore counts as a hole.

16 + 1 = 17 holes

✅ Final Answer: D) 17

Quick Recap

✔ 7 visible lace holes = 7
✔ 7 matching lace holes on the opposite side = 7
✔ Circular side hole = 1
✔ Torn hole = 1
✔ Top opening = 1

Total = 17 holes

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