What is the tongue of a shoe?

The tongue of a shoe refers to the part that sits underneath the laces, covering the top of the foot and providing padding and comfort. Its main function is to protect the foot from the pressure of the laces while helping to keep the shoe snugly fit. By offering this covering, the tongue plays an important role in the overall design and functionality of the shoe, contributing to both comfort and style.

The other options focus on different aspects of the shoe's structure. The footbed pertains to the interior part that supports the foot. The outer material refers to the shoe’s upper layer, which is designed for aesthetics and protection. The portion that connects the sole relates to the shoe's construction, but does not describe the tongue’s specific function. Therefore, the choice highlighting the coverage over the laces accurately identifies the role of the tongue in footwear design.