A tennis shoe provided with velcro fasteners. The velcro system was devised in 1951 by the Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral who was inspired by the fruits of a thistle. These attach themselves to the hairs of any passing animal by means of hooked spikes. A velcro fastener consists of two ribbons: one is covered with microscopic loops and the other with minuscule plastic hooks. A brief contact between the two ribbons causes the two surfaces to become firmly attached. (See B787/269 which shows the fruit of a thistle)