Article of footwear for substantially reducing friction and related components and apparatus

A method for configuring an article of footwear providing substantially reduced friction related to fastening a shoelace associated with the article of footwear, the shoelace having an uncompressed cross-section, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of eyelets for receiving the shoelace, each of said plurality of eyelets having a cross-section larger than said uncompressed cross-section of the shoelace, and
• providing a plurality of shoelace interfacing structures, each of said plurality of shoelace interfacing structures configured inside one of said plurality of eyelets and comprising a material for withstanding tensions associated with tying the shoe, while supporting movement of the shoelace along an outer surface of said shoelace interfacing structure and permitting the shoelace to pass with minimal friction so that pulling on the ends of the shoelace ties the shoe with minimal force, thereby evenly distributing the tension of the shoelace with each of said shoelace interfacing structures throughout the shoe.