Unbuckling the Big Sneaker

I followed the hallway all the way to the entryway mat, and a massive blue sneaker was parked right by the door! Its wide nylon strap with prickly Velcro was pressed down tight. I wedged both hands under the plastic loop, leaned back with all my weight, and—r-r-rip! The tiny hooks tore free with a wonderfully sharp crunch! The strap sprang open like an unlocked drawbridge, revealing the giant tongue underneath. I couldn't reach the front door handle yet, but unhooking that latch felt like clearing the first gate!