Shoestrings (5)
I believe the answer is:
laces
'shoestrings' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for laces that I've seen before include "Scale for shoe fasteners" , "Scale for boot fasteners" , "Shoe ties" , "Cords for fastening shoes" , "Shoestrings" .)