Hairy Velcro! How to get rid?

[CautiousOptimist]

Hello, I’m 18 months into primary school and have to ask, is there a better way of getting rid of the matted hair and who-knows-what crud that gets stuck in the velcro of school shoes?
Is destroying my nails the only way? What simple trick am I missing?

Use a nit comb. So much easier.

Thanks, I’ll give that a go!

I use a pin. It's strangely satisfying!

Pin, definitely. It's quite easy if you do it this way.