to echo a previous comment, this is for keeping the chain on the chainring with 1x9 drivetrains, not for keeping shoelaces out of the way.
Sure, they are not designed to keep shoelaces out of the way, but they sure do help. Bash guards are designed to take the beating instead of your chainrings, but they work just as well as a chainring guard to keep the chain on the chainring (and keeping your shoelaces out). Frisbees are made to play a game, but they work as a scoop and a plate.