What Size Shoe Laces Do I Need?

Trying to figure out the length of your laces can be tricky. However, there’s a simple chart you can follow that will help you determine the perfect shoelace length.

In this guide, I’ll share with you how to find the ideal shoelace length for your shoes. You can use this guide to find the correct shoelace for any pair of shoes you may have, including ones you bought on the secondary market.

Shoelace Sizing Chart Based on Eyelet Count

When picking out a new shoelace for your pair of sneakers, the most important thing you take into account is the number of eyelets your shoes have.

The eyelets on a pair of shoes are the holes in which the shoelace slips in. You can count the number of eyelets there are one at a time, or you can count how many eyelets are on one side of the shoe and multiply it by two. Most shoes you come across will have an equal number of eyelets on each side.

So, after knowing how many eyelets your shoes have, you can use the following chart to find the ideal shoelace length.

As you can see from the chart, the more pairs of eyelets your shoes have, the longer the shoelace you’ll need to properly tie your shoes.

Shoelace Sizing Chart Based on Shoe Type

While the shoelace sizing chart above can be a helpful guide, it doesn’t always promise accurate results. This is because apart from the number of eyelets your shoes come with, the type of shoe you wish to lace up will affect how long or short the perfect shoelace should be.

For instance, kids’ shoes with low tops will need shorter laces than adult low tops, even though they have the same number of eyelets.

So, using the following chart, you can find the perfect shoelace length for most types of shoes you have in your closet.

Other Factors to Consider

So, I’ve provided you with two sizing charts to help you determine the proper shoelace length for your footwear based on the number of eyelets and the type of shoe. Is there anything else to keep in mind?

Surprisingly, yes. Below, I’ll describe some of the additional factors that come into play when finding the right shoelace length for your shoes.

Distance between eyelets

The distance between eyelets may seem insignificant, but they can play a large part in what shoelace length is right for your shoes or boots. For instance, if the eyelets are 3 centimeters apart, your shoes will require a shorter shoelace length as opposed to shoes with eyelets spaced 5 or 6 centimeters apart. The farther apart the eyelets are, and the more eyelets pairs, the longer the shoelaces.

Elasticity of shoelaces

Some people prefer a bit of stretch in their shoelaces, while others don’t. Elastic shoelaces are great for those that want the tongue of their shoes to grip the top of their foot more tightly. As for inelastic shoelaces, you can achieve the same tightness, but there might be a longer portion of the shoelace leftover for tying the knot.

How many eyelets you wish to use

Even though your sneakers may come with 4 or 5 pairs of eyelets, you may decide to skip using some of the shoelaces for aesthetic purposes. Or you may even decide to slip the shoelace twice or more into the same eyelet.

Shoe size

Shoe models of different sizes may come with the same number of eyelets, but larger shoes will require longer laces, and shorter ones will need shorter laces. Your best bet would be to speak to an official salesperson of the shoe brand to see what shoelace length you need.

Specialty shoe types

There are all kinds of specialty shoe types, including inclusive shoes for adults with foot injuries and sports shoes. Specialty shoes may require different shoelace lengths, depending on what you plan on using the shoes for.

Lacing pattern

This is related to the number of eyelets you wish to use. If there’s a type of shoelace knot style that you prefer, you will have to adjust the length of the shoelace accordingly, or you’ll be forced to hide the leftover portion inside your shoe. Generally speaking, the more intricate the shoelace knot style, the longer the shoelace you’ll need to achieve the desired look.

Finding the Correct Shoelace Length

Apart from using the shoelace sizing chart above, the simplest way to determine the ideal shoelace length for your dress shoes, sneakers, or boots is to measure the length of the original laces.

To do this, take one end of the shoelace in each hand and pull until the shoelace is taut but not overstretched. Now, using a ruler, you can accurately measure the length of the shoelace. Knowing this figure will help you in purchasing replacement shoelaces without error.

Alternatively, you can reach out to the shoe manufacturer to see what shoelace length works best for your shoes. You should know the exact model and size of your shoes to assist the company rep in finding the right shoelace details.

Please note that when measuring the shoelace, you will have to take into account the length of the aglets—the still ends that are encased in a tiny tube of plastic or metal. So, whether you’re measuring manually or referring to the sizing chart, the shoelace length refers to the entirety of the lace, from end to end.