How to Measure Shoelace Length for Any Shoe

Why shoe size does not determine lace length

Shoe size tells you the length of the footbed, not the spacing or the number of eyelets on the upper. Two shoes in the same size can have different lace requirements: a sneaker with five pairs of eyelets uses a shorter lace than a boot with eight pairs, even when both are built on the same size last. The distance between eyelets, the height of the throat, and the lacing pattern all affect how much lace you need.

The structure of the shoe matters more than its size. A low-cut shoe with wide-set eyelets needs a longer lace than a similar shoe with eyelets placed closer together. The same is true for shoes with a high instep, the lace must travel a farther distance from one side to the other. These differences are why manufacturers list lace length in the product specs rather than simply matching it to shoe size.

How to measure an existing lace

If you still have the original lace, measuring it is straightforward. Remove the lace from the shoe completely, lay it flat on a table, and measure from one end to the other, including the tips but not the aglets. The aglets (the small plastic or metal caps) are not part of the usable length. For a round lace, let it lie naturally without stretching it; pulling tight can add length that will not be there when the lace is woven through the eyelets and knotted.

If only one lace of the pair is intact, measure that one and order a matching pair. If both are damaged in different places, use the longer one as the reference. A lace that has been stretched out from years of use can measure longer than a new replacement will, so if the shoe is old, subtract a small allowance for stretch. Most laces are sold in standard increments, choose the closest standard length that is not shorter than your measurement.

Counting eyelets when you have no old lace

Without an old lace to measure, the eyelet count is the most practical reference. Count the pairs of eyelets on one side of the shoe, from the bottom pair near the toe to the top pair at the ankle opening. This is the number you will compare in the table below.

The lacing pattern changes the total length needed. A standard crisscross pattern consumes a fixed amount per pair of eyelets. Bar lacing consumes more because the lace runs horizontally between each pair. Skipping an eyelet reduces the total. Decide on your lacing pattern before you shop, then match the lace length to that pattern. If you plan to switch patterns later, buy a lace long enough for the pattern that uses the most lace.

For a child's shoe or an adult's low-cut style with a small number of eyelet pairs, the lace is short. Boots with a tall shaft and many eyelet pairs require a long lace. The relationship is not perfectly linear because eyelet spacing varies from shoe to shoe, but the pair count gives a good starting point.

Lace length at a glance

The reference below is based on a standard crisscross lacing pattern on a typical shoe. Your shoe may differ, so treat these as starting points and compare with a measured old lace when available. Many laces are sold in standard increments, so round up to the nearest available size. A slightly longer lace leaves room for a secure knot and for adjustments if you change your lacing pattern.

Special cases: boots, elastic laces, and speed hooks

Boots with speed hooks at the top change the calculation. Each speed hook consumes a small amount of lace when the lace wraps around it before crossing to the other side. The height of the shaft also matters: a knee-high boot with the same number of eyelet pairs as an ankle boot needs a longer lace because the distance between pairs is larger. When replacing laces on boots, count both the eyelets and the speed hooks as one unit each, and add a small allowance for the wrap around each hook.

Elastic laces behave differently from static laces. They stretch when you pull them, so a pair that measures the same as a static lace will feel longer in use. If you are replacing static laces with elastic ones, choose a length at the shorter end of the range for your eyelet count. Laces with a locking feature or a toggle closure also consume extra material at the throat of the shoe, so add a small allowance for the hardware.

Shoelace types and closures explains the trade-offs between flat, round, and elastic laces, which can affect how the length feels in use. For boots, boot lacing patterns shows how different patterns change the length requirement.

Practical buying tips

Carry the measured length with you when shopping, or write it down. Most laces are labeled by total length, so match your measurement to that number. When you are not sure, buy the longer option.

The material of the lace affects how the length behaves. A stretchy cotton lace will settle and lengthen over time. A stiff leather or waxed lace holds its shape and does not stretch much. A lace that is too long on a stiff material may be harder to manage than the same excess length on a soft cotton lace. You can always trim a lace that is noticeably too long, though cutting shortens the aglets and the bare end can fray. It is better to choose the right length up front, or to use a lace lock to manage extra length.

If you are replacing laces on a well-worn shoe, you can also compare the new lace with the old one side by side before you buy. This works well when you are shopping in a physical store. Just remember that the old lace may have stretched, so if the new one matches the old one exactly, it may actually be a touch long on the shoe.

Fitting and follow-up

After you receive the new laces, lace the shoe completely and tie a normal knot. The amount of lace remaining after the knot is a good indicator. If you can tie a bow and still have a few centimeters of lace left over, the length is reasonable. If the bow barely forms and the lace feels tight at the throat, the lace is too short and you should size up.

A properly fitting lace holds the shoe securely without putting extra pressure on the top of your foot. The tension should be comfortable, and the knot should stay tight through a day of wear. If the lace constantly comes undone, it may be too short to tie a good knot. If it drags on the ground, it is too long. The right length is the one that lets you tie a secure knot without excess material.

For more on how lacing affects fit, see shoe lace tension and fit. To understand how the eyelets themselves affect the lace, shoe eyelet hardware is a helpful companion. And if you want to keep the new laces looking clean, how to whiten shoelaces covers that topic.

• Remove the old lace and lay it flat to measure, tip to tip, excluding aglets.
• Count every pair of eyelets, and add speed hooks on boots as if they were eyelets.
• Match your measurement or count to the closest standard lace length, rounding up.
• Consider the lacing pattern you use, since some patterns consume more lace.
• When in doubt, buy the longer option.

Work boots and safety shoes

Work boots often have more eyelets than casual shoes, and a few extra features can change the length. A gusseted tongue adds thickness that the lace must bridge. A steel or composite safety toe raises the top of the toe box, which can also increase the distance between the bottom pairs of eyelets. When replacing laces on work boots, measure the old lace carefully rather than guessing from the eyelet count alone.

The right lace length on a work boot matters more than on a casual shoe. The boot laces hold the ankle in place, support the heel, and keep debris out. A boot that laces too loosely around the ankle can feel unstable on uneven ground. A boot that laces too tightly can put pressure on the instep. Even with a correctly sized lace, the way you tension it through the eyelets determines how the boot fits. See boot lacing patterns fit for techniques that work well on tall boots.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How do I measure shoelace length if I only have one lace?

Use the intact lace as your reference. Lay it flat and measure from tip to tip, excluding the aglets. If both laces are damaged, use the longer one. Old laces stretch over time, so if the shoe has been worn for a long while, the measurement may be slightly longer than a new lace will be.

Can I tell the lace length by counting eyelets?

Yes, the number of eyelet pairs is the most reliable substitute for measuring an old lace. More pairs of eyelets require a longer lace. But the spacing between eyelets varies by shoe, so use the eyelet count as a starting point and compare with the manufacturer's listed lace length when available.

What if the new lace is a little too long?

A slightly long lace is easier to manage than a short one. You can tuck the extra length inside the shoe, or use a lace lock to hold the excess. Cutting the lace shortens it but leaves a raw end that can fray, so try the shoe first before cutting.

Why is my new lace shorter than the old one even though it is labeled the same?

Laces stretch with use. Old laces that are years old may be visibly longer than a fresh pair of the same labeled length. The labeled length usually refers to the new, unstretched lace. If the old lace was stretched significantly, you may need to size up by one increment.

Do speed hooks change the length I need?

Yes, each speed hook consumes a small amount of lace when the lace wraps around it. Count each speed hook like an eyelet pair, and add a small allowance for the wrap. Boots with speed hooks typically need a slightly longer lace than boots with the same number of regular eyelets.