Shoelace Length: How to Pick the Right Size

Count your eyelets first

The starting point for choosing any shoelace is the number of eyelets on the shoe. Eyelets are the holes or loops that the lace passes through, and they are almost always in pairs. A typical low-top sneaker has 5 to 6 pairs, a dress shoe may have 3 to 4 pairs, and a boot can have 6, 7 or even 8 pairs plus speed hooks at the top.

To find the right length, count one side of the shoe only. If the shoe has 5 eyelets on each side, you have 5 pairs. This number determines the approximate length of lace you need, regardless of the brand or the type of shoe. The table below gives a general range for each eyelet count.

How shoe style changes the length

The number of eyelets is the main factor, but the style of shoe also influences how long the lace should be. A dress oxford with 3 eyelets needs a shorter lace than a chukka boot with 3 eyelets and speed hooks, because the boot has more hardware and often a higher tongue that the lace must travel across. See our dress shoe fit checklist for more on fit.

Boat shoes and loafers usually have 2 eyelets or no eyelets at all. When they do have laces, a short length around 65 cm (26 in) is typical. On the other end, work boots and hiking boots with 6 or more eyelets and speed hooks need longer laces, often 120 cm (47 in) to 140 cm (55 in), to allow for the hook-and-lace pattern. Our boot lacing patterns fit article explains how the lacing pattern affects the length you need.

What happens when the length is wrong

A lace that is too short cannot be tied securely. You may end up with a knot that sits at the very tip of the shoe, or you may be unable to create a bow at all. This can make the shoe feel loose, and it may put pressure on the top of your foot if you force a knot. A short lace is the more serious problem because there is no fix other than replacing it.

A lace that is too long is less of a problem, but it is still annoying. Long ends can drag on the ground, catch on things, or come untied more easily. Some people tuck the extra length into the shoe, but that can create a lump under the tongue. If your laces are only slightly too long, you can try a different lacing pattern that uses more lace, such as a criss-cross lacing on a boot, which consumes extra length with each crossing. See our shoe lace anchor points article for more on lacing patterns.

When you are between two lengths, choose the longer one. Extra lace can be managed, but a lace that is too short is unusable.

Measure your current lace

The easiest way to know what length you need is to measure the lace that is currently in your shoe, provided it fits well. Lay the lace flat on a table and measure from tip to tip, excluding the aglets (the plastic or metal tips). This gives you the total length. If you do not have a ruler, you can compare the lace to a piece of string and measure that against a known object.

If the current lace is too short, add 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) to the measured length. If it is too long, subtract a similar amount. Keep in mind that stretchy or elastic laces, such as those found on some slip-on shoes, are usually sold by their relaxed length, and they will stretch when laced. You may need a shorter relaxed length for these.

Boots and special eyelets

Boots need special attention because they combine more eyelets with speed hooks and a taller shaft. A 6-inch work boot usually has 6 to 7 pairs of eyelets and may need a lace of 120 cm (47 in) or more. An 8-inch boot with 8 pairs can require 140 cm (55 in) or longer. If your boot has speed hooks, look at our shoe speed lace hooks article to understand how they affect lace length.

Shoes with odd eyelet counts, such as a boot with 5 eyelets on one side and 6 on the other, may require a slightly longer lace because the lacing pattern will be uneven. The same is true for shoes with a very wide fit, such as wide shoes, where the laces must travel farther across the tongue.

Check before you buy

When you shop for laces, look at the package or the product description for the length in centimeters or inches. Many brands offer laces in 5 cm increments, such as 65, 75, 90, 100, 120 and 140 cm. If a pair falls between your two options, go up.

For kids' shoes, the same rule applies: count the eyelets, not the shoe size. A child's shoe with 4 eyelets takes the same length lace as a running shoe with 4 eyelets. The lace length is a function of the eyelet count and the spacing between them, not the foot size.

If you are replacing laces on a shoe you have not worn in a while, the eyelet count may have changed due to repairs. Count the current eyelets, and if the tongue has been stitched or the shoe has been stretched, consider how that affects the distance the lace must travel. When in doubt, choose the longer option.

What to pick for your use

Questions

How do I measure shoelace length?

Lay the lace flat and measure from tip to tip, excluding the aglets. Compare this with the lace currently in your shoe. If the current lace fits well, buy the same length.

What is the most common shoelace length?

For a typical low-top sneaker with 5 to 6 pairs of eyelets, 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 in) is common. This covers an adult running shoe or casual lace-up.

How many centimeters is a shoelace for a boot with 6 eyelets?

A boot with 6 pairs of eyelets usually needs a lace of 100 to 120 cm (39 to 47 in). If the boot has speed hooks, choose the longer end of that range.

Can I use a longer lace if my laces are too short?

Yes, choose the next size up, usually 5 to 10 cm longer. Extra lace can be managed with a different lacing pattern, but a lace that is too short cannot be fixed.

Do stretchy laces follow the same length rules?

Stretchy and elastic laces are sold by their relaxed length and typically stretch about 1.5 times. You may need a shorter relaxed length than a non-stretch lace for the same eyelet count.