Shoelaces are a simple yet so important item. Unfortunately, we only realize the value of shoelaces when they are damaged, lost, or broken. At this point, it may seem difficult to find the correct length of shoelaces. However, there are a few easy methods to determine how long your shoelaces should be.
The length of your shoelaces depends on several factors, such as the number of eyelets, the shoe type, the shoe size, the shoelace type, the lacing style, and the width of your shoe. A standard shoelace length ranges from 24 inches (60cm) to 59 inches (150cm).
Here are five simple and easy methods to find how long your shoelaces should be:
- Method 1: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on Existing Shoelaces
- Method 2: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on The Number of Eyelet Pairs
- Method 3: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on The Type of Shoe
- Method 4: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on The Shoelace Type
Finding the right shoelaces and the correct shoelace length is important for so many reasons. They make your shoes more comfortable, improve the fit of your shoes, and add style to them.
Shoelaces Length Chart For Number of Eyelets
Your shoelaces should be long enough to pass through all the eyelets on your shoe and still have enough left to tie a knot. The length of your shoelaces depends on the number of eyelet pairs, the type of the shoe, the size of the shoe, and the shoelace type. It also depends on how much extra lace you want to leave at the end.
The average shoelace length is between 33 inches and 54 inches, depending on the shoe type and manufacturer. Below is a general chart of standard lengths based on shoe type.
| Types Of Shoe | Number of Eyelet Pairs | Length of Shoelaces |
|---|---|---|
| Walking Shoe | 4-5 | 33 inches |
| Sports Shoes | 5-6 | 45 inches |
| Running Shoes | 6-7 | 54 inches |
To determine the correct shoelace length for your shoes, you need to consider all these factors. First, count how many eyelets you have on your shoes. Usually, the more eyelets you have on your shoe, the longer shoelaces you need, and vice versa.
Also, you have to consider how you want to lace your shoes since some patterns require longer shoelaces, and others require shorter shoelaces.
Next, look at your shoe type and shoelaces type. You need to consider your shoelace types because they differ in thickness and material.
Method 1: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on Existing Shoelaces
One of the simplest and easiest ways to find what shoelace length you need is to measure your existing shoelaces. This is especially helpful if you’re comfortable with the one you’re currently using. Even if your shoelaces are broken, you can still measure them.
To measure your existing shoelaces, remove them from your footwear. Then, use a ruler or an inch of tape to measure the old shoelace from one end to the other end. This measurement would be the length of your new shoelaces.
You can go with the length of your existing shoelaces if they are perfect, not too long or too short. Also, you can make adjustments, additions, or subtractions to this measurement. For example, if your existing shoelaces are too long, then subtract some length; if they are too short, add some length.
Another important thing is that different lacing styles require different shoelace lengths. So, if you are using your existing shoelace length, I would recommend using the same lacing style you used for your current shoelaces.
You will notice that shoes usually come with very long shoelaces. The reason is to make sure that every foot can fit into the shoe. The long shoelaces help you get the right fit of a shoe regardless of whether you have a narrow or wide foot.
You might have noticed that sometimes you buy a shoe that is too narrow, so you need to lose the lacing to get a comfortable shoe fit. Therefore, brands usually sell shoes enclosed with long shoelaces to address this issue.
If you buy a shoe that is too narrow, you might have to loosen the lacing to make the shoe comfortable to wear. This is when long shoelaces come in handy because you need that extra length to lose your lacing.
You can check out the table in the boot’s shoelace length section to find how long your shoelaces should be according to the width of your shoe.
This method of exiting shoelace length provides you the benefit of getting new laces of the same length and fit. However, if your shoelaces are too long or too short, you can use other methods to find how long your shoelaces should be.
Method 2: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on The Number of Eyelet Pairs
Counting the number of eyelets on your shoe is another easy way to find what shoelace length you need. Eyelets are the holes on the sides of your shoe through which shoelaces pass.
If you don’t have your broken shoelaces, or you don’t think they are a comfortable length or fit, or you don’t have a ruler for measuring shoelaces, you can use this second method.
Using this method, you can determine how long your shoelaces should be based on the number of eyelet pairs in your shoe. Make sure to count the number of eyelet pairs on the shoe, not the total number of eyelets.
To find the number of eyelet pairs in your shoe, you need to follow the below steps:
- Step 1: Count how many holes or eyelets there are in the shoe.
- Step 2: Divide this number by 2. Now, you get the total eyelet pairs. You can also find the number of eyelet pairs in your shoe by counting the holes on one side of the shoe.
- Step 3: Once you have determined the number of eyelet pairs on your shoe, look at the following table to find the coordinating length of your shoelaces.
| Number of Eyelet Pairs | Length of Shoelaces |
|---|---|
| 2 Pairs | 18 inches |
| 3 Pairs | 18 to 24 inches |
| 4 Pairs | 24 to 30 inches |
| 5 Pairs | 30 to 35 inches |
| 6 Pairs | 35 to 39 inches |
| 7 Pairs | 39 to 47 inches |
| 8 Pairs | 47 to 59 inches |
| 9 Pairs | 59 to 71 inches |
I think it’s interesting to determine shoelace length based on the number of eyelet pairs. It is beneficial when you are looking for the length of replacement shoelaces.
Method 3: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on The Type of Shoe
Depending on the type of shoe, you can find out how long your shoelaces should be. You need shorter shoelaces for shoes that have fewer eyelets. Kids usually wear such shoes. Longer shoelaces are mainly used for adult shoes and boots. Let’s discuss this in detail:
The Basic Rule:
- For Active Shoes: count the number of eyelets on the shoe, multiply this number by seven, and you will get the length of your shoelaces in inches.
- For Dress Shoes: Since dress shoes have fewer eyelets, they usually require shorter laces. The shoelace length required for dress shoes typically ranges from 18 to 27 inches.
Children’s Shoelaces Length:
Here are a few suggestions for your kid’s shoes based on their age and shoe type.
- For children around age 5-6, Kids low top shoes will need a shoelace length of 27 inches
- For children a bit older, Kids high top/junior low top shoes will need a shoelace length of 36 inches
- For children Up to middle school age, junior high-top shoes will need a shoelace length of 45 inches.
| Kids Shoe Type | Age Of Kids | Length of Shoelaces |
|---|---|---|
| Kids low top shoes | 5-6 years old | 27 inches |
| Kids high top shoes | 6-11 years old | 36 inches |
| Junior low top shoes | 6-11 years old | 36 inches |
| Junior high-top shoes | For teens | 45 inches |
Women’s Shoelaces Length:
- Regular Shoes for women usually require shoelaces with a length of 1¼ inch between the eyelets.
- Large Shoes for women require shoelaces with a length of 1½ inches between the eyelets.
Sneaker’s Shoelaces Length:
Here is a simple rule you can follow to determine how long your shoelaces should be for sneakers. The shoelace length of your sneakers depends on the number of eyelets. So, the more eyelets on your sneakers, the longer the shoelaces would have to be.
Most sneaker brands like Nike and Adidas follow this rule. These brands use this system when choosing the length of their shoelaces. However, some sneakers are an exception and have different shoelace lengths. (You can check out the table below.)
| Types Of Shoe | Number of Eyelet Pairs | Length of Shoelaces |
|---|---|---|
| Street shoes | 2-3 | 27 inches |
| Street shoes | 3-4 | 30 inches |
| Street shoes | 4-5 | 33 inches |
| Hiking Boots (Low Top) | 5-6 | 45 inches |
| Hiking boots | 6-7 | 54 inches |
| Hiking Boots (Tall) | 7-8 | 63 inches |
| Workboots (Low) | 6-7 | 54 inches |
| Workboots (Low) | 7-8 | 63 inches |
| Workboots (High) | 8-9 | 72 inches |
| Sneakers (High Top) | 7-8 | 63 inches |
| Tall boots | 9-10 | 84 inches |
| Tall boots | 10-11 | 96 inches |
| Tall boots | 11-12 | 108 inches |
| Adult Shoes (Low Top) | 6-7 | 45 inches |
| Adult Shoes (High-Top) | 5-9 | 54 inches |
| Adult Shoes (High-Top) | 10+ | 59+ inches |
Boot’s Shoelaces Length:
Boots require different shoelace lengths than sneakers, mainly because they are made with thicker materials. As a result, the shoelace length for boots mostly depends on the width of your boot. The width of a boot is its horizontal spacing; some boots are narrow, while others are wide.
You can check out the following table to better understand how long shoelaces you need for various types of boots based on their width.
| Narrow Shoes | Medium Shoes | Wide Shoes | No. Of Eyelet Pairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 inches | 28 inches | 32 inches | 2 Pairs |
| 24 inches | 32 inches | 39 inches | 3 Pairs |
| 28 inches | 35 inches | 43 inches | 4 Pairs |
| 32 inches | 39 inches | 51 inches | 5 Pairs |
| 32 inches | 43 inches | 55 inches | 6 Pairs |
| 35 inches | 47 inches | 63 inches | 7 Pairs |
| 35 inches | 51 inches | 67 inches | 8 Pairs |
Method 4: Measure Your Shoelace Length Based on The Shoelace Type
A variety of shoelaces are available in different colors and materials. Therefore, while choosing the length of your shoelaces, keep in mind your shoelace type, as some shoelaces are shorter than others.
Shoelaces come in various lengths: some are shorter, and some are longer. While I cannot give you a specific length for each shoelace type, I can tell you roughly if you need long or short laces.
Each shoelace has a specific purpose and is designed for a particular style. For example, shoelaces that curl at the end are usually shorter and are not intended to be tied.
Some shorter shoelaces are designed in such a way as to have a small knot at the end so they stay in place. These shorter laces primarily work well with slip-on sneakers. You don’t need to tie them; therefore, they have a shorter length than other shoelaces.
- Cotton Shoelaces are among the most commonly used shoelaces. Flat and round cotton shoelaces are mostly used with sneakers or running shoes. To increase the grip of your shoes, you will need them to be longer. These shoelaces are easy to clean, but they are not durable, so you need to replace them often.
- Flat Waxed Shoelaces are mainly used with heavy-duty and service boots, so you need to get them in longer lengths.
- Rawhide Shoelaces are mostly used with boat shoes and moccasins, so you would need them in much smaller lengths. These shoelaces are mostly used to decorate shoes, so shorter lengths would work well.
- Paracord And Nylon Shoelaces are both thick, strong, and extremely durable. They’re mostly paired with hiking shoes, military boots, and outdoor boots, so you’ll need long shoelaces.
Conclusion
You can use either method to determine your shoelace length. It depends on your personal preferences whether you measure an old pair of laces, count the eyelets, or use the tables mentioned above to find the shoelace length. However, I would suggest going through each method and choosing the most common length.
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