Boot Lace Length : The Ultimate Guide

Boot Lace Length : Your Guide For It

Have you ever gone to lace up a boot, and they are just a tad too short? Which left you with a small knot rather than a proper tie?

Or, have you ever laced up your boots and found the laces were way too long, causing you to have to wrap them around your ankle multiple times before tying?

Honestly, it is extremely complicated trying to decipher which boot lace length is optimal for your boots.

Here we will lay out everything you need to know about boot lace lengths and how to choose the best one for your shoes.

If you’ve ever had struggles with laces, this article is for you.

 

Which Shoelace Length to Get

Here are a few different methods to determine which shoelace length to purchase.

 

Measure Your Laces

Knowing which shoelace length to purchase is not an easy task when shopping for shoelaces.

If you are replacing the laces in your shoes, simply remove the old lace and measure it to know which length you need to purchase. This is the easiest method and will result in the right length.

Additionally, if you want slightly shorter or longer laces than you currently have, you can remove a lace, measure it, and then go up or down one size.

If you like to wrap your laces around your ankle for added support, add an extra 6 -7 inches to your measurement.

When measuring your laces, remember to lay them completely flat and measure them from tip to tip to get the most accurate reading.

 

Purchase Brand-Specific Laces

If you are unable to measure your laces, there are often shoelaces sold by the brand of shoes that you are wearing. They will have their own size guide based on the boot size you have, which will tell you what length to get.

There are typically two different types of boots that require laces; these are work boots and hiking boots. Common brands that sell their own laces include TimberlandsDr. Martins, and more.

Measuring with Eyelet

If your boot brand does not have laces for purchase, there is another method you can use to determine which length of lace your shoes need.

Each pair of boots will have a different number of eyelets, which are the holes that the laces weave through, and that will play a part in how long of lace you will need.

Count each eyelet pair on the shoe, not each individual hole. Once you know how many eyelets your shoes have, it will be quite easy to get a rough idea of how long you need them to be.

Length Guide

Here is a chart to help you know which shoelace length to get for your specific pairs of shoes.

Number of EyeletsType of ShoeLength of Laces
2-3 EyeletsStreet Shoes27 Inches
3-4 EyeletsStreet Shoes or Boots30 Inches
4-5 EyeletsStreet Shoes or Boots36 Inches
5-6 EyeletsLow-Rise Hiking Boots45 Inches
6-7 EyeletsWork or Hiking Boots54 Inches
7-8 EyeletsTall Hiking Boots or Work Boots63 Inches
8-9 EyeletsWork Boots72 Inches
9-10 EyeletsTall Boots84 Inches
10-11 EyeletsTall Boots96-110 Inches

Here is a chart to help you know which shoelace length to get for your specific pairs of shoes.This guide is not an exact chart and may vary depending on the width of your shoe and the size of your shoe. Narrower boots will need shorter laces, while boots with a lot of horizontal space will need longer ones.

Different Types of Laces

Believe it or not, there is a wide range of different shoelace types. These include the following:

  • Round cotton laces are used for sneakers and hardier shoes, like boots and dress shoes. They are thin and round but tough. They are often coated to give them strength.
  • Braided nylon laces are another popular bootlace style. They are most notably used on hiking boots, snow boots, and military boots. They are water-resistant and do not tear or fray easily. If you are looking for a strong and solid lace, these are a great option.
  • Paracord can be used as an ultra-strong bootlace as well. Paracord is used to hold hundreds of pounds and does not break easily. It is mold-resistant, tactical, and an excellent boot-lace material option.
  • Flat cotton laces are another very common type of shoelace, but they are often used for sneakers and street shoes. Cotton laces are pretty low-cost and fairly strong, although they will need to be replaced occasionally.
  • Rawhide laces are another common type of shoelace. They are made from raw leather and are most commonly seen on moccasins and boat shoes, although they do come on some types of boots. They are very strong, but they can be a bit of a hassle to tie.

Alternatives

If you do not want to purchase boots with laces, there are many alternatives available.

These include boots that strap up, boots with velcro lacing, boots with elastic no-tie shoelaces, zip-up boots, and more: research work boots or hiking boots without laces to find the best styles for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Replacing your laces is always a pain. Whether you broke them, lost them, or want a different kind of lace, knowing which size to get is not always easy.

Measure your old laces or use our chart above to get a good idea of what size to get.

When you re-lace your shoes, make sure to lace them in the same fashion that they were laced before since the lacing pattern can make the laces seem shorter.