Reference
Shoelace length chart
Count your eyelet pairs, not the individual holes, and read the length off this chart. Criss-cross lacing is the baseline. Decorative patterns need one size longer; bow tie and straight bar lacing can get away with one size shorter.
| Eyelet pairs | Inches | Centimetres | Typical footwear |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 | 27 in | 69 cm | Dress shoes, opera pumps |
| 3–4 | 30 in | 76 cm | Low-cut dress shoes |
| 4 | 36 in | 91 cm | Oxfords, Derbys, boat shoes |
| 5 | 45 in | 114 cm | Low-top sneakers, casual shoes |
| 6 | 45–54 in | 114–137 cm | Sneakers, running shoes |
| 7 | 54 in | 137 cm | Running shoes, mid-tops |
| 8 | 63 in | 160 cm | High-tops, work boots |
| 9 | 72 in | 183 cm | Basketball high-tops, hiking boots |
| 10 | 72–84 in | 183–213 cm | Combat boots, logger boots |
| 11+ | 84 in | 213 cm | Tall work and tactical boots |
Adjusting for the pattern
| Pattern | Adjustment from criss-cross |
|---|---|
| Bow tie lacing | One size shorter |
| Straight bar / army lacing | Same or one size shorter |
| Criss-cross (baseline) | Standard |
| Over-under, ladder | Same |
| Loop back, corset, zipper | One size longer |
| Lattice, spider web, double back | One to two sizes longer |
| Checkerboard | Two full laces per shoe |
How much tail to leave
After tying, aim for 15–20 cm (6–8 in) of tail on each side. Shorter than that and the bow is hard to form and easy to pull through. Longer and the tails swing as you walk, which is a genuine cause of laces coming undone as well as a trip hazard on boots.
Laces by length
Kevlar-cored boot laces
Abrasion-resistant round laces for hooks and D-rings, 60–84 in.
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Waxed boot laces
Waxed round laces hold a surgeon's knot through a full shift.
Affiliate link slot →Amazon Associates / Dr. Martens
Work and hiking boots
Highest average order value on the site. Boot programs pay 6–12%.
Affiliate link slot →Dr. Martens / Timberland / Merrell (AWIN, Impact)
Disclosure block required above or below this rail. See affiliate-disclosure.html.
Common questions
- How do I measure what length shoelace I need?
- Count the eyelet pairs, not the individual holes, and read the length off the chart. If you already have a lace that works, take it out and measure it flat from tip to tip; that is the length to reorder.
- What if my shoelaces are too long?
- Use a pattern that consumes more lace. Double back lacing, lattice lacing and loop back lacing all take up significant extra length. Otherwise cut the lace and fit replacement aglets rather than leaving long tails, which swing and pull the knot loose.
- What if my shoelaces are too short?
- Use bow tie lacing, which consumes the least lace of any common pattern, or straight bar lacing, which is close behind. Either will usually rescue a lace one to two sizes short.
- Do decorative patterns need longer laces?
- Yes. Lattice, spider web, corset and double back lacing all need roughly one size longer than criss-cross on the same shoe. Checkerboard needs two full laces per shoe, not one.