Lace Shapes
Flat vs Round vs Oval Laces: Which to Choose
The shape of your lace changes how it looks, how it sits, and how well it stays tied. Here's the simple way to pick the right one for your shoes.
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The short answer
Match the shape to the shoe.
Flat
Sneakers, casual and everyday shoes
Round
Boots and dress shoes with small eyelets
Oval
Running and sports shoes
The three shapes at a glance
How flat, round and oval compare on the things that matter.
| Flat | Round | Oval | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sneakers, casual | Boots, dress shoes | Running, sports |
| Look | Clean, modern | Classic, neat | Sporty, low-profile |
| Feel | Sit flat & wide | Compact & strong | Comfortable underfoot |
| Eyelets | Most eyelets | Small / tight eyelets | Standard eyelets |
| Staying tied | Very good | Good (better waxed) | Good, holds tension |
Pick your shape
Tap through to the right category for your shoes.
Most popular
Flat laces
Sit flat and wide and stay tied well — the clean, modern everyday choice for sneakers and casual shoes.
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Boots & dress
Round laces
Compact and strong, and thread easily through small or tight eyelets — the classic pick for boots and dress shoes.
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Running & sport
Oval laces
A blend of flat and round — comfortable underfoot and hold tension well, ideal for running and sports shoes.
Shop oval laces
✓ Every shape
Flat, round and oval in a full range of lengths.
✓ Huge colour range
From everyday neutrals to bold statement colours.
✓ Australian owned
Local business with fast domestic shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Are flat or round laces better?
Neither is better overall — it depends on the shoe. Flat laces suit sneakers and casual shoes and stay tied well, while round laces suit boots and dress shoes with smaller eyelets.
What are oval laces for?
Oval laces are a blend of flat and round, designed for running and sports shoes. They sit comfortably underfoot and hold tension well through activity.
Which lace shape stays tied best?
Flat laces tend to stay tied best day to day. Round laces can loosen more easily unless they're waxed, and oval laces hold tension well thanks to their in-between shape.
Can I put round laces in sneakers, or flat laces in boots?
You can — it comes down to the look you want and your eyelet size. Just note that very wide flat laces can bunch in small boot eyelets, and thin round laces can look sparse on a sneaker built for flat laces.
How do I choose the right length?
Count your pairs of eyelets, or measure your old lace tip to tip. Each shape category lists the lengths available so you can match your shoe.