Free lace size tool
Shoelace Eyelet Pairs Calculator
Not sure what length laces to buy? Our shoelace eyelet pairs calculator gives you the right shoelace length in seconds. Just count the eyelet pairs on one shoe and we'll show you the length in centimetres.
Find my lace length →
✓ Sizes from 55 cm to 305 cm✓ Works for shoes, sneakers & boots✓ Australian owned & fast shipping
The quick answer
Typical eyelet pairs and lace lengths. Your shoe may differ, so use the calculator below to check.
Dress & casual shoes
3–5 pairs · 70–90 cm
Low-top sneakers
5–6 pairs · 90–110 cm
High-tops & ankle boots
7–8 pairs · 120–140 cm
Work & hiking boots
9–10 pairs · 160–180 cm
Tall boots
11–16 pairs · 200–305 cm
Eyelet pairs calculator
Work out your lace length
Count the matching eyelet pairs on one shoe, then pick that number below.
Recommended length for 7 pairs
120cm
✓ Count pairs, not holes. Start at the bottom of one shoe and count each matching pair of eyelets, one on each side. A shoe with 14 holes has 7 pairs.
✓ Still have your old laces? Measure one from tip to tip. That's the most accurate way to get the right length.
This length is a guide only. Shoe width, tongue thickness, eyelet spacing and your lacing style can all change how long your laces need to be.
How to count your eyelet pairs
Getting the count right is the key to the right length. Here's what counts and what doesn't.
Do count
✓ Matching eyelets on one shoe only, one on each side making a pair.
✓ Hooks or D-rings at the top of boots. Each matching set counts as a pair.
✓ All eyelets, even ones you sometimes skip. You can always leave the top pair empty.
Don't count
✗ Every single hole. Divide the total holes by two to get pairs.
✗ Both shoes. One shoe gives you the number you need.
✗ Air vents or decorative holes that laces don't go through.
Shoelace length chart
The full chart behind the calculator. If you're between two sizes, go for the longer one.
| Eyelet pairs | Total holes | Recommended length |
|---|---|---|
| 2 pairs | 4 | 55 cm |
| 3 pairs | 6 | 70 cm |
| 4 pairs | 8 | 80 cm |
| 5 pairs | 10 | 90 cm |
| 6 pairs | 12 | 110 cm |
| 7 pairs | 14 | 120 cm |
| 8 pairs | 16 | 140 cm |
| 9 pairs | 18 | 160 cm |
| 10 pairs | 20 | 180 cm |
| 11 pairs | 22 | 200 cm |
| 12 pairs | 24 | 220 cm |
| 13 pairs | 26 | 240 cm |
| 14 pairs | 28 | 260 cm |
| 15 pairs | 30 | 280 cm |
| 16 pairs | 32 | 305 cm |
Still have your old laces? Measure them
Measuring the lace that came with your shoes beats any chart. It takes about a minute.
1
Take one lace out
Unthread it fully from the shoe.
2
Lay it flat and straight
Don't stretch it, especially if it's elastic.
3
Measure tip to tip
Include the plastic tips, then pick the closest size.
Lost the old laces? Use a piece of string through the eyelets instead. Our step-by-step measuring guide shows you how.
When to go longer or shorter
The chart suits most shoes. These things can push you up or down a size.
Go one size longer if…
✓ Your shoes are wide or you have high-volume feet.
✓ The tongue is thick and padded, like most boots and high-tops.
✓ The eyelets are spaced wide apart.
✓ You like big bows, double knots or a decorative lacing style.
Go one size shorter if…
✓ Your shoes are narrow with eyelets close together.
✓ The tongue is thin, like on dress shoes.
✓ You always skip the top eyelets.
✓ You're switching to no-tie laces, which don't need length for a bow.
Lace length guides by shoe type
Want more detail for your footwear? These guides go deeper on each style.
Sneakers
Sneaker lace lengths
Low-tops, high-tops and runners, plus how padding changes the size.
Sneaker guide
Dress shoes
Dress shoe lace lengths
Oxfords, derbies and brogues, where a neat finish matters.
Dress shoe guide
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens lace lengths
Sizes for 3-eye shoes right up to 14-eye boots.
Dr. Martens guide
Between sizes? Get an exact length
We cut laces to the exact length you need, in 5 cm steps. It's perfect for odd sizes, unusual boots or a very specific fit.
Got your length? Shop laces
Every lace in our range is listed in centimetres, so you can match your result straight away.
Tough & long
Boot laces
Heavy-duty laces in the longer lengths work and hiking boots need.
Shop boot laces
Not sure?
Flat, round or oval?
Compare lace shapes to find the best match for your shoes.
Compare lace shapes
Full sizing guide
Want the complete picture on lace sizing?
Lengths for shoes and boots side by side, plus tips on what affects fit.
✓ Australian owned
A Sydney business that knows laces.
✓ Every length in stock
From short kids' laces to extra-long boot laces.
✓ Fast shipping
Quick dispatch Australia-wide.
Shoelace length FAQs
How do I know what length shoelaces to buy?
Count the matching eyelet pairs on one shoe and check the chart above. For example, 6 pairs needs 110 cm and 7 pairs needs 120 cm. If you still have your old laces, measuring one from tip to tip is the most accurate way.
Do I count eyelets on one shoe or both?
Just one shoe. Count each matching pair from the bottom up, one eyelet on each side making a pair. If you've counted every hole, divide by two.
What if I'm between two sizes?
Go for the longer size. A slightly long lace is easy to tie with a double knot, but a short one won't reach. If you need an exact fit, we can cut laces to a custom length.
Do boot hooks count as eyelets?
Yes. Each matching set of hooks or D-rings counts as one pair, just like a regular eyelet.
What length laces do most sneakers need?
Most low-top sneakers have 5 or 6 eyelet pairs, which means 90 cm to 110 cm laces. High-tops usually have 7 or 8 pairs and need 120 cm to 140 cm.
Why is the eyelet pairs calculator only a guide?
Shoes vary. Shoe width, tongue thickness, eyelet spacing and your lacing style all change how much lace you use, so two shoes with the same number of eyelets can need slightly different lengths.