Ankle boots, hiking boots and work boots showing different lace length needs - Pear Shoelace

Boot Lace Length Guide

Find the right shoelace length for ankle boots, hiking boots, work boots and tall lace-up boots. Measure your existing laces for the most accurate result or count the eyelet and hook pairs on one boot.

Do You Have the Original Laces?

Remove one lace, straighten it without stretching and measure it from tip to tip. If it tied comfortably, choose the closest available replacement length.

Are the Original Laces Missing?

Count the matching eyelet and hook pairs running up one boot. Use the boot lace length chart below to find a suitable starting length.

Important: Count matching pairs on one boot, not every individual eyelet or hook. Boot width, eyelet spacing, tongue thickness and lacing style can affect the required length.

Boot Lace Length Chart

Count the matching eyelet or hook pairs on one boot, then use the chart below as a starting point. Boot width, eyelet spacing and lacing style can affect the required length.

Eyelet or Hook Pairs	Typical Boot Style	Recommended Lace Length
3 to 4 pairs	Kids’ boots or low ankle boots	75–100 cm
4 to 5 pairs	Ankle boots or casual boots	100–120 cm
5 to 6 pairs	Casual, hiking or work boots	120–140 cm
6 to 7 pairs	Medium hiking or work boots	140–160 cm
7 to 8 pairs	Hiking boots or taller work boots	160–180 cm
8 to 9 pairs	Tall hiking or work boots	180–200 cm
9 to 10 pairs	Tall work or lace-up boots	200–220 cm
10 to 12 pairs	Extra-tall lace-up boots	220 cm or longer

For the most accurate fit: remove one existing lace, straighten it without stretching and measure it from tip to tip. If your measurement falls between two available sizes, choose the longer size for speed hooks, wide boots, thick tongues or double knots.

Boot diagram showing eyelets and speed hooks for measuring lace length - Pear Shoelace

How to Measure Boot Laces

Measuring an existing lace is the most accurate way to choose a replacement. Follow these simple steps before ordering your new boot laces.

Remove One Lace

Carefully remove one existing lace from the boot without cutting or stretching it.

Lay It Flat

Straighten the lace on a flat surface without pulling or stretching the material.

Measure Tip to Tip

Measure the entire lace from the end of one aglet to the end of the other aglet.

Choose Your Size

Select the closest available length, then adjust if the original lace felt too short or too long.

Helpful tip: if your original laces were too short, add approximately 10–20 cm. If they created oversized loops or long dangling ends, choose a length approximately 10–20 cm shorter.

Choosing the Right Lace Type for Your Boots

The best boot laces depend on the style of your boots, how often you wear them and the level of durability and grip you need.

Round Boot Laces

Round laces move easily through eyelets and speed hooks. They are a practical choice for hiking boots, work boots and rugged everyday footwear.

Flat Boot Laces

Flat laces create a wider, more noticeable appearance and can suit casual boots, fashion boots and selected ankle boots.

Waxed Boot Laces

Waxed laces provide a clean, polished finish that complements leather boots, dress boots and smarter lace-up styles.

Choose a Longer Lace When

Your boots have speed hooks, widely spaced eyelets, a thick tongue or a tall upper. Extra length is also useful for double knots, larger bows and support-focused lacing methods.

Choose a Shorter Lace When

Your boots have closely spaced eyelets, a low ankle profile or a narrow opening. A shorter lace also provides a neater finish with smaller loops and less excess lace.

Remember: lace thickness can affect the fit. Thicker boot laces may require slightly more length than thin laces when threaded through the same number of eyelets and hooks.

Common Boot Lace Lengths

120cm Laces

Often suits ankle boots and lower-cut lace-up boots.

140cm Laces

Common for medium-height boots and casual boots.

180cm Laces

Useful for hiking boots and work boots with more eyelets.

200cm Laces

Suitable for tall boots and boots with hooks or high uppers.

Comparison of boot laces that are too short and the correct lace length - Pear Shoelace

Find the Right Replacement Boot Laces

Once you know the correct length, choose boot laces that match your footwear and how you use it. Pear Shoelace offers replacement options for casual boots, hiking boots, work boots and tall lace-up styles.

Remember to check the length, lace shape, thickness and colour before ordering. Measuring an existing lace from tip to tip remains the most reliable way to find the right fit.

Boot Laces

Explore replacement laces for casual, hiking, work and everyday boots.

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Round Shoelaces

Find practical round laces suited to eyelets, speed hooks and rugged boots.

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Waxed Shoelaces

Choose waxed laces for leather boots and a cleaner, more polished appearance.

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Shop All Replacement Boot Laces

Lace-length recommendations are a general guide. Boot design, width, eyelet spacing and lacing method may affect the required size.

Finding the Right Lace Length for Boots by Pear Shoelace

Choose the Best Lace Length for Boots

Frequently Asked Questions - Find the Right Lace Length for Boots

How do I find the right lace length for my boots?

The best way to find the right boot lace length is to measure your current laces from end to end. If the old laces tied well, use that measurement as your guide. If they are too short or too long, adjust by 10 – 20cm depending on how much extra lace you need for a comfortable bow.

Can I choose boot laces by counting the eyelets?

Yes, counting the eyelet pairs is a useful way to estimate the length of boot laces. Count the pairs of holes or hooks on one boot, then match that number to a lace length guide. This works well when your old laces are missing, but measuring an existing lace is still the most accurate option.

What lace length do ankle boots usually need?

Most ankle boots usually need shorter laces than tall work or hiking boots. The right length depends on the number of eyelets, the width of the boot opening, and how you like to tie them. As a rule, low ankle boots often need fewer laces, while padded or wider boots may need extra length.

What lace length do hiking boots usually need?

Hiking boots usually need longer laces because they often have more eyelets, hooks, or speed-lacing sections. A longer lace gives enough room to tighten the boot evenly from the toe area to the ankle. If you use a heel lock or a double knot, choose a slightly longer length to make tying easier.

Should boot laces be longer if I double-knot them?

Yes, choose slightly longer boot laces if you regularly double-knot your boots. A double knot requires more lace than a standard bow, especially on work, hiking, and kids’ boots. If your current laces feel tight when tied, adding around 10–20cm can make the fit easier to manage.

What happens if my boot laces are too short?

Boot laces that are too short can make your boots harder to tighten and uncomfortable to tie. You may end up with a small bow, uneven tension, or not enough lace to use the top hooks. For boots, it is usually better to have a little extra length than to be short.

What happens if my boot laces are too long?

Boot laces that are too long can drag, loosen, or create bulky bows. This can be annoying for everyday wear and may be unsafe for work, hiking, or outdoor use. If the laces hang too far past the boot, choose a shorter length or use a firmer knot to keep them controlled.

Which boot lace material is best for everyday boots?

Polyester, cotton, waxed, and round rope-style laces can all work well for everyday boots. Polyester is a practical choice for regular wear, while waxed laces give a firmer, cleaner look. For heavier boots, choose a lace that feels strong enough for repeated tightening and that matches the boot's style.

Do boot lace colours affect how the boots look?

Yes, boot lace colour can change the overall look of your boots quite a lot. Matching colours create a clean, simple finish, while contrasting colours can make the laces stand out. Black, brown, tan, navy, and grey are easy everyday options, while brighter colours suit a more casual or custom look.

How should I care for boot laces so they last longer?

You can help boot laces last longer by keeping them clean, dry, and properly tied. Remove loose dirt with a soft cloth or a gentle brush, and let wet laces air-dry before wearing them again. Avoid pulling too hard on worn aglets or frayed sections, as this can shorten the lace's lifespan.