How to Measure Shoelace Length
Getting the length right is the difference between a clean lace-up and laces that whip around all day. Here are two quick ways to find your size — one takes ten seconds.
Try the length calculator →Method 1 — Measure your old lace (most accurate)
If you still have a lace, this is the surest way, because it accounts for your exact shoe and how you lace it.
- Pull one lace all the way out of the shoe.
- Lay it flat and straight along a tape measure or ruler — don't stretch it.
- Measure from tip to tip, including the plastic ends (the aglets).
- Round up to the nearest length sold, and that's your size.
Method 2 — Count your eyelets
No lace to measure? Count the pairs of eyelets — one hole on each side at the same height is one pair. Count any hooks near the top as eyelets too. Then read across:
| Eyelet pairs | Length | Typical shoe |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 | 60–90 cm | Dress shoes, low-tops |
| 5–6 | 90–120 cm | Sneakers, casual shoes |
| 7 | 120–140 cm | High-tops, work boots |
| 8 | 140–160 cm | Boots, high-tops |
| 9+ | 160–210 cm | Tall lace-up boots |
Remember that sneakers use a little more lace than boots with the same eyelet count, so lean to the higher end for trainers. For exact figures by shoe type and brand, see the full shoelace length guide.
No old lace and can't count? Measure the shoe
If a lace has snapped and you can't line it up, run a piece of string the way a lace would go — up through each eyelet in your usual pattern — then pull it out, lay it flat, and measure it. Add a little extra for the bow (around 30–40 cm total for tying) and round up. It's not as precise as measuring an intact lace, but it gets you close.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Stretching the lace while measuring — it gives a false, too-long reading. Lay it flat and relaxed.
- Forgetting the aglets — measure tip to tip, plastic ends included.
- Sizing down when unsure — a short lace can't be stretched; always round up.
- Ignoring your lacing style — ladder or bar lacing uses more lace than a plain criss-cross, so size up if you lace that way.