Buying Guide
Waxed vs Unwaxed Laces: Which & Why
Waxed or unwaxed? It's the one choice people pause on — and it really does change how your shoes perform and look. Waxed laces resist water and grip their knots; unwaxed are softer, easier to tie and come in every colour. Here's how to pick.
Shop waxed laces →
✓ Water-resistant & grippy
✓ Holds knots all day
✓ Australian owned & fast shipping
The short answer
Match the lace to how you wear the shoe.
Choose waxed for
Dress shoes, boots, and wet or outdoor wear
Choose unwaxed for
Sneakers and casual everyday shoes
What are waxed laces?
Waxed laces are ordinary cotton or polyester laces given a thin wax coating. That coating does three things: it repels water and dirt, it makes the lace firmer so it feeds and threads more precisely, and it grips itself so knots stay tied. Most waxed laces have a subtle sheen and a smooth, slightly stiff feel — the look you'll recognise from smart dress shoes and quality boots.
What are unwaxed laces?
Unwaxed laces are the everyday standard — soft cotton or polyester with no coating. They're flexible, easy to tie, come in every colour, and have a matte, casual look. They're what you'll find on most sneakers and casual shoes, and they're the comfortable default when water resistance isn't a concern.
Waxed vs unwaxed at a glance
The practical differences that decide most purchases.
|
Waxed |
Unwaxed |
| Water & dirt | Resists both | Absorbs both |
| Knot hold | Grips, stays tied | Can loosen |
| Feel | Firm, smooth | Soft, flexible |
| Look | Subtle sheen, smart | Matte, casual |
| Best for | Dress shoes, boots, wet wear | Sneakers, everyday shoes |
Which should you choose?
Two quick checklists — pick the one that sounds like you.
Choose waxed if…
✓ You wear dress shoes and want a crisp, polished finish.
✓ Your boots see rain, mud or a wet worksite.
✓ Your laces keep coming undone — the grip fixes that.
✓ You like a lace that threads neatly through tight eyelets.
Choose unwaxed if…
✓ You're lacing sneakers or casual shoes.
✓ You prefer laces that are easy to tie and sit soft.
✓ You want the widest choice of colours.
✓ Water resistance isn't a factor for how you wear them.
A few things to know
Waxed laces need the odd top-up. The coating wears over months of use; a fresh rub of lace wax brings back the water resistance and grip. Unwaxed laces are lower-maintenance but will soak up water and can loosen more easily. And colour reads slightly differently: waxed laces have a gentle sheen, while unwaxed are flat and matte — worth keeping in mind if you're matching a specific look.
Shop the right laces
Whichever way you've decided, here's where to go.
Water-resistant
Waxed laces
Firm and water-resistant — ideal for dress shoes and boots.
Browse waxed laces
Everyday · every colour
Flat & round laces
Soft everyday laces for sneakers and casual shoes — available as
flat or
round, in a full range of colours.
✓ Right lace for the job
Waxed for wet and formal, unwaxed for everyday.
✓ Every colour & style
Flat, round, waxed and more to match any shoe.
✓ Australian owned
Dispatched fast from Australia with tracking.
Frequently asked questions
Are waxed laces better than unwaxed?
Neither is better overall — it depends on the shoe. Waxed laces are better for dress shoes, boots and wet conditions because they resist water and hold knots. Unwaxed laces are better for sneakers and casual wear where a soft feel and easy tying matter more.
Do waxed laces stay tied better?
Yes. The wax coating grips itself, so knots hold more securely and come undone less often than with smooth, unwaxed laces.
Are waxed laces waterproof?
They're water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. The coating repels water and dirt so the laces stay cleaner and drier, but heavy soaking will still get through over time.
Can you wax normal laces yourself?
You can, using a lace or fabric wax, but a purpose-made
waxed lace gives a more even, longer-lasting finish. Over time any waxed lace benefits from an occasional re-wax to refresh the coating.
Are waxed laces good for boots?
Very. Boots often face rain and mud, and waxed laces shed both while holding knots and heel locks firmly through the day — which is why they're a popular choice for work and dress boots.
