Shoelace length depends mostly on how many pairs of eyelets the shoe has. The chart below is a rough guide. It is not a substitute for lacing the actual shoe and measuring. Lengths are in centimetres with the inch conversion (1 in = 2.54 cm).
Eyelet pairs to lace length
| Eyelet pairs | Lace length (cm) | Lace length (inches) | Standard length we list that falls in the range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 | 60–70 cm | 23.6–27.6 in | 60 cm (or cut to any length in the range) |
| 5–6 | 80–90 cm | 31.5–35.4 in | 90 cm |
| 7–8 | 110–120 cm | 43.3–47.2 in | 120 cm |
| Boots | 140 cm and up | 55.1 in and up | 150 cm or 200 cm |
This is the rough guide from our wholesale shoelace guide. Published charts vary, because lacing pattern, eyelet spacing, shoe size and bow size all change the length a shoe needs. Treat any chart, including this one, as a starting point and confirm on the shoe.
How to measure
- Count the eyelet pairs. A pair is one eyelet on each side of the opening. A shoe with six holes down each side has six pairs.
- Measure an existing lace if it fits well. Lay it straight without stretching and measure from tip to tip, including the aglets.
- If there is no lace, thread a length of string through the shoe in the lacing pattern you will sell it with, tie a normal bow, then untie it and measure the string.
- Round to the length you want, then check it against the standard lengths below or order a custom length.
If you are unsure, tell us the shoe’s eyelet count and we will recommend a length.
Lengths we cut
Our shoelaces are cut from continuous braid, so length is custom anywhere from 45 to 200 cm, to the centimetre. Non-standard lengths carry no surcharge. The standard lengths are:
| Length | Inches | Lace used for 5,000 pairs |
|---|---|---|
| 45 cm | 17.7 in | 4500 m |
| 60 cm | 23.6 in | 6000 m |
| 90 cm | 35.4 in | 9000 m |
| 120 cm | 47.2 in | 12000 m |
| 150 cm | 59.1 in | 15000 m |
| 200 cm | 78.7 in | 20000 m |
The minimum is 5,000 pairs per design, style or colour. A pair uses twice the lace length, so lace used = length × 2 × 5,000.
Widths and constructions
- Flat: 5 to 15 mm wide (approx. 3/16 to 5/8 in). For sneakers, school shoes and canvas footwear.
- Round: 2 to 8 mm in diameter (3 mm = 1/8 in, 6 mm = 1/4 in, 8 mm = 5/16 in). For dress shoes, boots and hiking footwear.
- Oval: for athletic shoes.
As a rough width guide, 6–8 mm suits dress shoes and slim sneakers, and 8–12 mm suits chunky and sports styles. The eyelet size limits the width you can use.
Aglets (tips)
Two aglet types are tipped in-house: acetate film (heat-shrunk, single spiral seam, no adhesive) and metal. For reference, the 8 mm flat lace pictured on the shoelaces page carries a 15 mm (approx. 5/8 in) acetate tip. Tip length is part of the specification, so state it with the lace length.
What to send for a quote
Send the construction, width, length, colour and tip style. If you only have the shoe, send the eyelet count. The wholesale ordering guide covers minimums, samples and how to send an enquiry.
Questions
How long should shoelaces be for 5 or 6 eyelet pairs?
As a rough guide, about 80–90 cm (31.5–35.4 in). Our standard 90 cm length sits in that range, but lace the actual shoe and measure to confirm.
How do I measure shoelace length?
Lay a well-fitting lace straight without stretching and measure tip to tip, including the aglets. Without a lace, thread string through the shoe in your lacing pattern, tie a bow, then measure the string.
What lengths can you cut?
Any length from 45 to 200 cm, to the centimetre, with no surcharge for non-standard lengths. The standard lengths are 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 200 cm.
What aglets are available?
Acetate film (heat-shrunk, single spiral seam, no adhesive) or metal, both tipped in-house.