Which shoelaces length do I need? Practical advice per shoe type
The correct shoelaces length depends on the type of shoe and how you wear your shoelaces. In practice, 120 cm is the most suitable length for most sneakers and everyday shoes. Wearing shoelaces loose or tight, using a single knot or a double knot, and letting shoelaces hang all make a clear difference.
How do you determine the right shoelaces length in practice?
There is no fixed shoelaces length that works for everyone. The required length is determined by:
- The type of shoe and the height of the collar
- How tight or loose you wear your shoelaces
- A single knot or a double knot
- Wearing shoelaces tight or letting them hang loose
- The distance between the eyelets and the width of the shoe
As a result, the same shoe can work perfectly with 120 cm for one person, while someone else deliberately chooses 140 cm. This is normal.
Shoelaces length per shoe type
Low sneakers
For low sneakers, 120 cm is the practical standard. This is the length supplied with most sneakers and works best for most people.
- Most logical: 120 cm
- Alternative: 100 cm for tight lacing or small sizes
- 140 cm only when wearing shoelaces deliberately loose or with large sizes
Mid sneakers
Mid sneakers have a slightly higher collar, but 120 cm is still suitable in many cases.
- Most logical: 120 cm
- Alternative: 140 cm for loose lacing or larger models
High sneakers
With high sneakers, extra length is more often needed, especially when lacing all the way up or using a double knot.
- Most logical: 140 cm
- Alternative: 120 cm for tight lacing or skipping the top eyelets
- 160 cm for loose wear or larger high-top models
Running shoes and sports shoes
Running shoes are usually worn tightly laced. Because of this, 120 cm is almost always the correct choice.
- Most logical: 120 cm
- Alternative: 100 cm for compact models
- 140 cm when using a double knot or advanced lacing techniques
Dress shoes and lace-up shoes
Dress shoes have fewer eyelets and are worn tightly laced. Shorter shoelaces lengths create a cleaner appearance.
- Most logical: 80 cm
- Alternative: 60 cm for very few eyelets
- 100 cm as a practical replacement when availability is limited
Boots
With boots, the height of the shaft is more important than the number of eyelets.
- Most logical: 140 cm
- Alternative: 160 cm for high boots or loose lacing
- 180 cm only for extremely high boots
Children’s shoes
Children’s shoes require shorter shoelaces lengths, but these sizes are limited in availability.
- Most logical: 80 cm
- Alternative: 60 cm for small sizes
- 100 cm as a practical solution with a double knot
Shoelaces length overview per shoe type
| Shoe type | Most common choice | Small sizes Tight lacing Not tied |
Large sizes Loose lacing Double knot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low sneakers | 120 cm | 100 cm | 140 cm |
| Mid sneakers | 120–140 cm | 100 cm | 140 cm |
| High sneakers | 140–160 cm | 120–140 cm | 180 cm |
| Running shoes | 120 cm | 100 cm | 140 cm |
| Dress shoes | 100–120 cm | 80 cm | 120 cm |
| Boots | 120–140 cm | 120 cm | 140–180 cm |
| Children’s shoes | 80 cm | 60 cm | 100 cm |
Why 60, 80 and 180 cm lengths are limited
Very short and very long shoelaces lengths are rarely used and therefore have limited availability. In practice, a nearby length almost always works. Slightly longer shoelaces are easy to manage, while shoelaces that are too short are not. That is why 120 cm is the safest and most versatile choice.
Frequently asked questions about shoelaces length
What if my shoelaces are too long?
Use a double knot, tighten the loops, or tuck the ends under the shoelaces or the tongue. Cutting is usually unnecessary.
What if my shoelaces are too short?
Skip the top eyelet or choose longer shoelaces. Shoelaces that are structurally too short cannot be fixed without replacing them.
Does tight or loose lacing affect the length?
Yes. Tight lacing uses less shoelaces length. Wearing shoelaces loose, making large loops, or letting shoelaces hang requires more length.
Does a double knot make a difference?
Yes. A double knot uses extra shoelaces length. If you always use a double knot, it is better to choose the longer option.
Does a few centimeters really matter?
No. A small difference is normal. As long as you can lace your shoes comfortably without shoelaces hanging loose or falling short, the length is correct.
Is it better to choose shoelaces that are slightly too long or too short?
Slightly too long is safer. Shoelaces that are too long can be double-knotted or tucked away. Shoelaces that are too short cannot always be tied properly.
Do wide shoes need longer shoelaces?
Yes. With wider shoes, the distance between the eyelets is larger, which uses more shoelaces length. In that case, a length of +20 cm often feels more comfortable.
Does shoe size itself make a big difference?
Yes. Larger sizes generally use more shoelaces length than smaller sizes, even within the same shoe type. That is why shorter lengths often work better for small sizes and longer lengths for larger sizes.
Does the material or thickness of the shoelaces matter?
Yes. Thicker shoelaces take up more space when tying and create larger knots and loops. With thick shoelaces, a slightly longer length can feel more comfortable.
Does lacing technique affect shoelaces length?
Yes. Standard criss-cross lacing uses less shoelaces length than loose lacing, extra loops, or decorative lacing techniques. Skipping the top eyelet can also affect the required length.
Why do original shoelaces sometimes feel too long or too short?
Brands choose one standard shoelaces length that works for most people. Personal preferences such as loose wear, double knots, or a different lacing style can make that length feel less ideal for you.
Does shoelaces length affect comfort?
Yes. Shoelaces that are too short can prevent shoes from closing properly. Shoelaces that are too long can create clutter when tying. The right shoelaces length improves comfort and overall fit.