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What Are Shoelaces Made Of? Cotton, Polyester, Wax and Leather
Two laces can look the same and still behave very differently. One stays supple and frays after a year, the other stays crisp but slips out of the bow. That difference lies in the material. What are shoelaces made of and how do you notice it on your shoe? In this blog you will read what cotton, polyester, wax, leather and elastic do and which material suits your shoes.
In short
- Most laces are made of cotton, polyester or a blend of the two.
- Cotton feels soft and matt and holds the bow well. Polyester is stronger and absorbs less moisture.
- A blend combines the grip of cotton with the strength of polyester. Most laces at Veter.nl are made of it.
- A wax coating adds extra grip and keeps out moisture and dirt.
- Leather and elastic are there for a specific look or function.
What are shoelaces made of: the materials side by side
| Material | Feels | Good at | Watch out for | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Soft and matt | Grip in the knot, natural look | Absorbs moisture and wears faster | Sneakers and casual shoes |
| Polyester | Smooth, with a slight sheen | Strong, colorfast, dries quickly | Smoother in the knot | Sports shoes and everyday use |
| Cotton with polyester | Soft but sturdy | Grip and strength in one | No pronounced weak point | Almost any shoe |
| Waxed | Sleek and slightly stiff | Bow stays tied, moisture soaks in less quickly | Not in the washing machine | Dress shoes, boots, leather sneakers |
| Leather | Supple and sturdy | Luxurious look, lasts a long time | Do not wash or soak | Leather shoes and boots |
| Elastic | Stretchy | Gives with your foot, no bow needed | Is secured with a lock | Sports shoes, kids’ shoes and slip-ons |
Cotton or polyester: what is the difference?
Cotton is a natural fibre. The fibres are slightly rough and catch on each other in the knot. That is why a bow in a cotton lace stays tied. Cotton has a matt, understated look that goes well with leather and retro models. The drawback is that cotton absorbs moisture. A wet cotton lace dries slowly, gets dirty sooner and in time wears where it rubs through the eyelets.
Polyester is a synthetic fibre. The thread is smooth, strong and absorbs almost no moisture. A polyester lace keeps its color and length, even after many washes. Because it is so smooth, it does have less grip in the knot than cotton.
That is why the two are often blended. A lace of cotton with polyester feels soft, holds the bow and lasts longer than pure cotton. The basic flat laces, the round and the oval laces are made of that blend. If you want the matt, natural texture of cotton, take a look at the cotton laces.
What does a wax coating do?
A waxed lace has a thin layer of wax over the fibres. That layer binds loose fibres, which makes the lace look sleek and smooth. In the knot the wax adds extra friction, so a bow is less likely to come undone. Moisture and dirt soak in less quickly.
You will find them flat in 8 mm for sneakers and casual shoes and round in 3 mm for dress shoes. Everything about how they work is in what are waxed laces.
When do you choose leather or elastic?
Leather laces have a leather outer layer and metal aglets. They give a shoe a sturdy, luxurious finish and suit leather shoes and boots. Leather does need different care from textile. There is more on that in how to care for leather laces.
Elastic laces stretch with your foot and are held in place with a lock. You do not tie them. They are made for anyone who wants to step in quickly or has trouble tying. How that works is explained in no tie laces.
How do you recognise the material of your old lace?
- Look at the sheen: matt and slightly fuzzy points to cotton. An even sheen points to polyester.
- Feel the texture: cotton feels soft and dry. Polyester feels smooth and cool. A waxed lace feels sleek and slightly tacky.
- Look at how it wears: cotton goes fuzzy and thin. Polyester stays intact for a long time and only frays once the aglet comes off.
The material also determines how you clean the lace. Textile laces can be washed by hand. Waxed and leather laces should only be wiped with a damp cloth. The explanation for each type is in how to wash shoelaces.
Which material for which shoe?
- Everyday sneakers: cotton with polyester. Soft, strong and available in most colors.
- Leather sneakers and retro models: cotton, for the matt look.
- Sports shoes: a firmly woven lace that holds its tension, such as performance laces.
- Dress shoes: thin and waxed.
- Work shoes and boots: a round, sturdy cord. See the best laces for work shoes.
Besides the material, the shape matters. The difference between flat, round and oval is explained in flat, round or oval laces.
Frequently asked questions
Are cotton laces better than polyester laces?
Not better, but different. Cotton has more grip and a matt look. Polyester is stronger and copes better with moisture. A blend gives the best of both.
Which material lasts longest?
Polyester and polyester blends wear less quickly than pure cotton. How long a lace lasts depends mainly on how often it rubs against the eyelets.
Do laces shrink in the wash?
Cotton laces can shrink slightly in a warm wash. Laces with polyester keep their length better. Wash them by hand in lukewarm water and let them air dry.
What is the aglet made of?
Usually plastic, sometimes metal. You can read more about it in what is an aglet.
Browse all materials and versions under laces by type.
