What Are Waxed Laces? How the Wax Coating Works

A waxed lace feels different from a regular lace. It is smoother, firmer and has a slight sheen. That wax coating is not just for looks. It changes how the lace behaves in the knot, in the rain and after months of wear. In this guide you will learn what waxed laces are, what the wax actually does, when to choose waxed laces and what to keep in mind.

In short

• A waxed lace has a thin layer of wax over the fibres, usually cotton.
• The wax gives more grip in the knot, keeps out moisture and dirt better and makes the lace sleek and firm.
• Flat waxed laces of 8 mm suit sneakers and casual shoes, round waxed laces of 3 mm suit dress shoes.
• Waxed laces do not go in the washing machine. Wipe them clean with a damp cloth.
• For running and sports shoes, a supple oval lace is a better choice.

What are waxed laces?

A waxed lace is a lace with a thin layer of wax over the fibres. It is usually cotton. The wax soaks into the outside of the lace and binds loose fibres. This makes the lace smoother and firmer. It also gets a sleek, slightly glossy finish.

Waxed laces have been around for a long time. You mainly see them on leather dress shoes and sturdy boots, but more and more often on sneakers that need a refined look too.

What does the wax coating do?

The wax gives a waxed lace a few clear properties that a regular lace does not have.

Property	What you notice
More grip in the knot	A bow stays tied better and comes undone less easily
More resistant to moisture and dirt	Rain and dirt soak into the lace less quickly
Sleeker look	No fluff or loose fibres, the lace sits smoothly in the eyelet
Firmer	The lace keeps its shape and does not sag in the lacing

That first point in particular makes waxed laces popular. If your laces keep coming undone, a waxed lace is often already a big improvement.

Flat waxed or round waxed?

At Veter.nl you will find waxed laces in two shapes. Which one you choose mainly depends on your shoe.

Version	Width	Look	Suits
Flat waxed	8 mm	Full and refined	Sneakers, casual shoes, low boots
Round waxed	3 mm	Thin, smooth and formal	Dress shoes, suit shoes, shoes with small eyelets

Waxed flat laces of 8 mm have the same width as most sneaker laces. They give a sneaker or casual shoe a touch more class than a regular flat lace. Waxed round laces of 3 mm are the classic choice for dress shoes. They fit through small eyelets and give a sleek, formal finish. They come in 80, 100 and 120 cm.

Which shoes do waxed laces work for?

Waxed laces work best on shoes where you want a refined look or where the lace has to take a beating.

• Leather dress shoes, where a sleek, smooth lace makes the difference.
• Low boots and work shoes, where the lace needs to cope with moisture and dirt.
• Leather sneakers and casual shoes, if you want a calmer and smarter look.
• Shoes where the bow keeps coming undone, because the wax coating adds grip.

Waxed laces are less suitable for running shoes and sports shoes. There you want a supple lace that tightens easily, such as an oval lace.

Do you need a different length?

No. The wax coating does not change the length you need. You choose the same length as for a regular lace of the same shape. That depends on the number of eyelets and the way you lace. In our shoelace length guide you will find the length that usually fits for each shoe type.

How do you care for waxed laces?

Do not put waxed laces in the washing machine. Warm water and detergent strip the wax coating, so the lace loses its grip, firmness and sheen. If your lace is dirty, wipe it clean with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

Over time the wax coating wears off by itself, especially where the lace rubs through the eyelets. The lace then becomes a little softer and duller. That is normal. If it gets really frayed or limp, it is time for a new pair.

What are the downsides of waxed laces?

Waxed laces are not the best choice for everyone. Keep these points in mind:

• They are stiffer than regular laces. New waxed laces in particular feel a little rigid at first.
• The wax coating wears. After heavy use they lose some of their grip and sheen.
• They cannot go in the washing machine, so cleaning is done by hand.

For most people those downsides do not outweigh the better grip and the refined look.

Frequently asked questions

Do waxed laces come undone less often?

Yes, usually. The wax coating adds friction in the knot, so a bow stays tied better than with a smooth, unwaxed lace.

Are waxed laces waterproof?

Not completely. The wax coating means moisture soaks into the lace less quickly, but in prolonged rain a waxed lace will get wet too.

Can I wash waxed laces?

Not in the washing machine. Wipe them clean with a damp cloth. That keeps the wax coating intact for as long as possible.

Do waxed laces suit sneakers?

Yes. Waxed flat laces of 8 mm suit most sneakers and give a more refined look than regular flat laces.

Wondering which shape suits your shoe best? Browse all flat laces or go straight to the waxed laces.