Grab the wrong laces and you’re either relacing halfway through or dealing with a floppy bow that comes undone every block. The chart below gives you the answer in seconds – find your eyelet count, pick the matching length.
Shoelace Length Chart by Number of Eyelets
Count the pairs of eyelets (one pair = one hole on each side). Most shoes mark pairs, not total holes.
| Eyelet Pairs | Recommended Length (inches) | Recommended Length (cm) | Typical Shoe Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3 pairs | 27 in | 69 cm | Kids shoes, low oxfords |
| 4 pairs | 36 in | 91 cm | Low-top sneakers, loafers |
| 5 pairs | 45 in | 114 cm | Standard sneakers, casual shoes |
| 6 pairs | 54 in | 137 cm | Running shoes, mid-top sneakers |
| 7 pairs | 63 in | 160 cm | High-top sneakers, Converse Chuck Taylor |
| 8 pairs | 72 in | 183 cm | Work boots, hiking boots |
| 9+ pairs | 84 in | 213 cm | Tall work boots, logger boots |
Note: These are typical starting points. Actual length needed varies by lacing style (straight vs. criss-cross), shoe width, and brand. Wide shoes may need the next size up. When in doubt, go one size longer – you can always tuck excess under the tongue.
Shoelace Length Calculator
Shoelace Length by Shoe Type
If you already know your shoe type, this table gets you there even faster.
| Shoe Type | Common Eyelet Pairs | Standard Lace Length |
|---|---|---|
| Low-top sneakers (Nike Air Max, adidas Stan Smith) | 4-5 pairs | 36-45 in / 91-114 cm |
| Running shoes (Brooks Ghost, Hoka Clifton) | 6-7 pairs | 54-63 in / 137-160 cm |
| High-top sneakers (Jordan 1, Nike Dunk High) | 7-8 pairs | 63-72 in / 160-183 cm |
| Converse Chuck Taylor High Top | 7 pairs | 54-63 in / 137-160 cm |
| Vans Old Skool / Sk8-Hi Low | 5-6 pairs | 45-54 in / 114-137 cm |
| Vans Sk8-Hi (high top) | 7 pairs | 63 in / 160 cm |
| Work boots (6-inch, 8-inch) | 7-8 pairs | 63-72 in / 160-183 cm |
| Hiking boots (mid or high) | 8-9 pairs | 72-84 in / 183-213 cm |
| Oxford dress shoes | 4-5 pairs | 27-36 in / 69-91 cm |
For a full Vans-specific chart including every model, see our Vans shoelace length guide. And if you want to experiment with lacing styles, check out our how to lace Vans walkthrough.
How to Measure Your Shoelace Length
Two quick methods:
Method 1: Count Your Eyelet Pairs (Fastest)
- Remove the shoe from your foot.
- Count the eyelets on one side only – that gives you the number of pairs.
- Match that number to the chart above.
Method 2: Measure an Existing Lace (Most Accurate)
- Pull out one lace from the shoe.
- Lay it flat on a hard surface.
- Measure tip to tip in inches or centimeters – include the aglets (the plastic tips at each end).
- That number is your replacement size. If the existing laces were too short or too long, adjust up or down by one standard size (typically 9 in / 23 cm increments).
If you have wide or thick shoes, or you prefer a certain lacing technique (like straight bar lacing), go one size longer than the chart suggests. You can always tie a slightly longer lace – you cannot stretch a short one.
Flat vs. Round Laces – and Why Width Matters
Beyond length, two other specs affect fit:
- Flat laces are the standard for sneakers and casual shoes. They stay tied more easily and lie flat through eyelets. Typical width is 3/8 in (10 mm) for everyday shoes and up to 5/8 in (16 mm) for chunky/retro sneakers.
- Round laces are common on dress shoes, boots, and some trail runners. They thread through small eyelets without bunching.
- Oval (semi-flat) laces are a middle ground – good for running shoes and hiking boots where a snug fit matters.
Aglet length affects usable lace length. Most aglets are about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long. Shoelace length is always measured tip to tip including aglets, so the actual lacing section is slightly shorter than the stated size.
If you need replacement laces, a solid general-purpose flat option is these flat athletic shoelaces – available in multiple lengths from 27 in to 63 in, so you can order the exact size you need. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Also useful: our adidas vs Nike sizing comparison and the complete shoe size chart for when you’re buying new shoes entirely.
FAQ
What length shoelaces do I need for 6 eyelets?
For 6 eyelet pairs, the standard recommendation is 54 inches (137 cm). This length works well for most running shoes and mid-top sneakers with 6 pairs of eyelets. If your shoes are wide or you prefer a longer bow, try 60 in (152 cm).
What is the standard shoelace length?
There is no single “standard” – it depends on the shoe. The most common sizes found in stores are 36 in (91 cm), 45 in (114 cm), and 54 in (137 cm), covering most low-top and mid-top shoes. Running shoe laces tend to be 54-63 in, while boot laces start at 63 in and go up to 84+ in.
How long are sneaker laces?
Standard sneaker laces for low-top models (4-5 eyelet pairs) are 36-45 inches (91-114 cm). High-top sneakers typically take 63 inch (160 cm) laces. Running sneakers with 6-7 eyelet pairs usually need 54-63 inches (137-160 cm).
What size laces for boots?
A standard 6-inch work boot or hiking boot with 7-8 eyelet pairs needs 63-72 inch (160-183 cm) laces. Taller 8-inch boots or logger boots with 9+ eyelet pairs need 72-84 inches (183-213 cm). When in doubt, go longer – too-short boot laces cannot reach the top hooks.
How do I know my shoelace size?
The two fastest ways: (1) count the eyelet pairs on one side of your shoe and match to the chart at the top of this page, or (2) remove one existing lace and measure it tip to tip. If your current laces are the right length, that measurement is your size. If they were too short or too long, adjust by 9 inches up or down.