Vans Shoelace Length Guide & Size Chart (2026)

Last updated: June 15, 2026

If you’re searching for the right Vans shoelace length, you’re in the right place. Whether you need a quick replacement for your Old Skool, Sk8-Hi, or Era, this guide gives you the exact length by model and eyelet count – plus a handy reference chart. We keep this updated in 2026 so you can order with confidence.

Not sure which length applies to your specific pair? Count the eyelet pairs on your shoe, then match them to the chart below. For a full cross-brand reference, see our general shoelace length chart.

Vans Shoelace Length Chart

Use this chart to find the right lace length based on how many eyelet pairs your Vans have. The second column maps common Vans models to their typical eyelet count.

Pairs of Eyelets	Vans Models	Lace Length (IN)	Lace Length (CM)
4 – 5 eyelets	Vans Slip-On (no laces), Authentic	36 – 45 in	90 – 100 cm
5 – 6 eyelets	Era, Atwood, Ward	45 – 54 in	100 – 120 cm
6 – 7 eyelets	Old Skool (low, standard)	45 – 54 in	114 – 120 cm
7 – 8 eyelets	Old Skool (some variants), Authentic Hi	54 – 63 in	120 – 140 cm
8+ eyelets	Sk8-Hi, MTE, Sk8-Hi MTE, Half Cab	54 – 72 in	140 – 182 cm

Need lace lengths for other shoes? Our free Shoelace Length Calculator covers all brands and shoe types – just enter your eyelet count.

Vans has shoes for all lifestyle needs – from casual daily wear to skateboarding and even winter-ready styles. Each model has a specific eyelet count that determines the ideal lace length. Let’s break each one down.

VANS OLD SKOOL – Shoelace Length

The Old Skool is Vans’ most iconic silhouette – the one with the Jazz Stripe that James Van Doren famously sketched on a pair back in 1977. It’s been going strong ever since.

The Old Skool has been produced in many variations over the years, and eyelet count varies. Most standard low-top versions have 6 pairs of eyelets – go with 120 cm laces for those. Some pairs have 7 or 8 eyelets; if you want to lace all the way up, step up to 140 cm.

If you want to experiment with different lacing patterns, check out our guide on how to lace your Vans for step-by-step techniques.

Wondering if the Old Skool fits true to size? See our do Vans run big guide for a full sizing breakdown.

VANS SK8-HI – Shoelace Length

The Sk8-Hi is Vans’ high-top classic – originally designed to give skaters more ankle support. It typically has 8 pairs of eyelets, and some versions have slightly wider eyelet spacing near the top.

For the Sk8-Hi, use 140 cm laces. If you have a variant with 9+ eyelets (like certain MTE versions or collabs), go with 182 cm to be safe. The shoes often come with unique-looking laces that end exactly at the top eyelet – a 140 cm replacement will replicate that look.

VANS MTE – Shoelace Length

The Mountain Edition (MTE) is Vans’ weatherproof line – built for wet trails, cold sidewalks, and everything in between. The Sk8-Hi MTE has the most eyelets in the lineup.

For the MTE, go with 150 cm or longer. If you plan to double-knot or do a fancy lacing technique, grab 182 cm to be safe.

VANS ERA – Shoelace Length

The Era is a low-profile skate shoe with 5 pairs of eyelets. It’s one of Vans’ most comfortable casual models – and one of the easiest to replace laces on.

For the Era, 100 cm laces are the right fit. That gives you enough to tie a solid knot without excess hanging over the sides.

Looking for the most comfortable Vans for all-day wear? See our most comfortable Vans roundup.

Shoelace Length for Women’s Vans

Good news: Vans shoelace length is determined by eyelet count, not shoe size. A women’s size 6 Old Skool and a men’s size 12 Old Skool both have the same number of eyelets – so the same lace length works for both. Use the chart above regardless of gender sizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size laces do I need for Vans Old Skool?

Most Vans Old Skool pairs have 6 eyelet pairs and use 120 cm (45 in) flat laces. If your pair has 7 or 8 eyelet pairs, step up to 140 cm (54 in). Always count your eyelets before ordering – Old Skool variants can differ.

How long are Vans shoelaces from the factory?

Vans ships its shoes with laces pre-matched to each model. The Era and Authentic typically come with ~100 cm laces, the Old Skool with ~120 cm, and the Sk8-Hi with ~140 cm. These are flat laces (not round), so when buying replacements, look for flat laces in the same length.

What length laces do I need for the Vans Sk8-Hi?

The Sk8-Hi uses 140 cm (54 in) laces for standard lacing with 8 eyelet pairs. For a looser style that skips the top eyelet, 120 cm can work. For the Sk8-Hi MTE or boot-style versions with more eyelets, 150-182 cm is safer.

How do I measure shoelace length on Vans?

The easiest method: pull out one of your existing laces and measure it from tip to tip. If you don’t have the original, count the eyelet pairs and match to the chart above. As a general rule: each extra pair of eyelets adds roughly 15-20 cm to the required lace length.

Are Vans laces round or flat?

Vans ships all its core models – Old Skool, Era, Sk8-Hi, Authentic – with flat laces (not round). When buying replacements, look for flat woven shoelaces in the correct length. Most budget sets (like Sechunk) come flat and work well as Vans replacements.

Conclusion

Quick recap for 2026: Vans Era takes 100 cm, Old Skool takes 120-140 cm (depending on eyelet count), Sk8-Hi takes 140 cm, and MTE takes 150 cm or longer. When in doubt, count the eyelet pairs and use the chart at the top of this page – or check the general shoelace length chart if you need to size laces for other brands too.

References:

https://www.frequencystore.co.uk/pages/vans-shoe-laces-size-chart
https://lacesmatched.co.uk/vans-shoelaces-size-chart/
https://www.slickieslaces.com/blogs/news/shoe-laces-length-guide-how-do-i-determine-the-length-of-my-vans-sneaker-shoelaces
http://blog.schuh.co.uk/vans-old-skool-an-in-depth-guide/