Practical, no-fluff advice on picking laces that match your shoe, activity, and style — by Eric Delgado, Co-founder of Shoe Lace Supply. Published Nov 9, 2025.
Swap one small part of your sneaker and change the whole vibe. This short guide explains the five most common lace families, when to pick each, quick care tips, and how to measure for the right length.
Why laces matter (more than you think)
Laces affect comfort, silhouette, knot behavior, and perceived quality. Choosing the correct lace is an inexpensive upgrade that can make new or familiar sneakers look and feel custom.
The five lace families
Cotton laces — the soft, vintage choice
What they are: Natural cotton fibers woven into flat or rounded laces. Common on retro and canvas sneakers.
Best for: Canvas shoes, vintage sneakers, lifestyle kicks. Style tip: Use cotton to soften high-contrast sneakers for a classic look.
Single-tape laces — slim & low-profile
What they are: Narrow single-layer tape (poly/cotton blends) found on many classic Nikes, Jordans, and Converse silhouettes.
Best for: Low-profile street sneakers and retro silhouettes. Style tip: Swap in a contrasting tape lace for subtle pop without changing the profile.
Waxed laces — neat knots & premium shine
What they are: Textile laces coated with wax for stiffness and light water resistance.
Best for: Leather sneakers, dress shoes, and skate/hybrid styles. Style tip: Waxed laces instantly sharpen leather trainers.
Flat polyester / athletic laces — the performance workhorse
What they are: Flat synthetic laces (polyester/nylon) used on modern running and training shoes.
Best for: Running, training, and everyday athletic shoes. Style tip: High-contrast flat polyester adds a sporty accent to lifestyle sneakers.
Round polyester laces — grip, strength & utility
What they are: Braided or woven round laces (rope-style), textured and very durable.
Best for: Boots, hiking shoes, skate shoes, heavier trainers — ideal when you want secure lacing and a rugged look.
How to pick the right lace (simple checklist)
- Activity: Running → flat polyester. Dress → waxed. Canvas/weekend → cotton. Boots/hike → round polyester.
- Eyelets: Slim eyelets → single-tape or cotton. Chunky eyelets → round or fat laces.
- Vibe: Match material (suede/canvas → cotton; glossy leather → waxed).
- Length: Measure current lace or use the quick guide below.
Quick lace length chart
Common replacement lengths — measure your current lace for the most accurate fit.
| Shoe Type | Typical length (inches) |
|---|---|
| Low-top / trainers | 48" |
| Mid sneakers | 54" - 63" |
| High / boots | 63"- 72" |
Care & small upgrades that increase longevity
- Wash laces in cold water in a mesh bag; air dry to preserve aglets.
Material Comparison
Frequently asked questions
What length should I buy for my sneaker?
-Use the length chart above or measure your current lace end-to-end for the most accurate replacement.
Do shoe laces come with 1 or 2?
-Our shoe laces are sold as a pair ( so 2)
