You've found the perfect pair of sneakers, but your original laces are starting to show their age? Or maybe you just want to change up your style? Before you splurge on a new pair of MY KNOT PARIS laces, you still need to choose the right length. Laces that are too short won't properly close your shoe, while laces that are too long will drag on the ground. Here's the complete guide to ensure you never make a mistake again.
Why is shoelace size so important?
The length of a shoelace directly affects your comfort and style. Laces that are too short create excessive tension on the eyelets and can damage your shoe in the long run. Laces that are too long, on the other hand, form bulky, unattractive knots or—worse—come undone in the middle of the street. The correct length allows you to tie a neat knot, neither too tight nor too loose, with lace ends approximately 5 to 7 cm long on each side after the knot.
Size chart by number of eyelets
The main criterion for choosing the length of your shoelaces is the number of pairs of eyelets on your shoe. Count the holes on only one side of your sneaker:
- 2 to 3 pairs of eyelets → 45 cm laces
- 4 pairs of eyelets → 60 cm laces
- 5 pairs of eyelets → 75 cm laces
- 6 pairs of eyelets → 90 cm laces
- 7 pairs of eyelets → 114 cm laces
- 8 pairs of eyelets and more → 120 to 140 cm laces
Flat laces or round laces: does it change the length?
Yes, slightly! Flat laces take up more space in the eyelets and generally require going 10 cm above the standard size. If you're hesitating between two sizes, opt for the longer one for flat laces and the shorter one for round laces. MY KNOT PARIS Lurex laces, which are slightly thicker, follow the same rule as flat laces.
The current laces method
The easiest way? Simply measure your current laces before throwing them away! Lay them flat on a flat surface and measure from end to end. This will give you your exact size without any calculations. At MY KNOT PARIS, all our lengths are indicated in centimeters on the product pages.
Adjust according to your lacing style
Certain lacing techniques, such as classic cross lacing, bar lacing, or ladder lacing, use more or less lace. If you like original techniques, always plan for an extra 10 to 15 cm compared to the standard recommended size for your number of eyelets.
Popular models and their recommended sizes
Here are some references for the most popular sneakers:
- Nike Air Force 1 (6 eyelets) → 90 cm
- Adidas Stan Smith (5 eyelets) → 75 cm
- Converse Chuck Taylor (7 eyelets) → 114 cm
- Vans Old Skool (8 eyelets) → 120 cm
- New Balance 574 (6 eyelets) → 90 cm
Conclusion
Choosing the right shoelace size is not complicated once you know how to count your eyelets. With the table above and the direct measurement method, you'll always find the right fit for your shoe—or rather, the right lace for your sneaker. Discover the entire collection of premium MY KNOT PARIS laces, available in several lengths and dozens of original colors, directly on our shop.