What shoelace length should you choose? The complete guide

Not sure whether to go for 120 or 140 cm, or maybe 160 cm? With two quick checks, you can find out within a minute which shoelace length you need. Below, you will find practical guidelines based on eyelet pairs, sneaker height, and material choice, so you can order the right laces right away. At HypedPair, you can choose from premium flat, wide, reflective, elastic, and rope laces in 100, 120, 140, 160, and 180 cm.

How to determine your lace length in 2 steps

Step 1 - Measure an old lace

Take one lace out of your shoe and measure it flat, from tip to tip including the aglets. No old lace left or is it broken? Measure the longest intact part, double it, and add 2 to 4 cm for the ends. If you want a bigger bow or a looser look, add 5 to 10 cm extra. If you prefer a tighter, cleaner fit, choose a shorter option within the guideline.

Step 2 - Check the shoe and your style

The right length depends on the number of eyelet pairs, the spacing between the rows, your lacing method, and the look you want. As a quick rule of thumb, it is often: 100 cm for small or narrow low-tops, 120 cm for most low-top sneakers, 140 cm for mid-tops, 160 cm for high-tops, and 180 cm for boots or shoes with 10 or more eyelet pairs. If you are choosing between two lengths, go longer. At HypedPair, all these lengths are available from stock. Browse shoelaces to quickly filter by length and type.

Quick guidelines by number of eyelets

3 to 4 eyelet pairs

Usually choose 100 cm. This gives enough length for a neat bow without too much excess on compact sneakers or kids' shoes.

5 to 6 eyelet pairs

In many cases, 120 cm is the right choice. This suits most low-top sneakers and casual shoes with average eyelet spacing.

7 to 8 eyelet pairs

Many people go for 140 cm. Useful if you lace up to the top eyelet or want a slightly bigger bow.

9 eyelet pairs

Count on around 160 cm for full lacing and a comfortable bow.

10 to 12 eyelet pairs

Generally, 180 cm is the best choice. With extra-wide rows or special lacing patterns, even a bit longer may be helpful.

What length for sneakers and popular models

Low-top sneakers

Usually 120 cm. Think of many classic low-tops. If you want a longer bow or wide laces, consider 140 cm.

Mid-top sneakers

Often 140 cm. If you do not lace all the way to the top eyelet or want a tighter look, 120 cm may be enough.

High-top sneakers

Usually 160 cm. If you want a looser fit or an extra loop, choose 180 cm. For models with many eyelets or wider spacing, 180 cm is the safe option.

One specific example for reference: a Nike Air Force 1 Low often works well with 120 cm, while a High more often needs 160 cm. See also Nike Air Force 1 laces – recommended lengths.

Want to know the correct AJ1 lace length specifically? Check Air Jordan 1 laces – the right lengths by model height. Do you wear ASICS? Then consult a model-specific overview for a quick, style-based choice.

Material, thickness, and bow style - how they affect length

Flat and wide laces

Flat laces fill the eyelets more than round ones. Wide 2 cm laces create a bold look and use slightly more length per crossover. With wider styles, it is smart to size up if you like tying a bigger bow. View our flat laces in different lengths to find the right match for your style.

Round and rope laces

Round or rope laces are often slightly thicker. If you want a casual loop or lace through every eyelet, choose one size longer when in doubt to leave enough room for tying. Discover round laces in different lengths as an alternative for a slimmer look and different feel.

Elastic laces

At HypedPair, elastic laces are available in 140 cm with a metal twist lock. You cut them to size, so the exact length in advance is less critical. Ideal for quick on-and-off wear without tying.

Buy shoelaces at HypedPair: premium, colorfast laces made from 100 percent polyester in white, black, beige, red, blue, purple, pink, green, and light blue. Free shipping from €25, and if you order before 16:00 today, your order arrives the next day, except on Sundays. You have a 14-day return period.

Frequently asked questions

How long should my shoelaces be?

For most sneakers, 120 cm is enough for low-tops, 140 cm for mids, and 160 cm for highs. The exact choice depends on the number of eyelet pairs, the spacing between the rows, and your bow style. Ideally, measure an old lace. If in doubt, choose one size longer for more room to tie.

How do you determine the length of your shoelaces?

Measure an old lace from tip to tip. If you do not have one, count the number of eyelet pairs and use these guidelines: 100 cm for 3 to 4, 120 cm for 5 to 6, 140 cm for 7 to 8, 160 cm for 9, and 180 cm for 10 to 12 eyelet pairs. Adjust based on your preferred look and lacing method.

How long should laces be for 10 eyelets?

Usually, you need around 180 cm. If the eyelet rows are spaced extra far apart or you want a large bow or special lacing technique, a longer option can be useful. For a tight, minimalist bow, 160 cm may sometimes work, but 180 cm is the safer choice.

Looking for the right lace length fast, or want to personalize your sneakers with wide, reflective, or elastic options? At HypedPair, you will always find a suitable length and style, with a 100 percent authenticity guarantee and fast delivery.

This article was written by Marijn van der Heijden.