What Length Shoelaces Do I Need? UK Size Guide
Too Short? Too Long? You’re Not Alone.
One of the most common questions people ask is:
“What length shoelaces do I actually need?”
Because nothing ruins a fresh pair of laces faster than:
- Laces that are far too long
- Tiny bows that barely tie
- Loose ends dragging on the ground
The good news?
Choosing the right lace length is much easier than you think.
It's one of those questions that seems like it should have an obvious answer and yet it catches almost everyone out at some point. You order a beautiful new pair of laces, they arrive, and they're either dragging along the ground or barely long enough to tie a decent bow. Getting the length right makes such a difference to comfort, appearance and how easily your shoes tie, so here's a straightforward guide to help you get it right first time.
Why length matters more than you'd think
Laces that are too short are genuinely uncomfortable, they pull tight across the foot and leave you with a mean little knot that's hard to undo. Laces that are too long are a different kind of annoying - bulky bows that flop around, loose ends that drag and the constant feeling that your shoes aren't quite right. The correct length gives you a clean, secure bow with just the right amount of lace left over. It sounds like a small thing but it transforms how your shoes look and feel.
UK shoelace length guide by eyelet pairs
The simplest way to work out what you need is to count the eyelet pairs on your shoe - these are the holes the lace threads through, counted in pairs down each side.
| Eyelet Pairs | Recommended Length |
|---|---|
| 4–5 pairs | 90cm |
| 5–6 pairs | 120cm |
| 6–7 pairs | 140cm |
| 7–8 pairs | 160cm |
Most everyday trainers have five or six eyelet pairs, which means 120cm is the most common size and works well for the majority of casual shoes.
By shoe type
For running shoes, you'll often need slightly longer laces than the eyelet count suggests because performance lacing techniques like the heel lock use a little extra length - 120cm to 160cm covers most running shoes comfortably.
For golf shoes, 120cm or 140cm is usually the sweet spot. It gives a secure, comfortable fit with a clean bow that doesn't get in the way, important when you're walking several miles around a course!
For walking shoes and hiking boots, particularly anything that sits higher on the ankle, you'll typically need 140cm to 180cm. The taller the boot and the more eyelets, the longer the lace you'll need.
The simplest method of all
If you're still not sure, just remove your existing laces and measure them. If they're the right length and you're happy with how they fit, that's your number. If they've always felt slightly off - a little too long, a bit too short, never quite tying neatly - this is your chance to fix it.
One more thing - round vs flat
Round laces sit slightly differently to flat ones and can sometimes need just a touch more length to tie comfortably. If you're switching from flat to round, consider going up to the next size if you're between two options.
Getting the length right is such a small adjustment - but once your laces fit properly, you'll wonder why you never thought about it before.