Stretchlace elastic shoelaces come in nine lengths, from 24 to 72 inches. The right one is set by your shoe, not your foot: it depends on how many eyelet pairs the shoe has and how high the lacing runs. Here is how to find your length.
How sizing works
Two things decide your length: the number of eyelet pairs and how far up the shoe the lacing goes. A low sneaker with four pairs needs far less lace than a boot with eight. Your foot size barely matters, because the elastic stretches to fit the foot once the lace is the right length for the shoe. So count eyelet pairs first.
The lengths, by shoe type
- 24 to 35 inches — low-top sneakers with few eyelets (about 4 to 5 pairs), kids' sneakers, slip-on-style casuals, and smaller low-profile shoes.
- 40 to 47 inches — the everyday range. Standard adult sneakers, walking shoes, and work sneakers with 5 to 6 eyelet pairs. 45 inches is the default and the safest bet if you are not sure.
- 55 to 63 inches — high-top sneakers and shoes with long lace runs: Nike Blazer Mid, Converse Chuck Taylor highs, Vans Sk8-Hi, basketball shoes.
- 72 inches — boots. Hiking boots, work boots, and anything with 7-plus eyelet pairs.
Dress shoes are sized on their own scale: our Round Elastic Dress laces come in 24 and 31 inches, and the Silicone Dress option in 1.2 and 1.6 inch straps. Most dress shoes have few eyelets, so the shorter option usually wins.
How to check before you order
Two ways, easiest first:
- Count and look. Count the eyelet pairs and note how high the lacing runs. Few pairs and a low run mean a shorter lace; many pairs and a high run mean a longer one.
- Measure your old laces. Pull one current lace out, measure it end to end, and match the closest length. This is the most reliable check for an unusual shoe.
When you are genuinely between two lengths, size up. The longer lace leaves a tail you can trim, while a too-short lace will not reach.
Which style to choose
- Flat elastic for most sneakers, in the full 24 to 72 inch range.
- Round elastic for a rounder, dressier-casual look, same length range.
- Dress laces for polished leather shoes, sized 24 or 31 inches.
- Quick Lock and Tieless Silicone come ready-sized for standard shoes, no length to choose.
How to install them (one time)
- Pull your existing laces out.
- Thread the elastic laces through the same eyelets, in the same pattern.
- With the shoe on the foot, snug them to the tension you would normally tie at, not tighter. The elastic gives where it needs to.
- Tie them off once and trim any extra tail. That is the only time you tie them.
It takes a few minutes per shoe, and you only do it once. Once the right length is in, set the tension once and the shoe is a slip-on.
Common questions
What length do most adult sneakers need?
The 45-inch lace fits the majority of standard adult sneakers. If your shoe is a normal sneaker and you are unsure, start there.
How do I size if I am between lengths?
Go by eyelet count and how high the lacing runs. When truly between two, size up: the longer lace leaves trim-able tail, the shorter one may run short.
Can I measure my old laces?
Yes, and it is the most reliable check for an unusual shoe. Pull one out, measure end to end, and match the closest length.