How to Choose Shoelaces: Length & Type
Flat vs round, material, and the right length by eyelet count — how to choose and specify laces.
Choose flat laces for sneakers and casual shoes (they stay tied well) and round laces for boots and dress shoes. Match length to eyelet pairs — roughly 2 pairs → 45 cm, 4 → 75 cm, 6 → 110 cm, 8 → 140 cm. Polyester is the durable default, and the aglet (tip) keeps the lace from fraying.
We make shoelaces in Bağcılar, Istanbul, for footwear brands and resellers. The two decisions that matter are flat-vs-round and length-by-eyelets; material and tipping follow. All Tekiş laces are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified (No: 2019OK0492).
Flat or round shoelaces — which to choose?
Flat laces — the default for sneakers and casual shoes; they grip and stay tied, and give a wider, sportier look.
Round laces — sleeker and very durable; the choice for boots, hiking shoes and dress shoes.
Oval laces — a hybrid that blends the comfort of flat with the look of round, popular on running shoes.
What length shoelace do I need? (by eyelet count)
The table below is an approximate starting guide only. The required shoelace
length can vary depending on shoe size, eyelet spacing, shoe construction and
the lacing pattern used.
| Eyelet pairs | Approx. length |
|---|---|
| 2–3 | 45–60 cm |
| 4 | 75 cm |
| 5 | 90 cm |
| 6 | 110 cm |
| 7 | 120 cm |
| 8+ | 140 cm and up |
These are starting points — boots and chunky sneakers need a little extra; thin dress shoes a little less.
How to Choose Shoelaces? What material are shoelaces made of?
Polyester is the durable, color-fast default. Cotton gives a soft, natural look for casual and heritage styles. Nylon is strongest for work boots. Elastic (no-tie) laces use an elastic cord so shoes slip on without tying — see our elastic cord.
What is the aglet, and custom options
The aglet is the tip at each end; it stops fraying and makes threading easy. We apply tipping and produce laces in custom lengths, colors, flat/round/oval profiles and printed or private-label branding for footwear brands.