Three things determine the right shoelace: the length, round or flat, waxed or not. At Langer & Messmer you will find waxed and unwaxed cotton shoelaces in many lengths, for lace-up shoes and boots.
Choosing the right shoelaces
Shoelaces are easy to overlook, yet they matter: the right length ties cleanly, and the right shape and colour sit well with the shoe. Three questions lead to the right choice.
The right length
Length depends on the number of eyelet pairs: the more eyelet pairs, the longer the lace. The simplest way is to count your shoe's eyelet pairs or measure a lace you already have. Our laces cover the usual lengths, from about 75 cm for classic lace-up shoes to 125 cm for boots. You will find the exact length on each product, and the concrete figures by eyelet pair in the frequently asked questions.
Round or flat?
Round laces look fine and elegant and suit classic smooth-leather shoes with few eyelets. Flat laces sit wider, hold particularly well and are usual on boots and sportier shoes with more eyelets.
Waxed or unwaxed?
Waxed cotton laces are a little firmer, hold the knot better and repel moisture, which suits elegant leather shoes. Unwaxed cotton is softer and more matt to the touch. For colour, match the tone to the shoe, usually black or brown.
To match a cared-for shoe
Fresh laces quickly bring a worn shoe back into shape. To care for the leather itself, see shoe care. Two reliable choices: the round waxed laces for lace-up shoes and the long flat laces for boots.
Frequently asked questions
How long should shoelaces be?
It depends on the number of eyelet pairs. As a rule of thumb: three to four eyelet pairs about 60 to 75 cm, five to six pairs (classic lace-up shoes) about 80 to 90 cm, seven or more pairs or boots 110 to 140 cm. Count the eyelet pairs and choose the length accordingly.
Round or flat, which is better?
Both are right, depending on the shoe. Round laces look fine and suit elegant smooth-leather shoes with few eyelets; flat laces hold wider and are usual on boots and shoes with many eyelets.
What are waxed shoelaces good for?
The wax makes the cotton firmer and smoother: the knot holds better, the laces take up less moisture and gain a discreet sheen that suits elegant shoes.
Which shoelace colour suits the shoe?
Match the colour to the shoe: black for black shoes, brown for brown. A deliberately different tone adds an accent; for the classic look, stay with the colour of the leather.