Shoelaces, also called shoestrings (US English) or bootlaces (UK English), are a laces commonly used to secure shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear, and make wearing shoes more comfortable.
They typically consist of a pair of strings or cords, one for each shoe, finished off at both ends with stiff sections (plastic or metal), known as aglets.
Shape of shoelaces
Shoelaces come either flat, round, or oval.
Shoelaces on popular fashion shoes, like Chuck Taylors, Vans, and Keds, will come with flat cotton shoelaces. They’re mostly white, but they come in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, black, glitter, and rainbows.
Round laces are more common in work boots, Dr Martens, and some types of athletic shoes.
Popular sneakers Nike Air Force 1 comes with oval laces.
Aglets
An aglet is the metal or plastic piece on the ends of a lace. This prevents the fraying or unwinding. Also aglets makes it easier to hold, and easier to feed through a hole.
Length of shoelaces
Children’s laces come as small as 12 inches. Adult laces tend to begin at 24 inches. The exact length needed depends on the number of eyelets, or holes, for the laces as well as the size of the space between the eyelets and the curvature of the shoe.
The easiest way to find the right lace length is to measure one of the shoelaces you’re replacing.
If you’re unable to measure the original shoelaces, use the following guide for recommended lengths depending on the number of eyelets on your shoes:
Remember, these are recommendations only—some shoes may require longer or shorter laces due to their design.
Accessories for shoelaces
Shoelaces charms are aesthetic accessories for any shoes.
Lace-locks are new way to eliminate the need for tying.
Shoelace tags with two holes or slots through which the shoelace is passed.
