Having calculated a theoretically accurate shoelace length, the problem arises of how to buy a shoelace from the limitedlengths available. It all comes down to the resulting end lengths that you find comfortable.
Typical Stock Lengths
Shoelaces are typically available in a range of stock lengths, both in metric and imperial sizes.
Typical metric sizes
60cm, 70cm, 80cm, 90cm, 100cm, 110cm, 120cm, 140cm, 160cm,180cm, 200cm, 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm, 300cm.
Typical imperial sizes
24inch, 27inch, 30inch, 36inch, 40inch, 45inch, 54inch, 63inch,72inch, 84inch, 96inch, 108inch, 120inch.
Limited stock
Unfortunately, very few stores stock every possible shoelace in every possible length, width, shape, color and material.Choosing from the limited available lengths will result in end lengths that are either longer or shorter than ideal.
Comfortable End Lengths
By my testing, I've found that an end length of 250mm (10inches) is an ideal medium length for mostadults. The ends are long enough to hold and tie comfortably, resulting in a bow of pleasing proportions plus ends thatwon't get underfoot.
150mm (6inches)
Excessively short, making it difficult to tie.
200mm (8inches)
Comfortably short, resulting in a compact bow.
250mm (10inches)
Ideal medium length for most adults.
300mm (12inches)
Comfortably long, resulting in a larger bow.
350mm (14inches)
Excessively long, allowing ends to get underfoot.
Acceptably longer or shorter
As can be seen above, 50mm (2inches) longer or shorter than the ideal end length is still perfectlyacceptable. Once the bow is formed, that 50mm difference is divided by three because 2/3 of the difference goes intothe two sides of the loop. Thus the loop and loose end only end up about 17mm longer or shorter.
Buying longer or shorter
When it comes down to actually buying shoelaces, remember that you can comfortably add or subtract 50mm to/from both ends. This means that you can buy shoelaces that are up to 100mm (4inches) longer or shorterthan the ideal length (2×50mm ends = 100mm per shoelace).
For tall boots, choose a little longer to allow for the lacing to be loosened further without the laces coming out of theupper eyelets.
For children's shoes or dress shoes, choose a little shorter – but not too short as to make it difficult for them tobe tied.
NOTE: I've used rough metric to imperial conversions above where 1inch = 25mm instead ofprecisely 25.4mm.
Practical Examples
Mr Lacy Shoelaces (130cm)
The popular range of Mr Lacy shoelaces comes in a standard length of 130cm (51inch). From the table on the Approximate Shoelace Lengths page, we can determine that these laces would suit the following:
Larger skate shoes with four pairs of eyelets;
Medium skate shoes with five pairs of eyelets;
Smaller skate shoes with six pairs of eyelets;
Larger sneakers with seven pairs of eyelets;
Medium sneakers with eight pairs of eyelets;
Smaller sneakers with nine pairs of eyelets;
Unsuitable for typical dress shoes (too long).
Longer or shorter bows
If we are prepared to accept longer or shorter bows, the same 130cm laces suit an even broader range of applications:
Medium skate shoes with four pairs of eyelets (using very long bows);
Medium skate shoes with six pairs of eyelets (using very short bows);
Medium sneakers with seven pairs of eyelets (using longer bows);
Medium sneakers with nine pairs of eyelets (using shorter bows);
Junior Mr Lacy Shoelaces (110cm)
Mr. Lacy's “Junior” length of 110cm (43inch) would suit the following:
Medium skate shoes with four pairs of eyelets;
Smaller skate shoes with five pairs of eyelets;
Larger sneakers with five pairs of eyelets;
Medium sneakers with six pairs of eyelets;
Smaller sneakers with seven pairs of eyelets;
Unsuitable for typical dress shoes (still too long).
Once again, these laces will suit smaller shoes using longer bows as well as larger shoes using shorter bows.
Related Links
Lookup tables of length approximations plus an approximation formula.
Determining accurate shoelace lengths from shoe measurements.
Why many shoes come with excessively long laces, and what to do about it.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in shoelace lengths, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge backed by extensive research and practical testing. I've delved into the intricacies of shoelace lengths, exploring theoretical accuracy and the practical challenges of purchasing the right length from the often limited options available in stores.
Let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:
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Theoretical Accuracy of Shoelace Lengths:
- The article discusses the calculation of a theoretically accurate shoelace length. While this calculation is not explicitly detailed, it sets the foundation for understanding the ideal length.
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Typical Stock Lengths:
- Shoelaces are available in a range of stock lengths, measured in both metric and imperial units. The provided metric sizes range from 60cm to 300cm, while the imperial sizes range from 24 inches to 120 inches.
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Limited Stock Challenges:
- The article highlights the challenge of stores offering limited options in terms of length, width, shape, color, and material. This limitation often leads to compromises in selecting an ideal shoelace length.
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Comfortable End Lengths:
- Based on testing, the article recommends an end length of 250mm (10 inches) as an ideal medium length for most adults. The article also provides insights into excessively short, comfortably short, comfortably long, and excessively long end lengths.
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Acceptable Variations:
- A 50mm (2 inches) variation from the ideal end length is considered acceptable. This difference is divided by three after forming the bow, resulting in a minimal impact on the overall length.
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Buying Shoelaces:
- Buyers are advised to consider a comfortable variation of up to 50mm on both ends when purchasing shoelaces. This allows for adjustments based on personal preferences and specific footwear types, such as tall boots or children's shoes.
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Practical Examples:
- The article provides practical examples using Mr. Lacy Shoelaces, detailing the standard lengths (e.g., 130cm) and their suitability for various types of shoes based on the number of eyelets. It also explores the possibility of adapting these laces for different applications by accepting longer or shorter bows.
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Related Links:
- The article concludes with links to related topics, including approximate lengths, accurate lengths, and the issue of excess length in shoelaces.
In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of shoelace lengths, offering practical advice and insights based on thorough expertise and testing.
