How to Choose Boot and Sneaker Laces: Length, Material, Style

Quick answer

Measure one old lace end to end, then match that number to your boot's eyelet count and height. For most low hikers and sneakers, 45 to 55 inches works; for taller winter boots, 55 to 63 inches is safer. Choose waxed or water-resistant laces for wet weather and cotton or flat laces for casual sneakers. When in doubt, buy one size longer than you think you need.

Laces are the cheapest part of a boot and the fastest way to change how it fits, feels, and looks. A lace that is too short will not reach the top eyelets, and one that is too long drags, loosens, and wears out early. Getting the length and material right takes about five minutes.

This guide walks through measuring, choosing material for weather and terrain, matching lace style to the shoe, and caring for laces so they last. It applies to hiking boots, low hikers, winter boots, and sneakers, including Diemme styles that ship with an extra set of laces.

Step 1: Measure the lace you already have

Pull one lace out of the boot and lay it flat without stretching it. Measure from tip to tip with a tape measure or a piece of string you can compare to a ruler. Write that number down. If the old lace is frayed or stretched, measure a second lace from the same pair and use the longer number.

If you have no old lace, count the eyelet pairs and estimate by height. A low hiker with four to five eyelet pairs usually takes 45 to 55 inches. A medium-high winter boot with six to seven pairs often takes 55 to 63 inches. A tall boot with eight or more pairs can need 63 to 72 inches.

• Common mistake: measuring a stretched lace and buying the same length, which ends up too long.
• Checkpoint: the new lace should have enough tail to tie a bow with about 6 to 8 inches left on each side.

Step 2: Match lace material to weather and use

Cotton and cotton-blend laces feel soft and tie well, but they soak up water and dry slowly. They suit sneakers and dry-weather walking. Waxed cotton and wax-treated laces resist moisture and hold a knot better, which makes them a strong choice for hiking boots and shifting weather.

Synthetic laces, including nylon and polyester, are strong, light, and quick-drying. They work well for wet hikes and for anyone who breaks cotton laces often. Elastic laces are convenient for slip-on wear but offer less support on uneven ground, so they are not ideal for technical terrain.

• Common mistake: putting cotton laces on a winter boot, then dealing with frozen, stiff laces.
• Checkpoint: for wet or cold conditions, pick waxed or synthetic over plain cotton.

Step 3: Choose lace shape and thickness for the eyelets

Flat laces sit wide against the tongue and stay tied well on casual sneakers and low hikers. Round laces slide through eyelets and D-rings more easily and are common on hiking and mountaineering styles. Thin laces can slip through large eyelets, while thick laces can jam in small ones.

Check the diameter of your boot's eyelets or hardware before buying. If the lace is too thin, the knot may loosen; if it is too thick, threading becomes slow and the lace wears against the metal. When a boot ships with an extra set of laces, compare the two sets to see what thickness the maker intended.

• Common mistake: buying round laces for a sneaker with tight, narrow eyelets.
• Checkpoint: thread one new lace through the top eyelet before cutting or trimming anything.

Step 4: Pick color and style that work with the shoe

Colored boot laces are an easy way to add contrast or keep a look subtle. A tonal lace blends into the upper and keeps the focus on the leather or suede. A contrasting lace draws attention to the hardware and lacing system, which suits boots with distinctive eyelets or a wide rubber rand.

If you are unsure, start with a neutral set and one accent set. Diemme boots such as the Cornaro Gomma come with an extra set of laces, so you can switch between a neutral and a bolder look without buying anything else.

• Common mistake: choosing a color online without checking it against the actual upper in daylight.
• Checkpoint: order two colors if you are between options, since laces are inexpensive to swap.

Step 5: Lace for fit, then maintain the laces

Lace from the bottom up and keep tension even on both sides. Leave the lower section slightly looser for toe room and tighten gradually toward the ankle for support. On extended lacing systems, use the extra eyelets near the toe to fine-tune pressure across the top of the foot.

Hand wash laces in warm water with a little mild soap, then air dry them away from direct heat. Replace laces when you see fraying near the eyelets or when the core stretches and the knot stops holding. Keep a spare set in your bag for hikes and travel.

• Common mistake: over-tightening the lower laces and cutting off circulation.
• Checkpoint: you should be able to slide one finger under the laces at the instep.

Lace replacement checklist

1. Measure the old lace tip to tip: Lay it flat, do not stretch it, and write down the number in inches. No old lace? Count eyelet pairs and use the height estimate.
2. Match material to conditions: Choose waxed or synthetic for wet and cold, cotton for dry casual wear. Waxed laces hold knots better on smooth hardware.
3. Check thickness against the eyelets: Thread one lace through the top eyelet before committing to a full set. If it jams or slips, try a different diameter.
4. Choose color and buy a spare set: Pick a tonal or contrasting lace and keep a backup in your bag. Diemme boots often include an extra set, so check the box first.
5. Lace evenly and maintain: Keep tension balanced, wash with mild soap, and replace frayed laces early. A five-minute lace change can improve fit and extend boot life.

Diemme styles and their laces

• Cornaro Gomma Black Fullgrain M: Crafted from sturdy wax-treated suede for water resistance, this lightweight low-top comes with an extra set of laces. The spare set lets you switch between a neutral and a bolder look, and the wax-treated upper pairs well with waxed or synthetic laces for wet weather.
• Cornaro Gomma Burgundy Leather M: Built with a platform outsole, distinctive hardware, hiking laces, and a wide tonal rubber rand, and it comes with an extra set of laces. The hiking laces and prominent hardware suit round or flat laces that thread easily and hold a knot, and the extra set makes color experimentation simple.
• Badia Shearling Black Suede M: Sturdy, suede-lined winter boots with a wide rubber rand, a solid Vibram sole, and a medium-high shaft. The medium-high shaft needs a longer lace, typically 55 to 63 inches, and cold-weather use favors waxed or synthetic laces that resist moisture and stay flexible.

Choosing laces comes down to three numbers and one material choice: length, thickness, eyelet size, and whether you need weather resistance. Measure what you have, match the material to your conditions, and keep a spare set on hand. That is enough to keep boots and sneakers comfortable, secure, and looking the way you want.