When to Replace Boot Laces and How to Pick New Ones

Quick answer

Replace boot laces when you see fraying at the eyelets, a stretched core that no longer holds a knot, or a broken aglet. If the lace still threads cleanly and knots securely, keep it. For Diemme boots, match the lace length to the model: 125 cm for Marostica Low, Cornaro, Cornaro Gomma, and Grappa Hiker; 165 cm for Roccia Vet, Civetta, Anatra, and Galibier; 220 cm for the remaining styles. A fresh pair costs far less than a boot repair.

Symptoms that mean it is time to replace

Run your fingers along the lace. If the outer sheath feels fuzzy or you can see the inner core, the lace is worn. Fraying usually starts where the lace rubs the top eyelets and the knot, because those points take the most friction. A lace that has lost its stretch and stays flat when you pull it will not hold tension on a descent. Broken or missing aglets make threading slow and can snag on fabric. These are all replaceable problems, not reasons to retire the boot.

Causes: why laces wear out before boots do

Laces are a consumable part. They absorb grit from trails and pavement, and that grit acts like sandpaper inside the eyelets. UV exposure dries the fibers, and repeated tightening and loosening stretches the core. On hiking boots, the higher lacing tension needed for ankle support accelerates wear at the top two eyelets. If you hike or walk daily, expect to replace laces more often than someone who wears boots occasionally. The boot itself is usually fine.

How to choose the right lace length and type

Lace length is determined by the number of eyelets and the lacing style, not by boot size alone. Too short and you cannot tie a secure knot; too long and the excess loops catch on branches or bike pedals. Diemme lists specific lengths for its models, so use those as your starting point. For a Roccia Vet, Civetta, Anatra, or Galibier, choose 165 cm. For a Marostica Low, Cornaro, Cornaro Gomma, or Grappa Hiker, choose 125 cm. If your model is not listed, measure your old lace from tip to tip and round up to the nearest available length. Round laces work well for hiking boots because they grip the eyelets and hold knots; flat laces spread pressure but can slip on smooth hardware. Color is personal: black is the classic choice that hides dirt, while blue or other colors add a visible accent. Both perform the same.

How to lace hiking boots for a secure fit

Start at the bottom and work up, keeping the lace flat at each crossing. For a heel-lock, run the lace from the top eyelet on each side down to the eyelet below, then cross and tie. This holds the heel in place on steep descents. Leave the lower section slightly looser than the ankle section so your toes have room while your ankle stays supported. After tying, tuck the excess lace under the crossed section rather than letting it dangle. If your boots have a padded tongue and ankle support, as the Roccia Vet does, a snug but not pinching fit is the goal. Retie during long descents if you feel your heel lifting.

When to stop and choose another option

If new laces still slip, the problem may be the eyelets or the boot's fit, not the lace. Worn or sharp eyelets can shred a new lace within a few wears; a cobbler can smooth or replace them. If the boot feels loose even with a heel-lock and fresh laces, the issue is likely sizing or the boot's volume, not the laces. In that case, revisit your size or consider a different model. Also stop if the lace length you need is not available in the style you want; a lace that is too short cannot be tied safely, and a too-long lace is a tripping hazard. In those cases, look at a different lace option or have a cobbler cut and re-tip a longer lace to your exact length.

Diagnose your lace problem

• Frayed or fuzzy surface: The outer sheath is worn from rubbing against eyelets and grit. The lace may still work but will break soon, often mid-trail. Replace before your next hike. Carry a spare if you are far from home.
• Lace no longer holds a knot: The core has stretched and the lace feels flat or slick. This is common after months of tightening and loosening. Choose a new lace in the correct length for your Diemme model: 125 cm for Marostica Low, Cornaro, Cornaro Gomma, Grappa Hiker; 165 cm for Roccia Vet, Civetta, Anatra, Galibier.
• Broken aglet or torn tip: The plastic or metal tip is gone, making threading difficult and causing snags on fabric and brush. Replace the lace. A torn tip can damage the eyelet or the boot's lining over time.
• New laces still slip or feel loose: The eyelets may be worn or the boot may not fit your heel and instep correctly. Laces cannot fix a sizing issue. Check the eyelets for sharp edges and consider a heel-lock lacing. If the boot still feels loose, revisit your size or model.

Laces and boots that fit this guide

• Shoe Laces Black 125 cm: Shoe Laces Black 125 cm are designed for Diemme styles including Marostica Low, Cornaro, Cornaro Gomma, and Grappa Hiker. If you own one of those models, this is the correct length to order; a longer lace will leave excess loops that can catch on trail obstacles.
• Roccia Vet Black Full Grain M: Roccia Vet Black Full Grain M uses 165 cm laces and features padded lining and ankle support for stability on trails or pavement. The taller ankle support means more lace is needed to reach the top eyelets and tie securely, so choose the 165 cm length when replacing laces on this boot.
• Shoe Laces Black: Shoe Laces Black are available in multiple lengths, including the 125 cm and 165 cm options referenced above. This is a straightforward replacement if you want to keep the original black look and avoid guessing the length for your Diemme model.