Did your boot laces just come undone for the 10th time today? Or perhaps they snapped as you were tying them?
Every piece of footwear comes with a standard pair of laces. Brands design laces for boots to appeal to many users, sadly meaning that they don’t meet any specific needs. So most of the time, it’s better to replace them.
We’re doing a full review of 17 of the best boot laces. We’ll explore everything you need to know to hopefully help you find the perfect shoelaces for you.
Before we get to it, here’s a quick look at the best boot laces:
Why Invest in New Boot Laces?
Changing up your boots laces is great for many reasons. Perhaps the ones included with your footwear were bad quality or maybe you want a different color. Below are a few motives as to why you should invest in new boot laces.
- Durability: The laces included with your boots are likely to be mediocre in terms of quality. Replacing them with a pair of heavy-duty boot laces could improve the versatility of your boots. It may also minimize the time spent looking for new laces every time one snaps.
- Appearance: Replacement laces are available in multiple colors, allowing you to customize your boots’ look. Even a different shape can help amp up the aesthetics of your footwear.
- Comfort: Believe it or not, but bootlaces can affect the fit of your footwear. Perhaps the included are too short, or they glide easily, leaving you with loose shoes that rub your feet. New, higher-quality bootlaces enable you to get the length right and tie them as tightly as needed.
Choosing the Best Boot Laces
Type of Boot Lace
There are a few different types of shoelaces. Some are better for aesthetics, while others are more secure. Here’s a quick overview:
- Flat bootlaces: These are probably some of the best boot laces since they remain well intact. This is perhaps also why they’re standard on athletic footwear and work boots. However, flat shoelaces can be tricky to untie—they get easily stuck and don’t glide as smoothly as others. One of the best flat laces is the Miscly Flat Waxed Cotton Boot Laces.
- Round boot laces: This type of lace is very easy to untie. These boot laces are generally quite smooth, and the shape prevents them from getting stuck. But, they also tend to be trickier to keep tied, suggesting they aren’t a great pick for work boots. One example is the Danner Laces 54″ Shoelaces.
- No-tie boot laces: Such laces are extremely convenient. They consist of either an elastic or normal string, held together by a small clip or buckle that you adjust. Even if you know how to tie your shoes, these make it quick and easy to get your kicks on and off. A great example of such is the Lock Laces – Elastic No Tie Shoelaces.
Material
Although boot laces look similar, they can be made from various materials. The most common are leather, polyester and cotton.
Leather boot laces are perfect for adding style. They’re sleek and quite durable, although not considered heavy-duty boot laces. Leather can also make it tricky to tie, and they require frequent maintenance to prevent mold.
Cotton is a great alternative, and it’s quite common for bootlaces. It’s a tough material and easy to tie in a tight knot. Polyester is similar to cotton and is also a resilient option. However, it’s susceptible to fraying, especially when walking through rough terrain.
Color
When you buy a new pair of boots, you’ll rarely see lace colors other than black, brown and white.
Replacement boot laces, however, are available in a range of colors and combinations. There’s everything from silver, pink and neon green to bright yellow, allowing you to match them with your boots or create a statement.
Still, not all boot laces offer color options. Many boot brands, like Danner and Rothco, only have shades of black and brown.
Weather Resistance
Although bootlaces seem trivial, they should still include a few features to protect them and you during poor conditions. For instance, wet bootlaces can freeze during cold and snowy weather, making them impossible to undo—it could even snap them.
Fortunately, most manufacturers incorporate some weather-resistant features, such as sealants, wax or even unique patterns to increase the material’s tolerance. This prevents them from soaking up moisture, which, in turn, inhibits them from freezing.
Durability
If you’re hunting for boot laces for your working boots, hiking or military, it’s imperative that they’re as durable as the shoe itself.
Inspect the inner and outer materials. Some of the most durable are polyester and Kevlar—these often perform well in work environments and are easy to treat with sealants.
For work boot laces, make sure they’re high-quality and chemical, heat and fire-resistant to keep your feet protected.
Fused Tips
The tips are often the first place where the material begins to fray, especially in poor quality laces.
To prevent this, look for fused tips. These are closed using heat and then wrapped in a plastic cover. The end should also be short and never bendable.
Should Remain Tied
Sadly, no matter your lace-tying experience, there will always be some laces that just don’t want to stay tied. And it’s best to avoid these.
Bending down repeatedly to correct your boot laces can hurt your back, especially if you already suffer from back pain, and it’s time-consuming. Loose laces can also present a tripping hazard, with the potential to seriously injure you.
If the laces you’ve bought don’t want to stay tied, try a different knot. If that doesn’t work, invest in a lace lock.
What Size Boot Laces Do I Need?
The best boot laces are only as good as the length. Fortunately, measuring is relatively easy, and you can do it in two simple ways. However, keep in mind that most manufacturers stress that you should allow a small error range—typically 0.78 to 1.18-inch—when shopping online.
- Measure your current laces: This is super simple and perhaps the most straightforward way. All you do is remove your current laces, measure the length, and then add or subtract as needed for the replacements.
- Number of eyelets: The eyelets are the holes where you feed the bootlaces through. This is another good determiner of how long your new laces should be. Below is a small table with the standards.
| Number of eyelets on one side | Recommended lace length |
| Five to six | 45 inches |
| Six to seven | 54 inches |
| Seven to eight | 63 inches |
| Eight to nine | 72 inches |
How to Repair Frayed Tips
Fixing frayed lace tips is relatively easy. There are plenty of methods to try, but for the best results, you need to use clear heat shrink tubes.
These are used in electronic work when color-coding wires. They look like small straws, but when you apply heat, they shrink, encasing the object they’re holding.
Besides the plastic tubes, all you need is a heat source—this could be a candle, heat gun or lighter—and scissors. Here’s what you do:
- Clean the tip: Use the scissors to clean the end. Remove any remaining plastic or wax and trim the top.
- Cut to fit: Get the plastic tube and cut it to fit the tip of the lace. The best way to do this is to insert the end into the tube. Then use an intact tip to measure how long it should be. For reference, though, about 0.75 inches should be plenty.
- Shrink the plastic: Find a heatproof surface and lay down the tip. Then use your heat source to shrink the plastic around the material. A heat gun is best, but if you use a candle or lighter, ensure that the plastic doesn’t make contact with the flame. Also, be careful not to burn yourself—don’t touch the tip until it has cooled down.
Reviews of the Best Boot Laces
Our Overview
Danner is famous for its heavy-duty work and military boots. The brand has been around since 1932, so it’s safe to say it knows a thing or two about boot laces. This is also why we’ve chosen it for the best boot laces.
The Danner 54-inch boot laces comprise premium materials and display top-notch craftsmanship.
The boot laces are suitable for any boot with 14 eyelets—seven on each side. You can also pair them with non-Danner footwear, such as Nike combat boots. However, they may work better with fewer eyelets. Otherwise, there may not be a lot of length left to tie.
Thanks to the premium materials, the boot laces sit tightly and don’t come easily undone. You can wear them through any weather, and their longevity is pretty impressive. You can choose between four colors, including black, brown and gold/tan.
Pros:
- Premium Danner quality.
- Suitable for Danner boots and others.
- Won’t come easily undone.
- Four colors to choose from.
Cons:
- They might be too short for boots with 7 or more-eyelets.
Our Overview
If you want something easy to use, we suggest having a look at the elastic laces from Lock Laces. This is a patented design, consisting of flexible elastics stretching up to 72 inches.
The elastic boot laces create a conforming fit around your feet, adding slight compression, which should reduce discomfort.
With six-strand fibers, they’re quite durable and suitable for a range of uses, whether it’s your work boots or your child’s shoes. They’re effortless to install and even more straightforward to use—all you do is adjust the plastic lock, tightening the lace. Lock Laces also includes instructions.
They come with a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee, with the brand boasting that they’re long-lasting. Still, they won’t last a lifetime, and the plastic lock seems to be the first piece to give in.
Another potential con is that they may begin to appear loose or sloppy after some time as the elastic loses its elasticity.
Pros:
- Durable elastic.
- Easy to install and use.
- Suitable for various users.
- Includes a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Cons:
- The plastic lock isn’t as durable as hoped.
- Will appear sloppy after some time as the elastic loses its elasticity.
Our Overview
For hiking boots, the best boot laces are these from Delele. These are heavy-duty boot laces, designed with a wave concave-convex shape.
The laces are made to be anti-skid, meaning they shouldn’t come undone easily, making them a fantastic choice when hiking. They consist of durable polyester and are available in numerous two-tone designs.
You have multiple sizes to choose from. They’re available between 39 inches to 71 inches, one of the best ranges, perfect for large and smaller boots.
With that said, they aren’t completely fool-proof. Despite the wavy design, they require a double-knot to sit securely, otherwise, they will come undone.
The material is also very rough, which can cause wear on the eyelets over time.
Pros:
- Anti-skid, wavy design.
- Made with durable polyester.
- Several two-tone designs are available.
- Multiple sizes to choose from.
Cons:
- Can come undone if not tied with a double-knot.
- The material is rough and can wear down the eyelets.
Our Overview
Another great candidate for the best boot laces is the oval bootlaces from Delele. These laces are made with sturdy polyester with a head measuring approximately 0.78-inch.
In this bundle, you’ll receive two pairs—four boot laces in total. They’re fantastic for a range of users, be it adult boots or children’s athletic footwear. Sizes run from 24 inches to 71 inches.
What’s impressive is the color choices. You have over 42 hues to choose from, suitable for any style. The oval laces tie tightly and will resist coming undone while you’re walking or running.
Keep in mind that Delele stresses that there can be anything from 0.78 to 1.18-inch length errors in all the sizes.
Another thing to be aware of is that the oval shape doesn’t glide smoothly through the eyelets. This makes it harder for them to come undone, but it also requires more force when tightening. This could wear on the material over time.
Pros:
- Two-pack.
- Suitable for multiple users.
- Over 42 colors are available.
- The oval shape creates a tight fit.
Cons:
- The brand warns of length errors—stresses that you should contact it for replacement.
- The oval design doesn’t glide smoothly.
Our Overview
If you’re looking for suitable laces for a work boot, we highly recommend the Ironlace Lace.
According to the brand, these are virtually unbreakable, made from 100 percent advanced para-aramid fibers. They have a breaking-strength of 1500 pounds and are about 20 times more durable than Kevlar laces.
Another benefit of this material is that it’s stretch-free and non-slip. It laces up tightly and securely, offering you a snug fit for your day.
You can use the laces in almost any workplace. They’re resistant to abrasion, chemicals, UV rays and corrosion—Ironlace even boasts that they’re fire-resistant, capable of surviving up to 630 degrees Fahrenheit. The laces also won’t absorb water, preventing them from freezing during frigid temperatures.
They’re available in sizes ranging from 45 inches to 108 inches, which is considerably longer than the laces above. However, you can only choose between black or brown, suggesting they don’t go well with all boots. The color also fades after some time, especially the black option, giving them a grey, silver look.
You should also tie them in a tight double-knot to prevent them from coming undone.
Pros:
- Impressively durable.
- Suitable for use in any workplace.
- Won’t absorb water and freeze.
- Available in several lengths.
Cons:
- Only two color options are available.
- The black option fades quickly.
- They require a tight double-knot to remain tied.
Our Overview
The Miscly round boot laces are one of the best options for work boots. They’re highly durable, made with two materials: an outer polyester weave and two inner nylon cords for reinforcement.
The Miscly round laces boots are perfect for hiking boots, work boots and a heavy-duty boot if you prefer durable laces. They’re high-quality and quite thick, too, measuring approximately 0.1875-inch in diameter.
You can choose between four lengths: 45, 54, 63 and 72 inches. They’re available in four hues, including two combos and two singles. In the bundle, you’ll receive three pairs—six laces for boots in total.
However, because of their thickness, they may not fit all eyelets. The tips are considerably large, as well, and the tip quality is a bit disappointing—they begin to appear worn out rather quickly.
Pros:
- Double-layered material.
- Remains tied.
- Four lengths are available.
- Four colors to choose from.
- Three-pack.
Cons:
- Quite thick and may not fit all eyelets.
- Tips are of poorer quality.
Our Overview
The Mercury + Maia UltraBoost round boot laces are super durable. The laces are made of premium nylon and should withstand even the toughest conditions, suggesting it’s one of the best options.
Mercury + Maia make the laces in the US, ensuring quality production. They boast a seven-strand core and are suitable for various uses. The center itself has been tested to hold over 550 pounds of pressure.
On the outside, the outer material hugs the core in a tight weave, keeping everything in place. It’s easy to feed through the eyelets on your boots.
The brand also stresses that you can use the laces for several purposes besides tying your boots. Because of their strength, they work as camping cords, towing and utility among many other uses.
With that said, the laces don’t stay tied well, unless you make a tight double-knot. They’re quite smooth in texture, making them slippery. The laces are also significantly thinner than expected, but they’re still durable.
Pros:
- Seven-strand core.
- Durable nylon material.
- Suitable for lacing boots and other applications.
- Made in the US.
Cons:
- They’re very smooth and come undone easily.
- The laces are quite thin.
Our Overview
The BB Brother Brother laces are another ultra-durable option, suitable for a work boot and hiking boots, among other things. The round laces measure 0.12-inch in diameter and have a reinforced tensile strength and enhanced abrasion resistance.
They consist of a polyester blend, making the laces non-slip and capable of preserving a tight fit throughout the day. You have several lengths to choose from, including 47, 55, 60 and 72 inches, so they’re suitable for various types of boots.
In this bundle, you’ll get five pairs of laces all in brown, but you can also choose another package with more colorful options, including yellow and red. They come with a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee.
However, they aren’t as long-lasting as others, particularly the outer weave. It may begin to fluff up after a few months of use, which eventually exposes the core. Also note that they’re quite thick compared to others, so they may not be suitable for all boots, such as Red Wing or Dr. Martens, for instance.
Pros:
- Durable core.
- Enable a tight fit.
- Five-piece bundle.
- Satisfaction guarantee included.
Cons:
- The longevity of the weave is questionable.
- They’re quite thick.
Our Overview
If you’re an avid hiker, the Rockwear hiking boot laces are worth a look.
Designed to be non-slip, the laces include small bumps throughout their exterior, preventing them from sliding. This isn’t noticeable for you and won’t cause any discomfort.
The laces are made of Para-Cord material, which is ultra-durable. It helps them stay tied, also without the fear of snapping them, suggesting they’re some of the best boot laces for hiking.
Lengths range from 45 to 63 inches, and you have 16 color combinations to choose from.
However, the laces are quite slippery when new, which makes them difficult to tie. They also leave a residue on your hands, but this dissipates with use.
The colors are also a little off—it may be a sign of quality control issues.
Pros:
- Non-slip design.
- Durable Para-Cord material.
- 16 color combinations available.
Cons:
- Very slippery when new.
- The colors are a little off.
Our Overview
The Kuriset boot laces are one of the best choices if you’re active. The boot laces are suitable for various applications, be it hiking boots, running shoes or simply working boots.
Made from durable, high-quality materials, the boot laces feature a robust braided construction. They’re non-slip and should stay tied while you walk. Still, ensure you make a tight knot.
The boot laces are available in eight different lengths. However, Kuriset warns that you should allow an error range of 0.78 to 1.18 inches.
A potential drawback is that the boot laces are quite thin, suggesting they aren’t suitable for heavy-duty boots.
Pros:
- Best for activewear, like hiking boots.
- Durable material.
- Braided construction.
- Stay tied.
Cons:
- The diameter may be too small for heavy-duty use.
Our Overview
If you’re looking for leather bootlaces for your dress boots, this option from LolliBeads is worth a look.
These are genuine leather boot laces, finished in a flat construction. They’re AAA quality and come with a money-back guarantee.
They’re fantastic for use in moccasins, tall boots or boat shoes. You can also apply them for other uses requiring a leather string.
The leather boot laces have a set length of 72 inches. Then you can cut them to fit your boots according to your previous bootlaces.
However, the laces aren’t suitable for heavy-duty work boots—they’re relatively thin and could easily snap. Another thing to be aware of is that they require frequent maintenance to preserve the quality and proper storage to prevent mildew.
Pros:
- Excellent quality leather.
- Flat construction.
- Great for use in dress boots.
- Long length and easy to cut.
Cons:
- Not suitable for work boots.
- Requires frequent maintenance.
- Need proper storage to prevent mildew.
Our Overview
Rothco is a well-known supplier of tactical, military and survival clothing and gear. So, these are great candidates for the best boot laces.
Rothco made these boot laces from polyamide, which is a type of nylon. It’s ultra-durable and fantastic for use in heavy-duty boots where strain on the laces is inevitable.
The tips are heat formed, enhancing the overall durability of the boot laces. In the bundle, you’ll receive three pairs—six boot laces in total. They measure 72 inches in length and are available in three colors.
With that said, the colors are a bit off. The brown options are a bit darker than expected.
Pros:
- Excellent durability.
- Heat formed tips.
- Three-pack.
- Three colors are available.
Cons:
- Colors are not as expected.
Our Overview
Another considerable candidate for the best boot laces is the Lorpops boot laces. These laces are made with high-quality materials and finished with a premium weave to enhance the look of your footwear.
These are heavy-duty boot laces—they’re sturdy and pair fantastically with work boots or hiking boots. They’ll resist slipping and allow you to tie them tightly.
With a diameter of 0.11-inch, they should fit most boots. The laces come in five lengths, ranging from 31.5 to 71 inches. However, it seems the weave frays easily when exposed to bushy terrain.
Pros:
- High-quality materials.
- Premium weave.
- Round sleek boot laces.
- Excellent thickness.
Cons:
- Frays easily when exposed to bushy terrain.
Our Overview
Round boot laces are fantastic for keeping everything intact, and this option from Birch is well worth a look.
The boot laces consist of 100 percent polyester and Birch designed them to last. They measure approximately 0.2 inches thick.
The material is quite flexible and resilient, allowing you to create tight knots without worrying about snapping them. They have a finished woven look and come in a variety of hues, including, brown, black, yellow and brown, brown and tan and medium brown.
You can use them for various activities, whether it’s hiking or heavy-duty work. They pair excellently with other shoes, as well. The laces come in four sizes, ranging from 45 to 72 inches.
However, the thickness might be too much for some boots, such as Dr. Martens. The material on the boot laces also tends to bunch up as you feed them through the eyelets, which can be time-consuming to fix.
Pros:
- Polyester material.
- Multiple tones are available.
- Snap-resilient.
- Long sizes available.
Cons:
- Too thick for some boots.
- The material bunches up as you feed it through the eyelets.
Our Overview
If you want to improve the look of your boots, we recommend the flat boot laces from Miscly.
Made with a premium cotton material and finished off with a sleek weave, they’re perfect for adding style to your hiking boots. Miscly waxed the cotton, improving its durability and slip-resistance.
The boot laces are quite broad, measuring 0.25 inches across. You can choose between five lengths, ranging from 27 to 63 inches. These are considerably shorter than some other options on our list, but ample for dress boots.
Tones available range from black and brown to dark brown. In the bundle, you’ll receive one pair—two laces in total.
With that said, they may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, like in work boots. They’re thin and may be susceptible to premature wear. Another drawback is that the wax disappears rather quickly.
Pros:
- Premium cotton construction.
- Waxed finish.
- Excellent for dress boots.
Cons:
- Limited color choice available.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty use.
- The wax wears off quickly.
Our Overview
If you’re searching for replacement laces for your Timberland boots, there’s no better option than this pair from the brand itself.
The Timberland laces sport the classic medium brown color and are the same laces used for the classic yellow boot, though you can also buy them in black. They consist of a cotton and polyester blend, increasing their longevity.
The laces come in one length, 63 inches. They’re suitable for any boot with up to nine eyelets on each side.
Pros:
- Perfectly suitable for Timberland boots.
- Durable cotton and polyester blend.
- Classic Timberland colors or black.
Cons:
- Only one size is available.
- Limited color choice.
Our Overview
If you want thick, round laces, this option from YFINE is worth considering. The laces consist of polyester with a waxed finish for slip-resistance and durability.
They have a 0.15-inch diameter and are available in 10 different lengths. You can pair them with almost any footwear, be it your favorite boots or sneakers.
The laces come in numerous colors, including brown, pink, bright yellow, green and white, among many others.
However, the laces aren’t as durable as hoped. They’re susceptible to fraying and not suitable for heavy-duty use.
Pros:
- Polyester material.
- Waxed finish.
- Slip-resistant.
- Many lengths are available.
- Numerous colors to choose from.
Cons:
- Not as durable as hoped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Flat or Round Laces Better?
Both flat and round laces are excellent, but each thrives in different scenarios.
Round boot laces, for instance, are usually the most durable. They’re capable of withstanding more pressure and tugs due to their thickness. Round laces generally consist of cotton or polyester.
Flat laces, however, are a bit more standard on footwear since they don’t come easily undone. These come in a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester and leather.
Are Leather Boot Laces Good?
Leather is a great material—it’s durable and versatile. However, it’s not as common for bootlaces as cotton or polyester is.
Leather is a bit heavier and can be stiff to work with, mostly when new. Still, they should loosen up with wear.
This material also tends to stretch with use, which can impact its longevity. Leather requires frequent maintenance, too, and leaving them in a storage compartment can lead to mildew.
How Do You Tie Laces Securely?
Tying laces securely sometimes seems like an impossible mission. Some laces just don’t want to stay secure.
Here’s a quick guide on how to tie your laces securely:
- Left-over-right knot—cross the left side with the right to make a regular cross-over knot.
- Make bunny ears—create a loop with each side.
- Cross the loops—bring the right loop over the left, so that it sits in the front.
- Make a two-loop knot—bring the loop on your right side over the left, but don’t lead it into the hole just yet.
- Take the loop on your left—bring it around the right loop so that you have a loop on each side of the center hole.
- Feed the loops through the center hole—with a loop on each side, bring them through the center so that the front loop goes through the back and vice versa.
- Tighten—pull each loop to tighten the knot. It may look messy, but once you tighten it, it should look neat.
How Long Should Bootlaces Be for 3 Eyelets?
For smaller boots with only six eyelets—three on each side—should have a lace length of about 24 to 36 inches. However, if you’re in doubt, buy a longer lace and cut it to fit your boots. You can use the method above for finishing the tips.
Final Thoughts
Bootlaces are a crucial part of our footwear. However, when it comes to boots, it’s essential that they meet certain standards to ensure longevity.
The best boot laces are the Danner Laces 54″ bootlaces. They come from a world-renowned boot brand who knows a thing or two about good laces. The laces excel in durability—they’re round and can easily withstand a few tugs and pressure.
