Approximate Shoelace Lengths

Length Approximation Formula

The above tables were worked out using my Shoelace Length Calculator, which uses some fairly exact formulas. However, it's not always convenient to look up this website, nor to carry a printout of the above tables.

The alternative is my Shoelace Length Approximation Formula, as follows:

The horizontal spacing multiplied by the total eyelets approximates the length of the laced section while the 500 mm allows for a medium sized knot.

Calculation example

On a typical sneaker with a horizontal spacing of 50 mm and with six pairs of eyelets (12 eyelets total), the approximate shoelace length calculates as follows:

Calculation accuracy

Note that this approximation will generally come up a little short. For slightly better accuracy, add about 3 mm to the horizontal spacing measurement:

Shoes with lugs

For shoes with lugs instead of eyelets, add the lug width to the horizontal spacing measurement. For example, on a typical sneaker with a horizontal spacing of 50 mm and with five pairs of lugs (10 lugs total), and with each lug about 8 mm wide, the approximate shoelace length calculates as follows:

Shoes with eyelets plus lugs

Finally, for shoes with both eyelets and lugs, calculate the eyelet section and lug section separately, then add the 500 mm end length:

For example, on a shoe with three pairs of eyelets (six eyelets total) spaced apart 50 mm horizontally plus four pairs of lugs (eight lugs total) spaced apart 40 mm horizontally, with each lug 8 mm wide, the approximate shoelace length calculates as follows: