Cobwebs. That’s what I saw clinging to the old pair of walking boots I dragged out of the garage last week. My feet, however, were less concerned with dusty décor and more with the sheer inadequacy of the laces. Snapped. Gone. A stark reminder of a past mistake.
Picking out the right length for your walking boot laces isn’t rocket science, but it’s amazing how many times I’ve gotten it spectacularly wrong. You buy a pair of boots, you need new laces, and suddenly you’re staring at a wall of cardboard packaging with a dizzying array of lengths. It’s enough to make you want to just tie knots in the existing ones.
Honestly, this whole ‘how long laces for walking boots’ question feels like it should be obvious, but it’s not. It’s a detail that, when ignored, can lead to blistered feet and general misery on the trail. Let’s just get this sorted, shall we?
Why I Bought the Wrong Laces (and You Might Too)
I remember it vividly. My first proper pair of hiking boots, sturdy things that felt like they could conquer Everest. I was so excited, I barely looked at the old laces when they finally gave up the ghost on a particularly muddy trek. Off to the outdoor shop I went, grabbed the first pack that looked vaguely boot-lace-shaped, and paid my money. Turns out, they were about six inches too short. Six inches!
SHORT. Very short.
Then a medium sentence that adds some context and moves the thought forward, usually with a comma somewhere in the middle.
It meant I couldn’t tie a secure knot, forcing me to do this awkward double-loop thing that always snagged on brambles, and the whole boot felt less supportive because I couldn’t get that crucial snugness around my ankle, leading to more rubbing and a general feeling of unease that persisted for the entire weekend, despite the stunning scenery.
Then, just to rub salt in the wound, I had to buy *another* set of laces on the way home, which were now too long and looked ridiculous flapping about.
[IMAGE: Close-up of a boot lace that is too short, showing it barely reaching the top eyelets to tie a knot.]
The Actual ‘how Long Laces for Walking Boots’ Calculation
Right, enough about my personal failures. Let’s talk numbers. The most common piece of advice you’ll see is to count your eyelets. Seems simple, right? Well, it is, but there’s a bit more to it. For boots with 5-7 pairs of eyelets, you’re generally looking at laces in the 120-140cm range. If you have more like 8-10 pairs, you’re probably pushing into the 160-180cm territory. This is the standard advice you’ll find from most retailers, and honestly, it’s a decent starting point.
Everyone says ‘count your eyelets’. I disagree, and here is why: it doesn’t account for how you like to tie your boots or the thickness of your boot’s tongue. Some people like a bit of lace left over for flair, others want it just long enough for a single knot. My dad, bless him, used to double knot everything like he was securing a ship in a storm, so he always needed more length than me.
So, let’s refine this. Measure your existing laces if you can. If they’re toast, grab a piece of string or even a regular shoelace you have lying around that *does* fit, and thread it through your boot. Pull it taut, then tie a knot where you’d normally tie your boots. Measure the string from knot to knot. That’s your ideal length, give or take a couple of inches for preference. This is far more accurate than just guessing based on eyelet count. I’ve seen people buy 160cm laces for boots that only needed 120cm, and the excess lace just looked messy and got in the way.
[IMAGE: Hands measuring a boot lace with a measuring tape.]
What If Your Laces Are Too Long?
This is where things get… interesting. Laces that are too long are a tripping hazard, plain and simple. They can catch on rocks, roots, or even your own feet, leading to a spectacular (and potentially painful) tumble. I once tripped over my own ridiculously long laces while trying to navigate a steep, scree-covered slope, and nearly took out a fellow hiker with me. My face was a picture of pure horror. Not my finest moment, but a lesson learned the hard way.
The excess can also get caught in your boot’s mechanism if it has any speed lacing hooks, bending or breaking them. You’ll end up with a boot that’s half tied and half not, which is a recipe for blisters and hot spots. For boots with more than 10 pairs of eyelets, you might need laces up to 200cm or even longer, but anything beyond that and you’re probably looking at custom lengths or a serious re-evaluation of your lacing technique.
Laces that are too long can also get frayed and worn much faster, as they’re constantly being stepped on or dragging on the ground. It’s like wearing trousers that are too short; it just looks wrong and serves no practical purpose.
[IMAGE: A walking boot with excessively long laces, showing them dragging on the ground.]
Lace Material and Durability: Beyond Just Length
Okay, length is important, but let’s not pretend it’s the *only* thing. The material of your boot laces matters a lot for durability and how they perform. Traditional cotton laces are cheap, but they tend to fray easily and absorb water like a sponge, becoming heavy and useless when wet. They also stretch quite a bit.
Polyester or nylon laces are generally much better. They’re stronger, more resistant to abrasion, and don’t soak up water. Many modern walking boot laces are even round and waxed, which helps them stay tied and resist snagging. Oval laces are also common, offering a good balance of grip and durability. I once bought a cheap pair of ‘heritage’ style flat cotton laces for my old leather boots, and they lasted barely two months before one snapped, right in the middle of a bog. The texture of the lace, that slight waxy feel, is actually a good indicator of its ability to hold a knot.
Consider laces with reflective threads woven in if you do a lot of walking in low light conditions. It’s a small detail, but it adds a layer of safety that’s often overlooked. It’s like having tiny headlights for your feet.
Here’s a quick rundown:
| Lace Type | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton (Waxed/Unwaxed) | Cheap, traditional look | Fray easily, absorb water, stretch | Avoid unless for pure aesthetics on very light boots. |
| Polyester/Nylon (Round/Flat) | Durable, water-resistant, strong | Can be slippery if not waxed or textured | My go-to for serious walking boots. |
| Kevlar/Synthetic Blends | Extremely strong, abrasion-resistant | Can be overkill, may be expensive | For expedition-level boots or extreme conditions. |
[IMAGE: A close-up comparison of different boot lace materials – cotton, polyester, and a synthetic blend.]
How to Lace Your Walking Boots Properly
Once you have the right length, how you actually thread them through your boots can make a huge difference. The classic criss-cross lacing is fine for most situations, but if you have specific issues, there are other ways. For instance, if your boots tend to feel loose around the ankle even when tied tightly, you can use a ‘window’ lacing technique. This involves skipping a pair of eyelets and lacing straight across between them, creating a rigid section that locks the lacing in place. It feels a bit like putting your foot into a secure harness.
Another common issue is the boot tongue slipping down. A simple lacing technique to prevent this is to thread the lace through the very top two eyelets and then across the tongue, creating a loop that holds it in place. It’s a simple fix that makes a world of difference on long hikes, preventing that annoying constant adjustment. I’ve spent more time than I care to admit fiddling with a rogue tongue.
The general rule of thumb, according to outdoor gear specialists at REI, is to aim for consistent tension from the toe box all the way up to the ankle. You want your foot to feel secure, not constricted, and you want to avoid any pressure points that could lead to blisters over long distances. Experimenting with different lacing patterns is surprisingly effective.
[IMAGE: A diagram showing different boot lacing techniques, including criss-cross and window lacing.]
Do I Need Special Walking Boot Laces?
Not necessarily. While dedicated walking boot laces are often made from more durable, water-resistant materials like polyester or nylon, you can often get away with high-quality general shoelaces if they’re the correct length and material. The key is durability and how well they hold a knot. Generic, cheap laces will likely fail you on the trail.
How Do I Measure Laces Without My Boots?
If your boots are inaccessible, the best way is to measure the length of the eyelets themselves, from the first pair at the toe to the last pair at the cuff, and add a good 20-30cm. Alternatively, if you have another pair of boots with similar eyelet configuration, measure those laces. A piece of string is your best friend here. Thread it through all the eyelets, pull it snug, and then tie it off where you’d knot your laces. Measure the string.
Can I Use Regular Shoelaces for Walking Boots?
Yes, you can, provided they are strong enough and the right length. Running shoe laces are often too thin and not durable enough. Look for laces that are described as heavy-duty or suitable for work boots. The material is more important than the specific ‘walking boot’ label.
Why Do My Boot Laces Keep Coming Undone?
This is usually down to the material of the lace (slippery synthetics can be culprits) or how you tie the knot. A standard knot can loosen under pressure, especially with bouncy movements on uneven terrain. Try a ‘granny knot’ versus a ‘reef knot’ (also called a square knot) – the reef knot is much more secure for boot laces. Some people also swear by a double knot, but that can make them hard to untie later.
[IMAGE: A close-up of a secure boot lace knot.]
Final Thoughts
So, after all that, how long laces for walking boots really need to be? It’s about finding that sweet spot between too short and a tripping hazard, and too long and a tangled mess. Don’t just grab the first pack you see; take a moment to measure or estimate based on your boot’s eyelets and your preferred lacing style.
Honestly, I’ve wasted more money on cheap, ill-fitting laces than I care to admit. They’re a small component, but a failed lace out on a trail can ruin your entire day, or even your trip. It’s worth investing a few extra quid for a pair that’s the right length and made of decent material.
Next time you’re contemplating new laces, grab a tape measure. Seriously. You’ll thank yourself when your boots are snug and secure, mile after mile.
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