Quick answer: Swapping shoelaces is the fastest, cheapest way to make a favorite pair of shoes feel new again. Pull the old laces out, match the replacement to your eyelet count and lace width, and re-lace in a clean pattern. Our two-pair pack of 100% cotton flat laces costs $8.99 and comes in 18 colors.
Before you retire a scuffed-but-comfortable pair of sneakers, look down at the laces. Dingy, frayed, or stretched-out laces age a shoe more than almost anything else — and they are the one part you can replace in about five minutes, with no tools, no glue, and no real DIY skill required. Here is a simple lace-swapping routine, plus a few color ideas to refresh your whole rotation.
Why a lace swap works so well
Laces sit at the visual center of a shoe, so crisp new ones instantly read as “clean pair.” A swap also fixes practical annoyances: laces that will not hold a knot, split tips, or a length that was always slightly wrong for how you tie. And because a two-pair pack of Cotton Flat Shoelaces is $8.99, it is the lowest-cost upgrade in footwear.
Step 1: Choose the right replacement
- Length: Measure a lace you are replacing — it is the most reliable method — and remember that more eyelet pairs generally need longer laces. Our cotton flat laces come in seven lengths (39 to 63), and longer sizes are available for high tops and work-style boots.
- Width: A flat 8mm (5/16 inch) lace is a balanced thickness for sneakers, athletic shoes, and casual footwear — wide enough to fill the eyelet, slim enough to knot cleanly.
- Material: 100% cotton fibers are natural and strong; they tie firmly, resist slipping, and stay flexible. They are also washable, so the laces can be refreshed instead of replaced.
Step 2: Remove, clean, re-lace
Pull the old laces out completely and use the moment: wipe down the tongue and eyelet rows, which are hard to reach when laced. Then thread the new pair from the bottom eyelets up, keeping tension even on both sides as you go.
Step 3: Pick a lacing pattern
- Criss-cross: the everyday default — secure, even pressure, quick to tie.
- Straight-bar: horizontal bars with the diagonals hidden underneath. Looks tidy and slightly dressier, and flat laces suit it especially well.
- Relaxed lacing: lace loosely and tuck the knot for a slip-on feel on casual sneakers.
Use color to refresh the whole collection
With 18 colors to choose from — including Black, White, Ivory, Beige, Gray, Navy Blue, Light Pink, Lavender, Mint, Orange, and Khaki — one pack can take a shoe in two directions: a tonal swap (White or Ivory on light shoes) for a quietly-new look, or a contrast pop (Orange or Mint on gray shoes) that reads as a deliberate style choice. Each pack includes 2 pairs — 4 laces — so you can refresh two pairs of shoes or keep a matched spare.
Cotton Flat Shoelaces — at a glance
| Material | 100% cotton |
|---|---|
| Width | 8mm (5/16 inch), flat profile |
| Lengths | Seven options: 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63 |
| Colors | 18, from classic Black and White to Lavender and Mint |
| Pack contents | 2 pairs (4 laces) |
| Washable | Yes — lukewarm water, mild soap, air dry |
| Price | $8.99 |
Care tips for cotton laces
Straight from the product care guide: remove laces from the shoe before cleaning, wash in lukewarm water with mild soap, air dry naturally away from direct heat, store spares in a dry spot, and replace laces once fraying or heavy wear sets in.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what length shoelace to buy?
Measure a lace you are replacing before you order - that is the most reliable method. As a general rule, shoes with more eyelet pairs need longer laces. These cotton flat laces come in seven lengths from 39 to 63, and the longer sizes suit high tops and work-style boots.
What width are these shoelaces?
They are flat laces with a 5/16 inch (8mm) width - a balanced thickness that fills the eyelets of sneakers, athletic shoes, and casual footwear without bulking up the knot.
Can I wash cotton shoelaces?
Yes. Remove them from the shoe first, wash them in lukewarm water with mild soap, then air dry naturally away from direct heat. Replace laces once they fray or show heavy wear.
How many laces come in a pack?
Each pack includes 2 pairs, which is 4 individual laces - enough to re-lace two pairs of shoes, or one pair plus a matched spare set.
Will these laces work for boots?
Yes. Longer sizes are available for high tops and work-style boots. Pick the length closest to the laces you are replacing.
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Prices and product details are current as of publication and may change. See the product page for the latest information.