How long should shoelaces be for 5 eyelets?
For a typical 5-eyelet-pair shoe (medium width), about 103 cm / 41 in of lace. Use the calculator for your exact shoe, in cm or inches, with the standard size to buy.
Typical length for 5 eyelets
Narrow shoe
81 cm
32 in · buy 36″
Medium shoe
103 cm
41 in · buy 45″
Wide shoe
127 cm
50 in · buy 54″
Shoes vary widely — "5 eyelets" alone is only a rough guide. Measure your shoe in the calculator for an exact length.
Calculate your exact length
Exact = (H + √(H²+V²)×(pairs−1) + ends)×2. Measure H (across the shoe) and V (between rows) center-to-center for your shoe; defaults are typical values. Then round up to the next standard lace size.
How these lengths are computed & sources
- Exact length for criss-cross lacing =
(H + √(H²+V²)×(pairs−1) + ends)×2, where H = horizontal spacing, V = vertical spacing, ends = lace left for the bow (~250 mm). - Typical values use documented widths (narrow 25 mm, medium 50 mm, wide 75 mm) and V ≈ 20 mm — measure your own shoe for an exact answer; shoes vary widely.
- Computed length is rounded up to the next standard lace size (27″, 36″, 45″, 54″, 63″, 72″).
- Lengths are computed geometry, not a guarantee; different lacing methods change the length.
Sources:
- Ian Fieggen (Professor Shoelace) - Shoelace Length Formulas (fieggen.com/shoelace/lengthformulas.htm): criss-cross total = (H + sqrt(H^2+V^2)*(P-1) + L)*2.
- Ian Fieggen - Accurate Shoelace Lengths (fieggen.com/shoelace/accuratelengths.htm): measure P, H, V, end length L (~250 mm ideal), center-to-center.
- Ian Fieggen - Approximate Shoelace Lengths (fieggen.com/shoelace/approximatelengths.htm): quick estimate = horizontal spacing x total eyelets + 500 mm; narrow/medium/wide columns.
- Omni Calculator - Shoelace Length: Pythagorean derivation of the diagonal lace runs.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-24.