How to Choose the Right Shoelace Length for Kids’ Shoes

September 29, 2026 Accessories Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Choosing the right shoelace length for kids’ shoes matters more than most parents realize. Laces that are too short are hard to tie and come undone easily, while laces that are too long can become a tripping hazard. As a certified children’s shoe fitter, I’ll show you the easiest way to pick the right length, and what to do if your child has wide feet, high insteps, or orthotics.

Find the Right Shoelace Length by Counting Eyelets

The easiest way to find the right shoelace length is to count the eyelets (the lace holes) on one side of your child’s shoe. Then match that number to the length in the chart below.

Match the number of eyelets to the right shoelace length.

For example, if your child’s shoes have 4 eyelets on each side, choose 27-inch laces. Shoes with 5 eyelets on each side typically need 36-inch laces. The right length ties comfortably, leaves enough to double-knot, and keeps your child’s shoes snug and secure all day.

Watch My Video

In this short video, I show you how to count the eyelets and choose the right shoelace length.

Wide Feet, High Insteps, or Orthotics? Go One Length Longer

Kids with wide or extra wide feet, high insteps, or orthotics often need longer laces. Their shoes are laced looser to fit the foot or the orthotic, which uses up more of the lace and leaves less to tie. For these kids, choose the next length up on the chart, so there’s still enough lace to double-knot.

Another Way: Measure the Old Laces

If your child’s current laces were the right length, simply pull one out, stretch it flat, and measure it from end to end. Buy replacement laces the same length, or one length longer if the old ones were too short to double-knot.

Signs the Laces Are the Wrong Length

Too short:

  • Your child struggles to tie them, or they come undone during the day
  • There’s not enough lace left to double-knot
  • You have to skip the top eyelets to tie them

Too long:

  • The loops or ends drag on the ground after tying
  • Your child trips over them or steps on the ends
  • You have to wrap the laces around the ankle or tuck them in

More Lacing Help