What are the different types of shoelaces?

We use shoelaces everyday, we use them to tie our shoes, boots and sneakers but quite often shoelaces are overlooked. Shoelaces are fundamentally a necessity for the majority of shoes and sneakers as they help fasten the shoe so it can be used. Shoelaces can be made from a variety of materials most of which are chosen to help aid the proposed use of the shoe.

It can be useful to understand the different types of shoelaces. If for any reason your shoelaces break or you need to replace them, then understanding why and what shoelaces to use can be helpful.

1.Cotton

Cotton is one of the most popular materials used for shoelaces. Many sports and lifestyle shoes are fitted with these types of laces. Many fashion brands and retailers such as Nike, New Balance, Adidas and Vans use cotton as a chosen material for their shoelaces.

Typically shoelaces come in a range of colours from white, black, blue, navy and gray. Cotton is a versatile material that is easy to colour and is often used for blue shoelaces, navy shoelaces and shoelaces of colour.

In addition to colours cotton shoelaces also come in various sizes and shapes such as round shoelaces and flat shoelaces that are made from cotton. Cotton as a material is very easy to clean making it again a great choice for a shoelace.

2. Polyester

Polyester is a very durable material and is used for the production of a large number of shoelaces. As the material is durable and water resistant you will often find polyester used on work shoes, boots and sports shoes.

Polyester shoelaces are less likely to become tangled than cotton or other alternatives, because of this you will often find them used for skating shoes. Polyester shoelaces can easily be cleaned in the washing machine and provide a versatile option for a shoelace.

3. Rawhide.

You will sometimes find shoelaces made from Rawhide. Rawhide is a leather that has not been exposed to tanning. For shoes such as boat shoes, moccasins, desert boots and suede shoes you will often find they are fitted with rawhide shoelaces for stylistic purposes.

Although rawhide is not the most popular shoelace material, it is one of the best materials for a lace. You will find it difficult to break or snap and they hold great wear quality.  Being water resistant and hard wearing rawhide is a great option for outdoor shoes.

4. Flat waxed

You will find flat waxed laces most commonly on service boots as they can withstand some of the harshest elements. Sometimes they can be sticky and leave residue on your hands. Because of this it is uncommon to find flat waxed laces on fashion and lifestyle shoes. One of the most hard wearing materials you can find for a shoelace. If you use flat waxed laces you can expect them to be hard wearing and great all weather conditions.

5. Nylon.

Nylon shoelaces are great for shoes as the material itself is thick and most importantly tangle resistant. Holding qualities such as repelling dirt and water it makes a fantastic material to be used for a shoelace. 

Compared to the other materials nylon can be more expensive however, the qualities it has makes for a premium shoelace that is hard wearing, water resistant and thick that won’t tangle.

You will find nylon laces on hiking boots, military boots, skiing boots and shoes that are designed for hard wearing activities. Because of the thickness of the nylon material you will lacing boots with gloves much easier than with cotton shoelaces.