Quick Answer
Many mid-height hiking boots, around 6 inches tall, take laces of roughly 54 to 63 inches (about 137 to 160 cm). Taller boots need more, and low hiking shoes need less. The most reliable method is still to measure the laces you already have, or count your eyelet pairs and compare against a chart. Any chart is a guideline only, because eyelet spacing and lacing style change the result.
How to Count Eyelet Pairs
Count the holes or hooks down one side of the boot. That number is the number of eyelet pairs. If you count the total across both sides, divide by two. Speed hooks near the top count too, if you lace through them.
Lace Length Chart by Eyelet Pairs
These are common retailer guideline values for standard lacing. Treat them as a starting point.
| Eyelet pairs | Typical lace length |
|---|---|
| 5 to 6 | about 54 in (137 cm) |
| 7 to 8 | about 63 in (160 cm) |
| 9 to 10 | about 72 in (183 cm) |
| 11 or more | about 80 to 90 in (200 to 230 cm) |
If you are between sizes, a slightly longer lace can be tied with a bit more slack, while one that is too short is unusable.
Lace Length by Boot Height
- Low hiking shoes and trail runners: often around 45 to 54 inches
- Mid-cut hiking boots (roughly 6 to 8 inches): often around 54 to 63 inches
- Tall boots (around 9 to 10 inches and up): often 72 inches or longer
What size laces for 6, 8 and 10 inch boots?
Treat these as ballpark figures only, since the number of eyelets matters more than the stated height.
- 6 inch boots: commonly 54 to 63 inches
- 8 inch boots: commonly around 63 to 72 inches
- 10 inch boots: commonly around 72 inches or more
Check the eyelet count to confirm.
Laces for specific brands such as Merrell
Brands usually do not publish one lace length for all models, and low-cut and mid-cut styles in the same line differ. Look up the product page or the maker’s support page for your exact model (our Merrell hiking boots reviews cover that brand’s fit), or count eyelets and measure.
Measure Your Old Laces
This is the easiest and most accurate method:
- Remove a lace completely.
- Lay it flat without stretching it.
- Measure tip to tip, including the plastic ends (aglets).
- Buy the same length, or adjust if the old pair was too long or short.
A common rule of thumb is to have about 8 inches (20 cm) of lace left on each side to tie your bow after lacing.
Extra Length for Lacing Styles
Some techniques use more lace than a plain criss-cross.
- Heel lock (surgeon’s knot) or double knots: may need an additional 6 to 8 inches.
- Wrapping laces around the ankle for support: add some extra length as well.
- Skipping eyelets uses less lace.
These lacing styles are useful when fitting hiking boots to stop heel slip or relieve pressure on the instep.
Choosing Lace Material
- Round polyester or nylon laces are common on hiking boots and hold up well to abrasion.
- Flat laces can lie neatly but may loosen more easily.
- Waxed laces resist dirt and moisture, though they may need a firm knot.
- Cotton laces are comfortable but tend to wear and absorb water, so many hikers avoid them on the trail.
Always carry a spare lace or a short length of cord on longer trips (a useful item for any backpacking gear list) so a broken lace does not end your day.
When to Replace Laces
Replace laces when you see fraying, thin spots, or when knots keep slipping. Laces are cheap compared with the cost of a trip cut short. If your boots are also worn out, see signs of wear in our guide to how long hiking boots last.