If you've ever sat down to clean your kicks and realized your laces are frayed, you've probably asked yourself how long are new balance shoe laces so you can grab a replacement pair without guessing. It's one of those minor details that doesn't matter until it suddenly does—like when you're trying to tie a double knot and realize you've only got an inch of string left to work with. The short answer is that there isn't one universal length, but most New Balance sneakers typically use laces ranging from 45 to 54 inches.
It mostly comes down to the number of eyelets on your shoes. If you're rocking a pair of low-profile lifestyle sneakers, you're looking at a completely different length than someone wearing high-top basketball shoes or chunky heritage runners. Let's break down exactly what you need to look for so you don't end up with laces that drag on the ground or, worse, barely reach the top hole.
The Eyelet Count Rule of Thumb
The easiest way to figure out the right length without actually pulling out a measuring tape is to count the eyelets. Eyelets are just those little holes the laces go through. Most New Balance models follow a pretty standard pattern that you can use as a cheat sheet.
If your shoes have 5 to 6 pairs of eyelets—which is super common for casual models like the 574—you're usually safe with 45-inch laces. This length gives you enough slack to tie a decent knot without having huge loops flopping around.
Once you move up to 7 pairs of eyelets, which you'll find on most performance running shoes and the iconic 990 series, you're going to want to step up to 54-inch laces. This is arguably the most common size for New Balance fans because it covers the bulk of their most popular silhouettes.
If you're wearing something with 8 or 9 pairs of eyelets, like a high-top or a boot-style sneaker, you'll need 63-inch laces. Anything shorter than that, and you'll be struggling to get a grip on the ends to tie them.
Why Model Choice Changes Everything
Even though the eyelet count is a great guide, the specific model of New Balance you own can change the math a bit. For example, the New Balance 990v5 and v6 are known for having a bit of a "chunkier" build. Because the body of the shoe is wider and there's more padding in the tongue, the lace has more distance to travel across the top of your foot.
In these cases, even if the eyelet count suggests a 45-inch lace might work, you're almost always better off going with 54 inches. It's always better to have an extra couple of inches than to be short. You can always tuck long laces in or tie them a bit tighter, but you can't stretch a lace that's too short.
On the flip side, if you have a pair of slim lifestyle shoes like the 237 or the 327, the eyelets might be closer together. These shoes often look better with a slightly shorter lace to keep the silhouette clean. If you aren't planning on using the very top "extra" eyelet (the one runners use for a heel lock), you can often size down by one level.
Measuring Your Current Laces
If you really want to be precise and avoid a return trip to the store, the best way to determine how long are new balance shoe laces for your specific pair is to just measure the ones that came in the box.
Don't try to measure them while they're still in the shoe; that never works. Pull one out, lay it flat on a table or the floor, and use a ruler or measuring tape. Make sure you don't pull too hard—most laces have a bit of stretch to them, and you want to measure the "relaxed" length.
If your current laces feel a bit too long or you're tired of stepping on the loops, this is your chance to adjust. If your 54-inch laces are leaving you with six-inch loops, try a 48-inch replacement. It's a small change that makes a huge difference in how the shoe looks on your foot.
How Your Lacing Style Affects Length
We all have our own way of tying our shoes, and believe it or not, that affects which lace length you should buy. Some people like the "factory lace" look, where the laces are kept relatively loose and the ends are just tucked into the sides. If that's your vibe, you can actually get away with a much shorter lace because you aren't accounting for the extra length needed to tie a knot.
Then there are the runners. If you use the "runner's loop" or "heel lock" method—where you use that final, offset eyelet near the ankle to prevent your heel from slipping—you're going to need more length. That extra loop consumes about 3 to 5 inches of lace on each side. If you're a serious runner and your New Balances have 7 eyelets, don't even look at anything under 54 inches. You might even want to consider 60 inches if you like a very secure, double-knotted fit.
Flat vs. Oval Laces
It's not just about the length; the shape of the lace matters for New Balance shoes too. Most heritage models like the 990 or the 574 come with flat cotton or polyester laces. Flat laces tend to stay tied better and have a more classic look.
However, some of the newer performance models use "oval" or slightly rounded laces. These are designed to be more aerodynamic and have a bit more "give" when your foot expands during a long run. When replacing these, keep in mind that oval laces can sometimes feel shorter than flat laces of the same length because they are thicker. If you're switching from a thin flat lace to a thick oval one, you might want to add a few inches just to be safe.
Where to Find the Right Replacements
If you're looking for the exact "factory" look, it can be a little tricky because New Balance doesn't always sell their specific OEM laces separately in every color. However, there are plenty of high-quality third-party brands that make "New Balance style" laces.
When shopping, look for "premium cotton" or "flat athletic" laces. Most of the time, the packaging will list the length in centimeters as well. For reference: * 114cm is roughly 45 inches * 137cm is roughly 54 inches * 160cm is roughly 63 inches
Knowing these conversions is super helpful if you're ordering online from a brand that uses metric measurements.
The Final Verdict
So, at the end of the day, how long are new balance shoe laces? For the vast majority of you reading this, the answer is 54 inches. It's the "Goldilocks" length for New Balance sneakers—not too long, not too short, and fits almost every popular model from the 990 to the 1906R.
If you're wearing smaller sizes (like kids' or some women's sizes) or low-profile lifestyle shoes, 45 inches is your go-to. And for the high-top fans, stick with 63 inches.
Changing your laces is honestly one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make an old pair of shoes feel brand new again. Whether you're replacing a broken lace or just want to swap out the standard white for something with a bit more personality, getting the length right is the first step. Save yourself the headache, count your eyelets, and you'll be good to go.