new balance shoe laces

We’ve all been there. You lace up your favorite New Balance 990s, the ones that feel like clouds strapped to your feet, and you’re ready to conquer your morning walk or a quick errand run. But just as you double-knot, you notice it: one lace is fraying at the tip, or worse, it snaps clean in two. Suddenly, those perfect sneakers are out of commission. Or maybe your laces are fine, but they keep coming untied, or they’re too short to get that perfect, snug fit. It’s a small problem, but it can derail your entire day. The truth is, your shoelaces are the unsung heroes of your footwear. They’re the difference between a shoe that feels like an extension of your foot and one that feels like a floppy, unreliable nuisance. So, let’s talk about the humble, yet mighty, New Balance shoelace.

Why Your Laces Matter More Than You Think

It’s easy to dismiss laces as just a piece of string. But they are a critical component of your shoe’s performance, comfort, and even safety. Think of them as the suspension system for your car. A good suspension keeps you stable, comfortable, and in control. A bad one makes every bump feel like a disaster. Your laces do the same for your feet. They lock your heel in place, prevent your foot from sliding forward (which can cause painful blisters and black toenails), and distribute the pressure from the tongue of the shoe evenly across the top of your foot. When you use the wrong type of lace, or a worn-out one, you’re essentially driving that car with a flat tire. You might still get where you’re going, but the ride won’t be pleasant, and you risk causing damage to both the shoe and your foot.

The Anatomy of a New Balance Lace: Materials and Shapes

New Balance doesn’t just throw any old string on their shoes. They design laces to match the specific purpose of the shoe. The most common material you’ll encounter is a polyester blend. This is the workhorse of the lace world. It’s durable, resists stretching, and handles moisture reasonably well. It’s what you’ll find on most of their classic lifestyle sneakers like the 574 or the 997. For their performance running shoes, like the Fresh Foam or FuelCell lines, you’ll often find a slightly different construction. These laces might be made from a nylon or a more specialized synthetic that has a bit more “grip” to prevent slipping during high-intensity runs. The key difference lies in the weave and the coating, which are engineered to hold a knot tighter under dynamic stress.

Then there’s the shape. This is where things get really interesting. You have three main profiles: flat, round, and oval. Flat laces are the classic choice. They’re wide and thin, which means they distribute pressure over a larger area. This makes them fantastic for casual wear and for people with high insteps, as they don’t dig in. However, they are notorious for coming untied if not double-knotted properly. Round laces, on the other hand, are like a rope. They’re great for locking down a knot because the friction is concentrated in a smaller area. They’re common on hiking boots and some athletic shoes, but they can sometimes feel a bit “ropelike” and dig into the top of your foot. The sweet spot is the oval lace. It combines the best of both worlds. It has the flat profile to spread out pressure, but a rounded core that gives it the knot-holding power of a round lace. Many of New Balance’s premium models, especially their “Made in USA” lines, use a high-quality oval lace for this very reason.

Length Matters: Getting the Perfect Fit

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using the wrong length of lace. Too short, and you can’t tie them properly, leaving your heel loose. Too long, and you have floppy loops that look messy and can get caught on things. New Balance shoes typically come with laces that are designed for the number of eyelets on that specific model. A standard sneaker with 6 or 7 pairs of eyelets usually takes a 45-inch (114 cm) lace. A shoe with 7 or 8 pairs, like a high-top or a heavier boot, might need a 54-inch (137 cm) lace. For children’s sizes, you’re usually looking at 27 to 36 inches. But here’s the pro tip: the best way to measure is to use the old lace as a guide. If you’re replacing them, simply lay the old lace flat and measure it from tip to tip. If you’re buying a new pair of New Balance shoes and the laces feel off, don’t be afraid to swap them out. A perfect lace length should allow you to tie a standard bow with loops that are about two inches long, with no extra lace dangling.

When to Replace: The Telltale Signs

Laces don’t last forever. Like tires, they wear down over time. You should replace your laces when you see any of these signs:

• Fraying at the tips: This is the first sign of death. The plastic or metal aglet (the little tip) is what makes it easy to thread the lace through the eyelet. Once that’s gone, the lace will start to unravel.
• Stretching out: If you have to pull the laces tighter every time you put the shoes on, the material has lost its elasticity. This means the lace can’t hold tension properly, and your foot will slide around.
• Fraying along the body: This is a sign of heavy wear, often from rubbing against the eyelets or the ground. A frayed lace is a weak lace that can snap at any moment.
• Permanent kinks or knots: If the lace has a memory of being tied and won’t lie flat, it’s time for a fresh set. These kinks create weak points.

Practical Tips for Buying and Configuring Your Laces

So, you’ve decided to upgrade or replace your laces. Here’s how to make the best choice for your New Balance shoes. First, match the lace to the shoe’s purpose. For your daily walkers or casual 574s, a standard flat polyester lace in the correct length is perfect. It’s affordable, durable, and looks great. For your running shoes, look for a lace with a bit more grip. Many brands sell “no-slip” or “stay-tied” laces that have a textured surface or a special coating. For your hiking boots or trail runners, consider a round or oval lace made from a more abrasion-resistant material like Kevlar or a heavy-duty nylon.

Second, don’t be afraid to get creative with color. New Balance is a brand that celebrates individuality. A bright pop of color on your laces can completely transform a classic pair of grey 990s. It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to personalize your shoes. Just make sure the color complements the shoe’s upper. A white lace on a white shoe is classic. A neon orange or electric blue lace on a neutral shoe is a bold statement. A black lace on a dark shoe is sleek and understated.

Finally, consider the lacing technique. The way you thread your laces can solve specific fit issues. If your heel is slipping, try the “heel lock” or “runner’s loop” technique. You create an extra loop at the top eyelets, cross the laces through them, and then tie normally. This locks your heel in place. If you have a high instep and the top of your foot feels pinched, skip the top eyelet or use a “window” lacing pattern where you skip an eyelet in the middle to relieve pressure. Your local running store or a quick online search for “lacing techniques for foot pain” can give you step-by-step diagrams. The point is, the lace is a tool, and you have the power to use it to dial in the perfect fit.

In the end, a great pair of New Balance shoes deserves great laces. It’s a small investment that pays off in comfort, performance, and style. So, next time you pull on your favorite sneakers, take a moment to appreciate the laces. Give them a check. If they’re looking tired, swap them out. Your feet will thank you, and your shoes will feel brand new again.