What is the Lifespan of Dress Shoelaces? When to Replace Them.

We'll explain the lifespan of dress shoelaces and when it's best to replace them.

Replacing your shoelaces gives your shoes a sharp, clean look. Let's learn the right time to replace them to keep your dress shoes looking their best.

What is the Lifespan of Dress Shoelaces? When to Replace Them.

When Your Shoelaces Break

Obviously, if your laces break, their lifespan is over. It's time for a replacement.

I've seen office workers tie the broken ends together, but this looks sloppy and unclean, so you should avoid continuing to use them as is.

However, if your laces have reached the point of breaking, it means they were already significantly deteriorated. Ideally, you should replace them when you notice fraying, as we'll discuss next, before they have a chance to break.

When Fraying Becomes Noticeable

When your laces start to look noticeably frayed, their lifespan is over. It's time for a replacement.

Laces without fraying look cleaner and give the entire shoe a sharper appearance. Even if you polish your shoes meticulously, clean laces will make them look even better, so be sure to replace them when fraying becomes noticeable.

Generally, dress shoelaces are either "waxed laces" or "gassed cotton laces." Waxed laces are coated with wax, making them durable and glossy, whereas gassed cotton laces are uncoated and more prone to fraying.

Therefore, while the best look depends on the style of your shoe, we recommend choosing coated laces, such as waxed ones.

Here is how a shoe's appearance can change when you replace frayed laces. The atmosphere is completely different.

When the Shoelace Tips (Aglets) Come Off or Deteriorate

If the tips of the laces, known as aglets, come off or deteriorate, their lifespan is over. It's time to replace them.

It doesn't look good to wear dress shoes with fuzzy, frayed lace tips, does it? Not only does it look bad, but it also makes it difficult to thread the laces through the eyelets.

If the aglets come off or are partially peeling, you should replace the laces immediately.

Additionally, if you're concerned about aglet deterioration, we recommend choosing laces with metal aglets for a luxury detail that outlasts plastic.

Introducing Long-Lasting Shoelaces [Fray-Resistant & with Durable Aglets]

Here are some long-lasting shoelaces from MONDSHOELACE.

All our laces feature durable metal aglets for a high-end, long-lasting finish. You can also custom-order any length.

Stay-Tied Waxed Cotton Shoelaces

Thin Stay-Tied Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2/25"(2.2mm)
MONDSHOELACE

View Product Details

While standard waxed laces have a wax coating on the surface, these laces are saturated with wax to the core. This makes them highly durable, fray-resistant, and long-lasting.

Due to the nature of the processing, they have a tacky texture, which in turn helps knots stay securely tied.

Available in 2 lace colors and 4 metal aglet colors, and you can custom-order the length.

Silk-like Kimono Shoelaces

Silk-like Kimono Flat Shoelaces 1/8"(3.5mm)
MONDSHOELACE

View Product Details

Braided in Kyoto by a historic maker, each lace reflects timeless Japanese artistry and refined craftsmanship. These are special laces with the exquisite beauty of a traditional craft.

The material is a premium polyester inspired by kimono fabrics, which brings both silk-like beauty and water resistance, ensuring elegance even on rainy days.

Available in 2 lace colors and 4 metal aglet colors, and you can custom-order the length.

Our standard waxed shoelaces are also highly recommended and come in a wide range of colors. Please browse our collection to find the perfect shoelaces for you.