The Best Shoelaces for Scotch Grain: Genuine vs. Custom-Made

This guide introduces the best replacement shoelaces for Scotch Grain shoes.

• For those who want the same laces that came with their shoes.
• For those who want to change the "width," "color," or "length" to create a new look.

This guide should be helpful for everyone.

We will also cover recommended lengths, knots, and lacing methods, so please refer to those sections as well.

Two Top Choices for Replacing Your Scotch Grain Laces

Official Scotch Grain Shoelaces [Available at Stores]

First, let's look at the official shoelaces from Scotch Grain.

How to Buy

They are sold at Scotch Grain stores nationwide.
It is also possible to have laces mailed to you by sending a note and payment via cash registered mail (genkin kakitome).

They are not sold on their e-commerce site.

For details on purchasing via cash registered mail, please check the Scotch Grain official blog.

Click here for a list of Scotch Grain stores

Benefits of Buying Official Laces

The main benefit is that you can replace your laces with the exact same ones that came with your shoes, refreshing their look without changing the style.

Also, as they are considered "part of after-sales service," the price is very reasonable.

Introducing All 3 Types

[Round Laces (Ester)]

These laces are made from a synthetic fiber called Ester. They have a relatively thin width.

This is the most common type used on Scotch Grain shoes.

Compared to standard "waxed cotton laces," they have the following characteristics:

• Low sheen
• Resistant to coming untied, even when new
• Stiff and firm
• Slightly fuzzy texture, not a premium look

While they lack sheen and a premium feel, they are practical, affordable, and stay tied right from the start.

Models featuring these laces:
Odessa, Odessa III, Broden II, Bell Homme, Bell Homme Marble, Assurance, Avance, Shine or Rain *According to the e-commerce site

[Waxed Round Laces (Katahimo)]

These are a type of waxed shoelace infused with wax.

Compared to standard "surface-coated waxed laces," they have the following features:

• Tacky and resistant to coming untied
• Low sheen
• Durable and resistant to fraying

Normally, shoelaces fray from rubbing against the eyelets when taking shoes on and off, but this type is highly resistant to fraying and very durable.

However, the trade-off is that they require more force to tighten and loosen, which can cause wear on the eyelets.

Models featuring these laces:
Imperial Prestige, Imperial II, Odessa II, Boots, Suede models *According to the e-commerce site

[Flat Laces]

This appears to be a standard type of waxed shoelace.

They have a soft texture with very little coating and are slightly thick for dress shoe flat laces.

Unlike the other two types, it is said that more than two colors are available.
Models made with ZONTA's bordeaux or navy calfskin came with matching flat laces, so those colors likely exist.

While only a limited number of models come with flat laces, they offer a dressier look, so swapping them onto a model that originally came with round laces can be a great way to change the atmosphere.

Models featuring these laces:
Imperial Black *According to the e-commerce site

MONDSHOELACE [Available Online]

Next, we introduce the custom-order shoelaces from our shop, MONDSHOELACE.

How to Buy

Available exclusively on our e-commerce site. Shipping is also reasonable at ¥200.

Benefits of Buying from MONDSHOELACE

With 7 lace styles to choose from and a wide variety of colors, lengths, and metal aglet colors to customize, you can find the perfect laces to match your style and preference.

Plus, you can easily purchase them online.

If you have any of the following needs, please consider MONDSHOELACE:

• You want to change the lace color or style.
• You prefer durable metal aglets.
• The official lengths don't fit your shoes perfectly.

Two Alternatives to the Official "Round Laces (Ester)"

[Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2/25ʺ(2.2mm)]

This is the most common type of waxed shoelace used for dress shoes.

Compared to the official Ester laces, they have a nice sheen and a more premium look.

The width is also slightly thinner, creating a dressier atmosphere.

Additionally, they come in a very wide range of colors.

Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2/25ʺ(2.2mm)
MONDSHOELACE

View Product Details

[Silicone Coated Shoelaces Round 2mm] *Discontinued

These acrylic laces are coated in silicone, which prevents the coating from wearing off and maintains the sheen.

They are also recommended for rain-ready dress shoes.

Compared to the official Ester laces, they have more sheen and are thinner.

Silicone Coated Shoelaces Round 2mm *Discontinued
MONDSHOELACE

View Product Details

Two Alternatives to the Official "Waxed Round Laces (Katahimo)"

[Thin Stay-Tied Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 2/25ʺ(2.2mm)]

Like the official Katahimo, this is a type of shoelace infused with wax.

It is durable and stays tied.

The MONDSHOELACE version features metal aglets for an even more premium look and enhanced durability.

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

View Product Details

[Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)]

This is a standard type of waxed shoelace.

Compared to the official Katahimo, it has more sheen and is not tacky.

This is recommended for those who dislike the tackiness of Katahimo but find the Ester laces lacking in premium feel.

Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Round Shoelaces 1/10ʺ(2.5mm)
MONDSHOELACE

View Product Details

An Alternative to the Official "Flat Laces"

[Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Flat Shoelaces 1/8ʺ(3mm)]

A standard waxed shoelace.

Compared to the official flat laces, it has more of a wax sheen and is slightly thinner for a dressier look.

Recommended for those who find the official flat laces are not premium enough.

Thin Glossy Waxed Cotton Flat Shoelaces 1/8ʺ(3mm)
MONDSHOELACE

View Product Details

Recommended Shoelace Length for Scotch Grain

The length of official shoelaces varies depending on the "model" and "size."

For example, a size "25.5cm, 5-eyelet Oxford" came with 70cm laces.

However, the ideal length also changes based on the "width of the facing" and "personal preference."

Therefore, when buying new shoelaces, we recommend measuring your current laces and using that as a baseline.

If you'd rather not measure, please see our length guide in the article below.

Dress Shoelace Length Guide [From Oxfords to Boots by Eyelet Count]

How to Lace and Tie Your Scotch Grain Shoelaces

Parallel Lacing is Standard

The standard lacing method is Parallel.

While Single lacing looks similar, Parallel offers a better hold and is easier for taking shoes on and off.

For instructions on the Parallel method, please see this article.

How to Do Parallel Lacing on Dress Shoes [Includes Loosening! With Video!]

A Stay-Tied Knot

Although the official laces are made from materials that resist coming untied, a better knotting technique is needed for a completely secure fit.

For this, we recommend the "Berluti knot."

It's a simple modification of a standard bow knot, but it's significantly more secure.

To learn how to tie it, please see this article.

How to Tie the 'Berluti Knot' for Dress Shoes [Video Tutorial]

Summary

The three types of official Scotch Grain shoelaces are:

• Round Laces (Ester)
• Waxed Round Laces (Katahimo)
• Flat Laces

They can be purchased at stores or via cash registered mail.

If you're looking for an easier way to buy from a wider selection, why not order custom shoelaces from our MONDSHOELACE e-commerce site?

For details on alternatives to the official shoelaces, please see the relevant section in this article.

View All MONDSHOELACE Products