The three most common lace types are flat, round and elastic. The difference between them is not only the look. It is also how firmly the lace holds the shoe, how easily it threads through the eyelets, and how easy it is to take the shoe off. Here is the full comparison, plus a quick recommendation by shoe type at the end. If you already know which type you want and only need the length, go to our shoelace size guide.
The difference at a glance
| Lace type | Look | Knot hold | Best for | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Fills the shoe, bold and symmetrical | Good grip, the knot stays in place | Sneakers, sports shoes, fashion shoes | Flat laces |
| Round | Thin and clean, does not hide the shoe | Tightens firmly, but tends to come undone without a double knot | Boots, Dr. Martens, hiking boots, leather shoes | Round laces |
| Elastic | Looks like a regular lace, but stretches | No retying; you slip into the shoe like a laceless shoe | Kids, running and triathlon, anyone who finds bending down hard | Elastic laces |
Flat laces
The flat lace is the most common lace on sneakers, and it is also the one that changes the look of the shoe the most. The wider the lace, the more it fills the top of the shoe for a bold look; the narrower it is, the cleaner and more minimal the look. Our widths range from 6 mm in the Skinnies series, through 8 mm in Slimmies and Smallies and 10 mm in the classic Flatties series, up to 25 mm in the extra-wide Fatties series. Make sure the width fits through your shoe's eyelets: a 25 mm lace will not fit through the small eyelet of a running shoe.
A flat lace also stays tied better than a round lace, because the two parts of the knot have more contact area. That is why most sports shoes come from the factory with flat laces.
Round laces
A round lace slides easily through eyelets, hooks and speed hooks, which makes it the natural choice for boots, work shoes and hiking boots. It also lets you tighten the shoe more firmly without the lace folding over. The downside is that the knot tends to loosen, so it is best to tie a double knot or use a waxed lace that stays in place.
Our round widths: 5.5 mm in the Ropies series, 5 mm in Roundies and in the waxed Waxies, 4 mm in the Hillies series made for Dr. Martens, and 4 to 9 mm in the Hikies series for hiking and outdoor boots. For leather laces we offer 2 to 3 mm.
Elastic laces
An elastic lace stretches, so once you tie it, you can put the shoe on and take it off without undoing the knot. Our Flexies series comes in three lengths: 70 cm for kids' shoes, 90 cm for a regular shoe and 110 cm for a shoe with more eyelets. It is the go-to solution for kids who cannot tie their laces yet, for runners and triathletes who want a quick exit, and for anyone who finds bending down uncomfortable.
For a completely clean look, you can skip the knot and finish with a Bracks lace lock clip, which locks both ends of the lace with one click. Full details are on our no-tie laces page.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, flat or round laces?
For sneakers and sports shoes, flat is better, because it fills the shoe, looks symmetrical and stays tied better. For boots, work shoes, Dr. Martens and hiking boots, round is better, because it slides easily through hooks and speed hooks and allows a firmer fit.
Do elastic laces hold the shoe well?
Yes, as long as you tie them once at the right tension. The elastic lace stretches as you put the shoe on and returns to its length, so the shoe stays snug on your foot. For competitive sports or a shoe that needs maximum tightness, a regular lace is better.
What flat lace width suits sneakers?
10 mm is the classic width that suits most sneakers. 8 mm gives a cleaner look, 6 mm suits a slim or dressy shoe, and 25 mm is made for shoes with large eyelets, like the Adidas Campus.
Why do my round laces keep coming undone?
The knot of a round lace has a small contact area, so it loosens easily. The simple fix is a double knot. You can also switch to a waxed round lace that grips better, or add a lace lock clip.
Can I put a flat lace in a shoe that came with round laces?
Yes, as long as the width fits through the eyelets. A flat lace in a shoe that came with round laces changes the look a lot, and on leather shoes or boots with hooks it may catch. On sports shoes the swap almost always works.