One component of roller skates that can directly affect how fun and safe it is to skate is the laces. Even though most people tend to overlook these, they play quite a significant role in every skater’s experience. If you are preparing to become one, you should know the answers to typical questions like “How long are roller skate laces?”
The typical length of laces for roller skates is 72 inches. But roller skate laces’ lengths can vary depending on the size and the height of the skates that they are paired with. In cases where the skates are large and tall, the roller skate laces lengths can be 96 inches or more.
Keep reading to find out more about the laces of roller skates, such as how to select the best ones and measure them.
Summary Table
| Typical length of roller skates | 72 inches |
| Length of Derby roller skate laces | 27 inches to 160 inches + |
| Length of Criss Cross x Derby roller skate laces | 72 inches to 130 inches |
| Typical low-cut roller skate laces (Like Derby laces) | 60 inches or 72 inches |
| Typical high-top roller skate laces (Like Moxi laces and Impala skate laces) | 96 inches to 120 inches |
Page Contents
How Long Are Roller Skates?
As touched upon earlier in the introduction, the average length of laces on roller skates is 72 inches. But it can go up to 96 to 120 inches to fit larger and higher skates.
Factors That Affect the Length of Roller Skate Laces
Because laces are what secure your skates around your feet, it makes sense that they are affected by the size and height of your skates.
- The Size: Laces will have to stretch across a wider surface on larger skates, so they must be longer. By the same token, smaller skates’ laces can be shorter. If they are just as long as laces on large skates, they can become a tripping hazard.
If you are skate-shopping from Fritzy’s, for example, a size 5 skate would pair with 72-inch laces, while skates from sizes 6 to 12 would go with 96-inch laces.
Similarly, low-cut skates sized 4 to 5.5 in the BlueStreak line from CrissCross have a standard length of 72 inches. However, for anything sized 6 and bigger, you’ll need to get a shoestring 81 inches long.
- Number of eyelets: Taller skates tend to have more eyelets, resulting in a longer lace. If it’s too short, the lace won’t be able to go through all the eyelets to keep the skate secured.
For example, laces for skates with 4 eyelets or 5 pairs are usually around 27 to 36 inches. Meanwhile, the shoestring for skates with 6 and 7 eyelets are roughly 45 to 47 inches.
If you keep adding more eyelets, the lace’s length will also increase. Roller skates with 8–10 pairs of eyelets will require laces 55 inches long, whereas anything with more than 10 pairs should have shoestrings at least 62 inches long.
However, as mentioned above, roller skates should fit snugly around your feet for a safe and comfortable experience. As such, most adult roller skates have around 10–12 pairs of eyelets, resulting in an average lace length of 72 inches.
How to Determine the Length of Your Roller Skate Laces
Usually, the laces are included when you shop for roller skates. So, you do not have to put a lot of thought into them. However, if you are buying laces separately, it is essential to know what to consider and how to measure for the appropriate length.
The size and height of your skates are the first two things you should take into consideration. As we said earlier, these play a role in how long or short your laces must be. And to decide on them, you need to look at your own feet. Are they wide or are they narrow?
You should also think about your lacing habits. The way that you lace up your skates can impact the necessary size laces for roller skates. For example, some skaters like to wrap their laces around the skates once before lacing through the eyelets, so they need longer laces.
When looking to purchase laces it is necessary to ask for a roller skate lace size chart. Spare time to consult the chart to choose the most appropriate laces for your skates.
How to Measure Roller Skate Laces?
It is not too difficult to take the measurement of roller skate laces. There are only four steps that you need to carry out. Here are the steps:
- Measure the space between the bottom eyelets.
- Count the number of eyelets on one side of your skates.
- Take the measurement in the first step and multiply it by the number of eyelet pairs.
- Multiply the result by 2.
- The result is the minimum lace length needed to go through all the eyelets. You’ll also have to take into account the extra length to tie the lace. As such, add 20 inches to the result from the previous step.
If you’re still feeling unsure, you can google “Roller skate stores near me” to find the nearest store. By trying the shoestring yourself, you’ll know for sure whether it’s a good fit for you.
Note: To make sure you do not accidentally mess up the final measurement, take note of all the numbers.
Other Things to Consider When Buying Roller Skate Laces
Besides the factors that we have mentioned above, like whether you are getting skate laces for 5 eyelets or for 8 eyelets, you should think about the laces’ thickness and stretch. Both of these will influence the laces’ roles in your roller skates’ fit and performance.
- The Thickness: Laces that are thicker stay in place and do a better job at holding your feet and skates together. They are also easier to tie, even if you have fat fingers.
- The Stretch: When you lace your skates, the boot will stretch in some parts and mold to your feet over time. But if your laces are too stretchy, this will not work out. Then, it will be difficult for you to use your roller skates to their fullest potential.
Conclusion
Now, you know everything there is to know about roller skate shoe laces, including the two common questions, “How long are roller skate laces?” and “How to determine the length of laces for roller skates?”
To recap, the standard roller skate lace length is 72 inches, but it can be longer if the skate has a larger or higher profile. It can be as long as 160 inches.
We hope that you have gotten the information you are looking for. Leave any other questions you would like to ask in the comments down below. We will get back to you soon!
Harrison is a skating enthusiast who picked up the sport during her student exchange years in Canada. She has been a skating coach for children and teens for 3 years and now holds classes as a freelancer. Harrison entwines her experience leading skating classes in the content published on Cora to help readers fall in love with skating, just like she did.
