Symptoms
- Lace snapped while tying
- Frayed end won't thread through eyelets
- Plastic or metal tip fell off the lace end
- Knot keeps coming undone because the lace is too short after a break
Likely causes
- CommonAglet (the tip) wore off or cracked with ageThe plastic or metal cap eventually cracks and falls off after years of threading.
- CommonLace frayed and eventually snapped from repeated tensionLaces wear thin exactly where they're pulled tightest, near the top eyelets.
- PossibleLace material degraded from UV or repeated wet-dry cyclesSun and moisture break down lace fibers over time.
What to do
- For a missing aglet, dip the frayed lace end in clear nail polish or fast-drying glue and twist it to a point while it dries, forming a makeshift tip.
- Alternatively, wrap the frayed end tightly with a small piece of tape as a temporary aglet.
- For a fully broken lace, measure the old lace's length (or your shoe's eyelet count) before buying a replacement.
- Round laces generally work for both formal and athletic shoes, while flat laces suit sneakers; match your original style.
- Thread the new lace in the same pattern as the old one for consistent look and function.
- Keep a spare pair of laces on hand for shoes you wear daily, since laces are a wear item like batteries.
Tools and parts
- Clear nail polish or glue (for aglet fix)
- Tape (temporary option)
Replacement shoelacesSearch: “shoelaces [length] [round or flat]”
When to call a pro
No professional service is needed; shoelaces are inexpensive and widely available for any shoe type.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.