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Laces are important for securing your footwear to your feet, ensuring a proper fitting. However in the case of safety footwear there is the case of durability to consider when choosing the correct boot laces or shoe laces (depending on your required choice of footwear). Thankfully Cromwell have a range of laces to choose from, including well-known brands like Grafters® and Tuffsafe®, to help keep your safety footwear performing at its best.

What are laces?

Laces are essentially a fastening and a way to secure your choice of foowear to your feet for comfort and stability when moving. They come in a range of sizes and materials designed to be used with various types of footwear.

Why laces?

As with all components on footwear eventually they wear down and out through continued use, however in the case of laces this can occur quicker than the rest of the boot or shoe, as anyone who has had a lace snap on them when tying up their shoes can attest to.

When this happens, you will need a spare set of laces. Wearing ill fitting shoes is not recommended and in the case of safety shoes or boots this is perhaps more prevalent than anywhere else. A loose-fitting boot can cause a tripping hazard or allow material into the side of the boot which could cause injury. Securing your footwear with a new set of laces is the only way to ensure that your footwear fits correctly if the original set has worn out.

Types of laces

• Flat waxed - These types of laces are mostly seen on footwear like service boots, and although cotton based, the wax helps add a degree of strength and a level of water resistance.

• Polyester - More durable than cotton but less durable than nylon, these types of laces can be worn with a range of different footwear. Spun polyester is generally more durable than textured.

• Braided nylon - These are used for rugged footwear as found in industry or in the outdoor environment. Their thick construction makes them easy to lace up and their durability means they can withstand the everyday wear and tear of an industrial environment. Nylon also has the advantage of being highly water and weather resistant.

Considerations when choosing laces

• Durability - The nature of safety footwear means that durability is key, as they are often used in industries that involve a great amount of physical stress. Having laces that are robustly constructed is important for the overall integrity of the shoe or boot.

• Length - Safety boots, shoes and trainers require varying lengths of lace. A good example of this is an 8-eyelet boot vs a 6 eyelet trainer. The boot will require a length of lace that will extend up to the ankle, whereas the trainer will not.

FAQ

How do I choose the right length laces?

You can find the right length of laces by quickly lacing up the footwear with a piece of string and then measure the length. Be sure to leave enough to be able to tie a comfortable bow.