If you've ever stood over your sneakers wondering what size laces for Jordan 1 low shoes you actually need, you aren't alone. It's one of those things that seems simple until you're staring at a dozen different length options online, trying to remember if your shoes have seven eyelets or eight. Most people just want their kicks to look right, whether that's a clean factory knot or that relaxed, loose-laced vibe that's all over Instagram.
The short answer is that 54 inches (137 cm) is the standard length for most Jordan 1 Lows. But, as with anything in the sneaker world, there's a bit of nuance to it. Depending on how you tie them—or if you tie them at all—you might actually want something a little shorter or even a bit longer. Let's break down exactly how to pick the right length so you don't end up with "bunny ears" that are way too long or strings that barely reach the top hole.
Why 54 inches is the magic number
Most pairs of Jordan 1 Lows come with seven eyelets on each side. If you're planning to lace them all the way to the top and tie a standard bow, 54 inches is the gold standard. It's the length Nike usually ships with the shoe, and it provides just enough slack to get a comfortable knot without having massive loops hanging off the sides.
When you use 54-inch laces, you get a balanced look. The laces sit flush against the tongue, and you have about 6 to 8 inches of "lead" left over once you've gone through all the holes. This is perfect for the average person who just wants their shoes to stay on their feet and look "normal." If you're buying replacement laces for a pair of daily drivers, this is almost always the safe bet.
Going shorter for the "loose" look
We've all seen the style where the laces are left untied, with the ends just dangling out of the top eyelets. If that's your vibe, 54 inches might actually be too long. When you don't tie the laces, that extra length has to go somewhere. It either ends up dragging on the ground (not a good look) or you have to stuff a bunch of extra lace inside the shoe, which can get pretty uncomfortable after a few hours of walking.
For the untied look, many sneakerheads swear by 45-inch (114 cm) laces. Since you aren't using that extra length to form a knot, the 45-inch option lets the tips (the aglets) dangle just an inch or two past the top eyelet. It looks intentional, clean, and you won't be tripping over your own feet. This is also a great length if you have smaller feet or if you're rocking Grade School (GS) sizes, where the eyelets are spaced a bit closer together.
What about big feet and GS sizes?
Size matters—both the size of the lace and the size of the shoe. If you're wearing a Men's size 13 or 14, your eyelets are naturally spaced further apart than someone wearing a size 8. While 54 inches still usually works for big sizes, you might find the final bow is a bit "tight." If you like a big, floppy bow on a large shoe, you could even consider bumping up to 63 inches, though that's usually reserved for Jordan 1 Highs.
On the flip side, if you're shopping for GS (Grade School) sizes, the 54-inch lace can feel like a jump rope. For kids' sizes or smaller Women's sizes (like a Women's 6 or 7), 45 inches is often plenty to get a full tie. It keeps the proportions looking right. There's nothing that ruins the sleek silhouette of a Jordan 1 Low like a massive, oversized knot that looks like it belongs on a different shoe.
Flat vs. Round: Does it change the length?
Technically, the length is the same regardless of the shape, but the feel is different. Jordan 1s—whether they are Highs, Mids, or Lows—traditionally come with flat cotton laces. This is part of the classic 1985 aesthetic. Flat laces take up a bit more surface area across the tongue and tend to stay tied better than round laces.
If you decide to go rogue and put round laces in your Lows (hey, no judgment here), they might actually feel a little longer because they don't "grip" the eyelets quite as much as flat laces do. However, I'd still stick to the 54-inch rule for round laces unless you're specifically trying to achieve a certain custom look.
Measuring your current laces
If you're still unsure and you want to be 100% certain before you hit "buy" on those fancy cream-colored replacements, the best thing to do is just measure the ones you already have. Pull the stock laces out of one shoe and lay them flat against a measuring tape.
Keep in mind that laces can stretch over time. If your old, beat-up laces measure 55 inches, they were probably 54 inches when they were new. Cotton laces have a bit of "give" to them, especially after they've been pulled tight and tied hundreds of times.
Lace materials and how they affect the vibe
While we're talking about what size laces for Jordan 1 low sneakers, it's worth mentioning that the material can change the "effective" length too.
- Cotton: The standard. Easy to tie, stays in place, and has that matte look.
- Waxed Cotton: These feel a bit more premium and are slightly thinner. They slide through eyelets much faster, which sometimes makes them feel longer because they don't "bunch up" in the holes.
- Satin or Ribbon: Usually found on special editions or "DIY" customs. These are very slippery. If you're using these, you might want to stick to 54 inches to ensure you can double-knot them, as they tend to come undone easily.
The "Cream" and "Sail" trend
If you're looking for new laces, you're probably looking at colors like "Sail," "Cream," or "Vintage White." This is the biggest trend for Jordan 1s right now. Swapping out the stark white laces for something slightly off-white gives the shoe a "retro" or "aged" look that works incredibly well with almost every colorway, especially the OG-style Lows.
When you're picking these out, most specialty lace brands sell them specifically by shoe type. If you see an option for "Jordan 1 Low Length," it's almost always going to be 54 inches. It's the industry standard for a reason.
Quick reference guide
If you're in a rush and just need a quick cheat sheet, here it is:
- For a standard bow tie (7 eyelets): 54 inches (137 cm)
- For the loose, untied look: 45 inches (114 cm)
- For Grade School (GS) sizes: 45 inches (114 cm)
- For big sizes (13+) with a large bow: 63 inches (160 cm)
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, the Jordan 1 Low is a versatile shoe. It's meant to be worn, beaten up, and customized to your own style. Whether you're going for that 54-inch factory look or the 45-inch "skater" vibe, the right laces make a world of difference.
Don't overthink it too much. If you're really stuck, go with the 54-inch option. You can always tuck the extra length inside the shoe or lace them through the top eyelet twice to take up some slack. But if you get laces that are too short, you're pretty much stuck. Grab a fresh pair, swap them out, and get back to wearing your kicks!