Properly selected beautiful shoes are an attribute that gives the image completeness and individuality. Shoes, sneakers, trainers and ankle boots are equipped with different fixing elements. The most common way to fasten shoes on the foot is laces. It often happens that this element is excessively long. There are several ways to shorten laces at home. The procedure will take no more than 15 minutes and does not require special devices.
Preparing for work
Shortening shoe laces is not difficult, but the procedure requires preparation. If you ignore this step and do not decide on the optimal length, there is a risk that the laces will become too short and unsuitable for fixing. The easiest option is to lace the shoes and see how many centimeters the product is longer than the required size. Then measure the excess ends with a tape. As an alternative, you can use a special table, which indicates the optimal length of the laces depending on the number of holes:
- 2–3 — 45 cm;
- 3–4 — 60 cm;
- 5–6 — 75 cm;
- 7–8 — 90 cm.
This number of pairs of holes is typical for sneakers, trainers, and half-boots. If you need to shorten shoe laces or boots, their length should be different, since such shoes are taller. Depending on the number of eyelets or hooks on one side, the length of the lace should be:
- 8–9 — 120 cm;
- 9–10 — 140 cm;
- 10–13 — 180 cm;
- 14–18 — 250 cm.
It is worth considering that these values are approximate. They change depending on the distance between the holes. Another factor that affects the length is the lacing pattern.
Before shortening the laces on sneakers or boots, it is recommended to wash and iron them.
Materials and tools
The easiest way to make laces shorter at home is to cut off the excess with scissors and singe it with a lighter. The procedure takes a minimum of time, but has a significant drawback - the cut ends look ugly. In addition, over time they can begin to unravel. It is also worth considering that the fixing element, processed in this way, simplifies the appearance of the shoes, making them less presentable. That is why it is better to use more accurate methods to shorten the laces. Depending on the method, the procedure will require:
- drinking straw;
- matches or a lighter;
- sharp scissors (not manicure scissors);
- high quality polyurethane glue;
- thin tip marker;
- scotch.
Almost every one of these items can be found at home, which simplifies the procedure. If you have everything you need on hand and know how to shorten laces, the work will take a minimum of time. The product can be used for its intended purpose immediately after cutting.
Basic methods of shortening
Before cutting the laces, you need to make sure that the measurements are correct. It is worth understanding that it will not be possible to return the device to its original appearance. If a critical error is made, the damaged products will need to be replaced with new ones. After re-checking the measurements, it is necessary to mark the fittings with a marker. They draw a line at both ends, marking the length that needs to be removed.
Simple
This is the easiest way to shorten shoe laces. It is guaranteed to be hassle-free and will take no more than 10 minutes. But the technique has a significant drawback - the retainer will not look very neat. This option is more suitable for regular laces that are inserted into sneakers or trainers. All you need for the procedure is transparent tape. Double-sided or colored adhesive tape is not suitable.
The essence of the technique is that the excess ends need to be folded to the required length, tightly tightened with tape. The tape will be securely attached to the material, due to which the lace will be fixed.
It will be convenient to tie the laces, and they will also hold the shoes securely on the foot. Despite the simplicity and practicality of this method, it should be used only as a last resort. This is due to the fact that the appearance of the laces will not be ideal, due to which they will forgive the shoes.
"Sticky fingers"
There is another effective method of how to cut a lace, preserving its attractive appearance. Compared to the previous method, this procedure is more complex and painstaking, but gives a better result.
To shorten too long fasteners using this method, you will need scissors and good polyurethane glue. You should not use superglue, as it will dry too quickly. As a result, you will not be able to shorten the laces, and there is a risk of ruining them completely. Polyurethane has a more suitable consistency and does not harden as quickly, so you should use it.
All you need to do with the laces is mark the desired length, cut off the excess, leaving a reserve of about 7-10 mm. Then apply a drop of glue to the tip and give it a conical shape. During the procedure, you need to press lightly on the material. The method is simple but effective. Its only drawback is that you will have to wash your fingers from the glue after work.
To avoid getting glue on your hands, you can wear thin nitrile or rubber gloves.
Beautiful
Long laces usually have to be shortened by cutting them. After that, they don’t always look neat. However, there is one option for removing excess length while keeping the ends attractive. You will need scissors, a lighter, and a drinking straw. Here’s how to do it:
- The laces need to be cut along the markings.
- Make 2 tips from the tube. To do this, cut off 2 pieces about 1.5–2 cm long.
- The ends of the laces are carefully threaded through the tubes without going beyond the edges.
- Now you need to bring a lighter to the straw and carefully heat it up.
After heat treatment, the straw will shrink at the edges and acquire a conical shape, due to which it will look very neat, reminiscent of a cap. Now the fittings can be inserted into the shoes. It is desirable that the color of the straw matches the tone of the lace. If you want the retainer to look unusual and stylish, you can choose a contrasting color.
Useful tips
Each method of making laces shorter has its advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a method, you should be guided only by your own preferences, and also take into account the type of footwear. To make the work as easy as possible and prevent errors, you should follow these recommendations:
- If the shortening is done with glue, you can put gloves on your hands. They will protect your skin from the sticky composition. Gloves are definitely necessary for people who are allergic to household chemicals.
- If the procedure is carried out at home and requires the use of fire, a fire extinguisher should be on hand.
In addition to the above methods, you can shorten the laces using an alternative method. To do this, you do not necessarily have to cut the retainer, you just need to learn how to lace shoes using a non-standard method. Many schemes will shorten the laces by 2 times and at the same time give sneakers or boots a creative look.
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