Instant Answer: AF1 Lace Length by Style
If you just need the number, here it is:
| AF1 Style | Eyelets | Lace Length (Clean Fit) | Lace Length (Loose/Relaxed Fit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AF1 Low | 7–8 pairs | 120cm / 45" | 130cm / 54" |
| AF1 Mid | 8–9 pairs | 140cm / 54" | 150cm / 59" |
| AF1 High | 10 pairs | 160cm / 63" | 170cm / 67" |
Quick rule of thumb: when you're between two sizes, go shorter. A too-short lace is annoying; a too-long lace looks messy and comes undone more often. You can always loosen a knot — you can't add length to a lace that's too short.
These figures cover the '07, LV8, and most special-edition AF1 colourways, since they all share the same eyelet layout. If you're working with a heavily reworked collab (shroud overlays, extra eyelet rows), size up one length to be safe.
Need the laces themselves? Browse our full Sneaker Shoelaces collection for AF1-ready lengths in every style.
Why Your Original AF1 Laces Don't Last
Nike's stock AF1 laces are built to a price point, not to last. They're functional out of the box, but a few things work against them over time:
The aglets (tips) fray first. Stock aglets are usually a thin plastic coating, and once that cracks or peels, the lace itself starts to unravel within weeks — especially if you're threading and unthreading them often.
Flat polyester loses its shape. Original laces are typically a basic flat weave that stretches with wear, loosens its grip on knots, and starts looking limp well before the shoe itself shows any wear.
One length, one look. Nike ships a single stock length per model, which means there's no room to switch up your lacing style without the lace running short or trailing too long.
Swapping laces solves all three problems at once — and it's the cheapest, fastest way to refresh a pair of AF1s without touching the shoe itself. A clean new lace in the right length changes the entire look of the shoe in under five minutes.
If you're building a rotation of AF1s in different colourways, it's worth browsing our Sneaker Shoelaces hub to see the full range of materials, colours, and lengths available — everything on that page is cut to fit Nike's eyelet spacing, so you're not guessing.
Styling Tips: Two Popular Ways to Lace Your AF1s
1. Factory (Criss-Cross) Style This is the lacing pattern your AF1s shipped with — straight criss-cross from the bottom eyelet to the top, pulled snug, finished in a standard bow. It's the cleanest, most "as-designed" look, and it's the safest choice if you're not trying to make a statement with your laces. Stick to the clean fit length above for this style; anything longer just adds slack you don't need.
2. Loose Lace Style A streetwear staple — the laces are threaded the same way, but kept loose rather than pulled tight, often with the top eyelet left undone entirely. It gives the shoe a more relaxed, lived-in look and works especially well with thicker or rope-style laces. This style eats up more visible length, so go with the loose/relaxed fit length, or even one size up if you like extra drape.
There are plenty of other patterns worth trying once you've got the basics down — diamond lacing, bar lacing, straight-bar — each one changes the AF1's whole vibe. We've broken all of them down step by step in our Best Lacing Styles guide.
Best Laces for Your Air Force 1s
A few options worth knowing about, depending on the look and feel you're after:
- Flat Premium Laces — The closest match to Nike's factory look, with a flush, low-profile fit through AF1 eyelets. Best if you want a clean refresh without changing the shoe's character.
- Waxed Laces — A coated finish that resists dirt, holds a knot longer, and gives a slightly more polished, "finished" look. Great for daily wear where you want low maintenance.
- Rope (Round) Laces — A rounder, more textured lace that suits the loose-lace look particularly well. Less ideal for tight, factory-style lacing since round laces are more prone to slipping.
- Reflective Flat Laces — Same fit and feel as flat premium, with a reflective strip woven in. A subtle way to stand out without changing the overall silhouette.
Shop AF1 Laces Now — sized and ready for Low, Mid, and High in every style above.
FAQ
Do AF1s need shorter laces than Dunks?
Not by much. The Air Force 1 and Nike Dunk Low share a similar low-top last and eyelet count, so they're largely interchangeable — most Dunk Low wearers use the same length as an AF1 Low. The real variable is lacing style, not the shoe: tighter, factory-style lacing wants the clean-fit length on either shoe, while a looser, relaxed look wants the longer option.
How do I clean my new laces?
Hand-wash is the safest bet for keeping colour and shape true. Soak in lukewarm water with a small amount of laundry detergent, scrub gently with an old toothbrush, then air dry flat — never tumble dry, as heat can warp flat laces and shrink waxed cotton. In a pinch, flat and cotton laces can go in a mesh laundry bag on a cold, gentle cycle, but waxed laces should always be hand-cleaned, since machine washing strips the wax coating.
What material is best for daily wear?
Flat cotton or cotton/poly blend laces are the most reliable for everyday rotation — they hold a knot well and handle repeated wear and washing better than rope styles. Waxed laces are a strong low-maintenance option too, resisting dirt and staying knotted longer, though the aglet tips show wear a little faster with daily use. Round/rope laces look great styled loose but tend to slip out of a tight knot during high-movement days, so they're better suited to occasional wear.
What size laces do I need for AF1 Low vs Mid vs High?
As a quick recap: AF1 Low takes 120cm (45") for a clean fit or 130cm (54") for a looser style. AF1 Mid steps up to 140cm (54"–55"). AF1 High needs 160cm (63") as standard — though if you leave the top eyelet undone, the Mid length will still work comfortably.
Can I use the same laces for AF1 '07 and AF1 LV8?
Yes. The '07, LV8, and most special-edition colourways share the same upper pattern and eyelet count as the standard AF1 — the differences are in materials and finish, not the shoe's underlying shape. Whatever length suits your Low, Mid, or High will fit the '07 or LV8 version the same way. The one exception is heavily reworked collab models with extra eyelets or shroud overlays, which may need a size up.
My laces keep coming undone — should I size down?
Most likely, yes. The number one cause of laces working loose throughout the day is excess length, not lace quality — more loop and tail means more material to work itself free with every step, particularly with flat laces. Try dropping to the next length down before assuming you need a grippier material. If you're already at the shortest recommended length and still having trouble, switch to a round or waxed lace, both of which hold a knot more securely than flat polyester.
Flat vs rope laces — which is better for AF1s?
It comes down to the look you want. Flat laces are the AF1's factory-standard style — clean, low-profile, and the safest choice if you want the shoe to look "as designed." Rope laces add texture and suit a looser, more casual lacing style, since the round shape doesn't crease the way flat laces can. The trade-off is grip: rope laces are more prone to slipping out of a tight knot, so they're better for low-impact daily wear than all-day, on-your-feet use. A waxed flat lace splits the difference — factory shape, with extra grip and stain resistance.
How often should I replace my laces?
Most laces last 6–12 months with regular wear before fraying, stretching, or fading sets in — sooner with daily wear or wet conditions, since moisture breaks down the aglets and weakens stitching faster. If you find yourself re-tying knots more often than before, or the aglets have frayed enough that they won't thread cleanly, it's time for a fresh pair. Keeping a spare set on hand means you're never stuck wearing damaged laces while you wait.
Looking for the right length without the guesswork? Browse our full AF1-ready shoelace collection — every length and style on this page is cut to fit.