How to Protect Shoelaces from Fraying Over Time

Shoelaces are the unsung heroes of your footwear. They keep your kicks snug, your style on point, and your walk secure. But over time, even the most premium shoelaces can start to fray—especially at the ends—leaving your sneakers looking worn and messy.

At KNOTTY, we believe in laces that last. So whether you're rocking crisp white sneakers or high-performance trainers, here's everything you need to know to keep your laces fresh, clean, and fray-free.

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What Causes Shoelaces to Fray?

Fraying usually starts at the lace tips—where they rub against eyelets, your fingers, or even the ground. Common causes include:

• Friction from constant tying and untying

• Moisture and dirt buildup

• Poor-quality weave or materials

• Lost or broken aglets (those tiny caps at the ends)

Cotton, polyester, nylon, leather—every shoelace material reacts differently, but all of them can break down without the right care.

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How to Repair Frayed Shoelace Ends

If your laces are already starting to unravel, don’t stress. You’ve got options—from quick DIY hacks to polished, long-term fixes.

1. Trim & Seal

• Use sharp scissors to cut off the frayed section cleanly.

• If you’ve got nylon or polyester laces, gently run a lighter flame over the cut edge to seal it.

• Let it cool, then shape the end with your fingers.

🧠 KNOTTY Tip: Heat sealing works best on synthetic, anti-fray shoelaces. Avoid open flames with cotton or leather laces.

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2. Clear Nail Polish or Fabric Glue

• Apply a thin layer to the lace tip.

• Mold it gently to form a tight end.

• Let it dry overnight.

This creates a temporary protective coating to keep the fibers in place.

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3. Use Heat Shrink Tubing

Want a clean, professional look? Try heat shrink tubing.

• Cut a short piece of tubing and slide it over the lace end.

• Use a heat gun or lighter to shrink it tightly around the lace.

• Smooth it down—it’ll look like it came straight from the factory.

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4. Add Replacement Aglets

Upgrade your lace game with metal or plastic aglets:

• Trim the end of your lace clean.

• Slide on the aglet.

• Crimp or glue in place.

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Prevent Fraying Before It Starts

✅ Clean Your Laces Regularly

Use a mesh laundry bag to machine wash or hand wash in lukewarm water. Air dry completely before relacing.

✅ Store Shoes Properly

Use shoe trees or stuff them with paper to reduce tension on the laces.

✅ Use Protective Sprays

Especially helpful for leather and cotton laces. Sprays repel water and grime, reducing wear.

✅ Avoid Pulling Laces Out Aggressively

Always untie your shoes—don't yank them off. It’ll save your laces (and your shoes) in the long run.

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Pick the Right Shoelace for the Job

Not all shoelaces are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of popular materials:

At KNOTTY, we specialize in durable shoelaces built to handle daily wear while staying crisp and clean.

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DIY Aglets: Make It Yours

Want to customize your laces at home? Try these methods:

• Tape Wrap: Quick and easy fix using electrical or clear tape.

• Wire & Bead: Wrap wire at the tip, add a bead, and crimp.

• Colored Heat Shrink: Add flair with colored tubing and even initials.

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Keep Your Lace Game Strong

Frayed laces don’t just look bad—they wear out faster and make lacing harder. With the right tools and habits, you can extend the life of your shoelaces and keep your footwear looking fresh. Whether you’re into minimal monochrome styles or bold sneaker statements, your laces deserve care too.

🧵 Looking for high-quality, anti-fray laces?
Shop the full KNOTTY Premium Shoelace Collection today and step up your lace game.

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FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my laces?
Heavy use? Every 6–8 months. Light use? They can last over a year with care.

Q: Can I wash my laces?
Yes! Hand wash or machine wash in a mesh bag. Always air dry.

Q: What’s the most durable lace material?
Nylon is ultra-tough. Polyester is great for daily wear.

Q: Where can I buy durable laces?
Right here at KNOTTY—we’ve got the styles and accessories to keep your kicks looking clean and custom.