Looking for a reliable replacement lace that can handle daily wear without fuss?
Quick Overview
I bought the “Kiwi Shoe laces, 45 in, athletic black, 1 ct” because I needed a clean, no-nonsense lace for a pair of everyday sneakers. I found them to be straightforward and functional, giving my shoes a refreshed, neat look without any drama. In this section I give a concise snapshot of what the laces are, how they felt at first, and why they might be a practical option for many people.
Product Details
I want to be precise about what this product actually is: the packaging and label read “Kiwi 45″ flat black sport Laces SC Johnson A Family Company 5-6 eyelets One Pair 45 in (114 cm)”. I appreciated that the manufacturer lists the approximate eyelet range and length, which makes sizing decisions easier when I’m replacing old laces. Below I go into the specifics and break down key attributes so you can quickly decide if these laces fit your needs.
Specifications
I always like having a compact table with the essentials, so I made one to summarize the main specs of the laces. Seeing these details at a glance helped me confirm fit and compatibility before installation.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Kiwi Shoe laces, 45 in, athletic black, 1 ct |
| Length | 45 inches (114 cm) |
| Type | Flat sport laces |
| Color | Athletic black |
| Eyelet Compatibility | Recommended 5–6 eyelets |
| Pair Count | 1 pair |
| Brand | Kiwi (SC Johnson A Family Company) |
| Material | Woven synthetic fibers (flat weave) |
| Typical Use | Athletic sneakers, casual shoes, replacements |
| Packaging | Simple retail blister/card or loose pair (varies) |
I found having these specs in one place particularly useful when comparing against the lace length of my current shoes. The table helped me confirm that 45 inches would fit my 5-eyelet sneakers comfortably without excess length hanging out.
Material and Construction
I examined the weave and the coating on the aglets, and I could tell the laces are made of a densely woven synthetic fiber that aims to balance flexibility with strength. The flat construction provides a larger surface area that helps distribute pressure evenly across lace holes, which is why these are described as “sport” laces. When I handled them, the laces felt slightly textured, which suggested they might hold knots well, and the aglets were plastic and firmly attached.
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the “Kiwi Shoe laces, 45 in, athletic black, 1 ct”, my initial reaction was positive because they felt reliable and looked clean. They didn’t have any chemical smell or stray threads, which can sometimes be an issue with cheaper laces. Overall, I felt like these laces were a no-frills replacement that would suit everyday athletic and casual shoes.
Performance in Daily Use
I wore shoes fitted with these laces for several weeks during normal activities like walking, commuting, and light workouts. Throughout that time, the laces stayed securely tied and maintained a neat appearance, and I didn’t find myself retying them unusually often. In this section I cover how they perform during normal movement, sweat exposure, and everyday stress.
Fit and Length
I typically wear sneakers that require either 5 or 6 eyelets per side, and the 45-inch length fit my 5-eyelet configuration with a tidy bow and a comfortable tail length. If you have 6-eyelet shoes and prefer a double knot or decorative lacing, you might find the tails a bit shorter but still functional. I recommend measuring your existing laces if you want to be precise, but in my experience, 45 inches is a good middle-ground length for many casual athletic shoes.
Eyelet Compatibility
The manufacturer suggests compatibility with 5–6 eyelets, and I confirmed this through hands-on testing. I used the laces with shoes that had both 5 and 6 pairs of eyelets and found the laces threaded smoothly without catching or binding. If you have boots or shoes with 7+ eyelets, these will likely be too short, so you should select a longer length.
Tying and Grip
I noticed the slightly textured surface of the laces helps knots hold well without slipping. My bow stayed secure through walks and short runs, and I rarely needed to double-knot to keep the laces tight. The flat profile also makes the bow lie flatter against the shoe tongue, which I prefer for a streamlined look.
Durability and Wear
I used the laces in both dry and light rainy conditions to evaluate durability, and they showed no immediate signs of fraying or deformation. The weave remained tight, and the aglets did not loosen, which is encouraging for long-term use. Below I go into more detail about abrasion resistance and longevity based on my experience.
Abrasion Resistance
After a few weeks of regular wear and occasional contact with gritty surfaces, the laces showed only minor surface fuzzing and no significant frays. The woven synthetic fiber is fairly resilient and resists snagging better than some cheaper cotton laces I’ve tried. If you frequently subject your laces to rough outdoor trails or snag-prone activities, you might see wear faster, but for typical city and gym use, they held up well.
Colorfastness
The “athletic black” color remained deep and consistent throughout my testing, even after exposure to moisture and a couple of machine washes inside a garment bag. I didn’t notice any dye transfer onto lighter fabrics or tongues, which can happen with lower-quality laces. In my experience the color maintains visual appeal and doesn’t fade quickly with regular use.
Style and Aesthetics
I like the minimalist appearance of the flat black laces because they add a clean, unfussy look to most sneakers. They work well as a neutral replacement and don’t distract from the shoe’s design. In this section I discuss how they look on different types of shoes and how they can complement various styles.
Matching with Shoes and Outfits
The black color is very versatile and matches a wide range of shoe colors and styles, from classic white trainers to darker athletic shoes. I often swap laces to change the look of a shoe subtly, and these laces provided a sleek, understated finish that works with casual and sporty outfits alike. If you like a clean monochrome aesthetic, these laces will fit right in.
Minimalist Look
Because they are flat and thin, the laces promote a minimalist silhouette that many people find appealing. The bow lies flat and unobtrusive, which is ideal if you prefer a tidy, streamlined appearance for everyday wear. I appreciated that the laces didn’t add bulk, and they kept the shoe profile simple.
Installation and Care
Putting the laces in was straightforward and similar to any flat lace; they threaded easily through my 5-eyelet shoes. I also tried different lacing patterns to see how versatile they would be, and their length and flexibility accommodated several common styles. Below I outline practical steps for lacing and simple maintenance tips to keep them looking good.
How to Lace
I prefer a standard crisscross pattern for everyday wear, and these laces threaded smoothly through each eyelet without twisting or catching. For a snug fit, I tightened evenly from the bottom up, and the flat construction helped reduce pressure points on the top of the foot. If you like more decorative lacing patterns, the flexibility and length make these laces easy to work with for most common patterns.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I cleaned the laces by removing them from the shoes and throwing them into a small mesh laundry bag in a gentle machine cycle, and they came out looking fresh without losing shape. For quick spot cleaning, a cloth with mild detergent works well and avoids unnecessary wear. I recommend air-drying them flat or hanging them up; intense heat from dryers can sometimes affect aglets or fiber integrity over time.
Packaging and Environmental Impact
The packaging for these laces is typically minimal and sometimes varies by retailer; I received them in a small card-backed blister pack. I appreciated the lack of excessive plastic in some shipments, but packaging may differ. In terms of environmental impact, the laces are synthetic and not biodegradable, so I consider durability and longevity to be environmentally meaningful factors in assessing overall footprint.
Price and Value
I found the price to be very reasonable for a single pair of replacement laces, and they represent good value when you compare longevity and brand reliability. Because they’re practical, inexpensive, and perform well for everyday use, I consider them a smart, budget-friendly purchase. If you frequently replace laces or seek a cost-effective way to refresh shoes, these are a solid option.
Comparisons with Similar Products
I compared these laces with both round athletic laces and other flat laces from different brands to assess differences in performance and appearance. In general, Kiwi’s offering holds up well against similarly priced flat laces and outperforms many budget alternatives in terms of stay-put performance and colorfastness. I break down the important differences in the subsections below.
Versus Round Laces
Compared with round laces, these flat laces tend to stay tied better and create a broader contact area that reduces pressure on the top of the foot. I also find flat laces sit flatter and look cleaner on low-profile sneakers, whereas round laces can create a puffier knot. For people who prioritize a streamlined aesthetic or better knot stability, flat laces like these are usually the better choice.
Versus Other Flat Laces
When stacked against other flat laces at similar price points, the Kiwi laces stand out for their consistent weave quality and secure aglets. Some competitors offer more decorative color options or higher-end materials, but for a plain black athletic lace, Kiwi provides a dependable balance of durability and affordability. I appreciated that the brand reputation gave me confidence in manufacturing consistency.
Pros and Cons
I want to be objective, so I list both strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if these laces suit your needs. In my experience they are practical, well-made, and inexpensive, but they are plain and suited mainly to shorter-eyelet sneakers rather than high boots.
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Pros:
- Good value for price and durable for daily use.
- Flat construction improves knot hold and provides a neat appearance.
- Color stays consistent after washing and light exposure.
- Aglets are secure and not prone to popping off.
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Cons:
- Only suitable for 5–6 eyelet shoes; too short for taller boots.
- Limited color variety in this SKU if you want something more expressive.
- Synthetic construction is not biodegradable, which may matter to eco-conscious buyers.
I found the pros outweighed the cons for my typical sneaker use, but your priorities might differ if you need laces for specialized footwear or want a broader color palette.
My Personal Experience
Over the time I used the “Kiwi Shoe laces, 45 in, athletic black, 1 ct”, I found them to be a pleasant and low-maintenance replacement option. They restored the look of a worn pair of sneakers and held up through my daily routine without prompting replacements or extra care. Below I share details from real-world usage to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
A Specific Use Case
I replaced the factory laces on a pair of canvas trainers that I wear to commute and run errands, and the Kiwi laces instantly improved how the shoes looked and felt. The laces tightened evenly and stayed tied during a week of walking and public transit, which made my routine a little less fiddly. I appreciated that small change, because I don’t like having to stop and retie laces during busy mornings.
Long-Term Use Observations
After several months of rotation among a few pairs of shoes, the laces have held up without major issues, though there is slight fuzzing at stress points where they rub against the eyelets. The aglets are still intact and the black color hasn’t noticeably faded, which speaks to reasonable longevity for their price point. If you plan to use them in heavy-duty or high-friction environments, you may see faster wear, but for regular everyday use they should last a long time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
I noted a few small issues users might encounter and how I addressed them; most problems have easy fixes. I include practical advice to prevent or solve common complaints so you can extend the life and performance of your laces.
Fraying Ends
If you notice fraying near the aglets, trimming the frayed fiber and sealing with a small drop of clear superglue or heat-shrinking a tiny piece of heat-shrink tubing can prevent further unraveling. I used a lighter briefly on the very tip of one synthetic lace to melt the fibers slightly and stop fraying, but be careful with heat to avoid damaging the aglet or burning the lace.
Slipping or Loosening
If your knots tend to slip, try a double-knot or a surgeon’s knot for extra security; the flat surface helps these hold better than round laces. I also found that tying slightly stiffer initially and pulling the knot snug towards the tongue minimizes loosening over time. Additionally, a small length of adhesive-backed lace anchor can be used under the tongue for athletic activities to keep the fit stable.
FAQs
I collected a set of commonly asked questions that I had myself and that other users often wonder about, and I answer them clearly based on my testing and research. Each FAQ is written to address practical concerns so you can make an informed choice.
Are these laces suitable for running shoes?
Yes, they work fine for running shoes used for casual jogging and everyday runs because the flat design helps knots stay secure. For competitive or long-distance runners who need specialty performance laces, you might prefer a lace explicitly marketed for elite running.
Will 45 inches fit my 6-eyelet shoes?
In many cases, 45 inches will be adequate for 6-eyelet shoes if you tie simple bows, but if you prefer longer tails or elaborate lacing patterns, you might want to choose a longer size. I recommend measuring your current laces to confirm, but for standard 6-eyelet configurations they’re usually functional.
Can I machine wash these laces?
Yes, you can machine wash them safely if they’re inside a laundry bag or attached to shoes in a gentle cycle; I did this and the laces stayed intact. Avoid high-heat drying; air drying is gentler and helps preserve aglets and fiber integrity.
Are the aglets metal or plastic?
The aglets on my sample are plastic and securely crimped, which is common for this price class. While metal aglets can last longer, the plastic aglets on these laces held up well in normal use.
Do these laces come as a single lace or a pair?
They come as one pair, which is enough to replace both left and right laces on a single pair of shoes. I liked that it’s a straightforward swap if both laces on your shoes are worn.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Laces
I gathered a few practical tips that helped me extend the life and maintain the look of these laces, and I recommend them to anyone picking up a pair. These small habits can keep the laces performing well and looking tidy for longer.
- Match the length to your shoe type and lacing style to avoid unnecessary trimming or excess tails.
- If you prefer a firmer knot, use a surgeon’s knot or double knot; the flat profile lends itself to stable knots.
- Clean them periodically to avoid buildup of dirt and sweat, which can accelerate wear.
- Store spare laces flat and untangled to prevent creasing and unnecessary strain on the aglets.
- If you plan to use them for heavy outdoor use, consider reinforcing the aglet with a small drop of glue or heat-shrink tubing.
Alternatives and Recommendations
If you want something different—such as colored, reflective, or extra-long laces—I list a few alternatives that might suit more specialized needs. I include these options because while the Kiwi laces are excellent for standard uses, some people have preferences that require different lace types.
- For longer boots or high-top sneakers: look for 54–63 inch laces.
- For fashion or statement looks: colored flat laces or patterned laces offer more visual interest.
- For heavy-duty outdoor use: consider laces with reinforced aglets and abrasion-resistant fibers.
- For eco-focused buyers: search for laces made from recycled materials or organic cotton, though these may come at a higher price.
I recommend the Kiwi laces if you want a dependable, no-frills black lace for everyday sneakers, but shop around if your needs are more specific.
Final Verdict
I find the “Kiwi Shoe laces, 45 in, athletic black, 1 ct” to be a solid, practical choice for anyone who wants a clean, reliable replacement lace for casual and athletic shoes. They offer good value, dependable durability, and a look that blends into most shoe styles without drawing attention. If you want a simple, well-made black lace that stays tied and lasts, these are an easy recommendation from my experience.
Where to Buy and Price Considerations
I purchased mine through a standard online retailer where they were priced affordably, and I’ve seen similar pricing in physical stores as well. Watch for multi-pack deals or seasonal sales if you want extra pairs; buying in a small bundle can reduce per-pair cost if you tend to replace laces regularly. I usually keep an extra pair in my gym bag so I don’t have to scramble if a lace fails.
Closing Notes
I wrote this review based on hands-on testing, personal use, and a comparison with other laces I’ve owned. My aim was to give practical, unbiased feedback so you can decide whether “Kiwi Shoe laces, 45 in, athletic black, 1 ct” fits your shoes and routine. If you want me to compare these directly with a specific brand or lace length you use, tell me the brand and length and I’ll give a tailored comparison.
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