You don’t need to go back to your school years to understand what waxed shoelaces mean. Still, you’d like to know more about them and perhaps even use them in certain situations.
An answer to the question, “What are waxed shoelaces?” may sound simplistic. But it’s a term that many companies have been using for years, meaning that there must be something special about it.
If you or someone you know has ever wondered what waxed shoelaces are, this article is for you.
What are Waxed Shoelaces?
Waxed shoelaces, also known as “waxed laces” or “waxed shoe strings” are simply laces treated with a wax coating. This helps to protect the shoelaces from moisture and prevent them from fraying or losing their shape. Waxed shoelaces are usually made from cotton, nylon, or polyester; which are dipped into a melting wax and then left to dry for the formation of wax coating on the lace.
The Characteristics of Waxed Shoelaces
Waxed shoestrings are a great way to keep your shoes in tip-top shape. They help prevent the laces from fraying or breaking, and they also help you get a better grip on them when you’re tying them.
These shoelaces are usually made from a material called “waxed cotton,” which is just cotton that’s been treated with wax to make it more durable. Waxed cotton is typically used in situations where you need a lot of strength in your materials, like on boats or in outerwear. It’s also great for shoelaces because it makes them easier to grip, so you can get them tied without having to struggle with slippery knots.
Types of Wax Used For Making Waxed Shoelaces
Waxed shoelaces are made from paraffin wax, beeswax, or a combination of both. While both types of wax work well at making shoelaces waterproof and durable, some people prefer to use paraffin or beeswax over the other due to personal preference or availability in their area.
Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum, and it’s the most common type of wax used for making shoelaces. It comes in a solid form and is melted down before being applied to the laces. This type of wax is ideal for those who want their laces to be waterproof, but it isn’t as durable as beeswax.
Beeswax is a natural wax from bees, and it has been used for centuries as a treatment for leather shoes. It comes in liquid form and can be applied directly to your shoelaces. Beeswax makes your laces more breathable than paraffin wax, but they won’t be as waterproof either.
Benefits of Waxed Shoelaces
Waxed shoelaces add value to the overall appearance and quality of your shoe. They give greater elasticity, improve durability and provide a stylish appearance that makes you stand apart from others.
Following is the list of the top 10 reasons why you should use this product if you haven’t before:
1). They don’t absorb water.
A big benefit of waxed shoelaces is that they don’t absorb water. This means that when you step in a puddle or walk through the rain, your shoes will stay dryer longer. Also, if you’re wearing suede or leather shoes, waxed shoelaces will keep them from absorbing moisture and drying out over time. That saves you money down the road.
2). They don’t absorb dirt.
Another advantage of waxed shoelaces is that they don’t absorb dirt as regular shoelaces do. Waxed laces won’t get stained by mud or chocolate or other substances that might get on your shoes, so they’ll look fresh for longer.
3). They don’t tangle.
The wax on waxed shoelaces is made from paraffin, which is a natural substance that helps keep the laces in place. And prevents tangling of the laces. Paraffin also helps prevent rust from forming on metal parts such as clips and tips.
4). They stay tied together.
If you’ve ever had trouble keeping your laces from coming untied, waxed shoelaces are an excellent solution. They’ll hold up better than regular laces because the wax helps keep them together and prevents them from slipping out of place as easily.
5). They last longer.
Waxed shoelaces are made of nylon and polyester, which are both sturdy materials that won’t fray easily. Plus, since they’re waxed, they’ll stay tied better too, even if you are jumping or running around.
Waxed laces will not rot over time as regular rawhide laces do
they won’t break down over time as nylon laces do
they won’t stretch out as cotton laces do
these laces won’t crack or tear as synthetic laces do
6). They look great.
The shiny sheen on waxed shoelaces makes them look brand new even after months of wear—and they’ll keep looking that way forever.
7). They have less friction.
Waxed shoelaces have less friction than other types of laces, which means they won’t get caught on things as easily. This means that you don’t have to worry about tripping over your shoelaces or having them come untied as often. You’ll also save yourself a lot of time that could be spent doing more important things.
8). It’s easier to tie knots with them.
Tying knots in regular shoelaces is a pain—and often ineffective, especially if the knot is too tight and causes blisters on your feet.
With waxed laces, all you have to do is pull them through the eyelets once or twice and then give them a quick tug before tying them off with an overhand knot, and they’ll stay firmly in place without slipping out of place again until they’re ready to come off (which is usually never).
9). You can run or walk better.
Another benefit is reduced friction between the lace and shoe, which makes for a smoother running experience. This is especially helpful for people who are prone to blisters or calluses on their feet from walking or running in shoes with regular laces.
10). They are easy to clean.
Waxed shoelaces are easier to clean, meaning you won’t have to throw them away when they start to smell. They’re also more durable, so you can use them for a long time without worrying about getting them dirty.
How to care for waxed shoestrings?
Regular Maintenance:
All you have to do is keep them clean and dry, and you’ll be good to go. Here’s how:
First, wipe off any visible dirt with a damp cloth or wet paper towel. Be sure not to rub too hard—you don’t want to damage the wax coating!
Then let them dry completely before putting them back on your shoes.
Finally, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place when they’re not in use.
Care Instructions:
You should avoid cleaning them with hot water because it will melt the wax on the laces and cause them to become sticky again.
When you get your shoelaces, make sure they’re dry before you put them on your shoes. If the laces are wet, they can stain the leather or fabric of your shoes.
Once your shoes are laced up and ready to go, make sure to check them now and then throughout the day to see if any wax has rubbed off onto the outside of your shoes. If it has, just rub it off with a dry cloth or paper towel before it stains anything else!
You should also never dry waxed shoelaces in direct sunlight because it will damage the wax coating and make them lose their waterproof qualities over time. It’s best to just hang them up after washing them instead of letting them air dry where they might get too hot from UV rays.
