The lace is frayed while the boot remains sound. Replacing it involves more than finding a similar color. A short lace may barely reach a proper closure at the upper; an unnecessarily long one creates oversized loops. First establish how the existing lace passes through this particular boot.
Record the arrangement before removal
Photograph the lacing from the front and side. Open it fully and check the path against the model instructions. An incorrectly routed arrangement should not automatically become the template for its replacement. Notice special hooks and retainers that are easily overlooked.
Remove one lace and lay it straight without stretching it hard. Measure the length including the tips. Record whether it is round, oval or flat too. If it was already much too long or short, the measurement is information for the retailer rather than a mandatory ordering specification.
HANWAG's lacing advice notes that lace type contributes to handling. Bring the old one as a sample when possible. Thickness and surface need to suit the intended eyelets and hooks rather than simply look similar.
Thread the replacement completely
Check that the two replacements have equal lengths and intact tips before inserting them. Thread slowly through the intended path. This also lets you notice a rough hook or damaged eyelet. A new lace should not immediately fray against the same sharp area.
Put on the boots with walking socks and fasten every intended zone. Only then can you assess the length left for knots and loops. An empty boot may give a misleading impression. Walk a few steps and undo the closure afterwards so that handling is checked too.
Avoid cutting immediately
If considerable excess remains, first look for a suitable available length or the maker's intended lace storage. A cut end may lose its stable threading tip. Whether and how a lace can be shortened depends on the product.
Keep a suitable spare pair labeled with your walking equipment. A note with length and model name means you need not solve the selection again during a trip. Before packing, verify that the spare fits both boots and is not left over from an older model with a different lace arrangement.
