How to Fix Broken Shoelace Eyelets: A Practical Guide for Beginners
Introduction: Why fixing a broken shoelace eyelet matters
A single torn eyelet can ruin a run, a hike, or your commute. Learning how to fix broken shoelace eyelets gets you back on your feet fast, saves money, and keeps a favorite pair out of the trash. Most eyelets fail because of metal corrosion, repeated stress from tight lacing, wet conditions that weaken fabric, or stitching that comes loose.
Fixing an eyelet quickly prevents lace damage and preserves shoe fit. Below you will find clear, practical solutions for metal and fabric eyelets, quick temporary fixes using pliers or strong thread and glue, full repairs with grommet kits or sewing, and prevention tips so the problem does not come back.
Decide repair versus replacement
If only one eyelet is bent or the metal grommet popped out, repairing makes sense. A patch, replacement grommet, or quick stitch costs under $10 and takes 10 to 30 minutes. Try a DIY eyelet kit if the fabric around the hole is intact and the sole and upper are otherwise fine.
Replace the shoe if multiple eyelets are ripped, the leather or canvas is shredded, or the shoe has other problems like a worn sole. Also replace when a new pair costs about the same as a professional repair, for example cheap sneakers under $50. For high value items, like leather boots or vintage sneakers, consider cobbler repair even when cost is higher.
When in doubt, compare the time, parts, and sentimental value before deciding how to fix broken shoelace eyelets.
How to inspect the eyelet and identify the damage
Start with a clean workspace and good light. Use a flashlight and mirror if the eyelet sits deep. Follow this quick checklist to assess damage when learning how to fix broken shoelace eyelets.
- Look closely, inside and outside. Is the eyelet metal, plastic, or just reinforced fabric. Metal eyelets often show splits, bent lips, or rust. Plastic ones can crack or snap.
- Test the hole. Gently tug the lace, check for wobble or widening, note if the washer is missing.
- Inspect surrounding fabric. Is it frayed, torn, stretched, or water stained. Canvas and leather behave differently, so note the material.
- Measure the hole size, and photograph it for reference. That tells you whether a simple replacement or a patch is needed.
Tools and materials you will need
Before you try how to fix broken shoelace eyelets, gather a small kit. For permanent repairs, get an inexpensive eyelet or grommet kit, a setting tool or punch, a small hammer, and pliers. Add replacement eyelets, a leather or fabric patch, and strong thread or upholstery thread for stitched fixes.
For quick or temporary fixes, pack super glue, clear nail polish, dental floss, safety pins, and a small zip tie. A needle and heavy thread can re sew torn eyelet areas when you do not have specialty tools.
If you lack a kit, use alternatives: a washer and short nail as a makeshift eyelet, a soda can ring for metal reinforcement, or a drill bit and punch made from a large nail. Sandpaper, scissors, and fabric glue are handy extras.
Temporary fixes that work right away
If you need a quick way to keep walking, there are simple fixes that work right away when you search for how to fix broken shoelace eyelets. For reinforced lacing, skip the damaged eyelet and thread the lace through the next one, then loop the lace back under itself to create a tight anchor. Use a surgeon’s knot where you tie off, it grips better than a regular knot. Another trick is to weave a short length of lace across the gap, creating a bridge that spreads tension to neighboring eyelets.
For glue tricks, dab clear fabric glue or E6000 around the torn area to stop fraying, let it cure, then re lace carefully. Avoid super glue on skin. If the metal ring popped out, glue a small metal washer over the hole for a temporary grommet.
Tape solutions are fast. Put duct tape or waterproof tape on the shoe interior, and wrap the eyelet area with electrical tape outside for abrasion resistance. A small safety pin or folded paperclip can also serve as a temporary eyelet in a pinch. Replace the eyelet properly as soon as you can.
Permanent fix: replace the metal eyelet or grommet
Start by gathering a basic eyelet kit, a hammer or mallet, a hole punch or awl, a setter and anvil, and a pair of pliers. Pick an eyelet or grommet size that matches your shoelace thickness, commonly 5 mm to 8 mm for sneakers and boots. This is key for a snug, professional finish.
Step 1, remove the damaged eyelet. Pry up the bent flange with small pliers or a flat screwdriver, then push the collar out from the back. Cut away any badly frayed fabric, but leave a little material so the new grommet has something to grip.
Step 2, create a clean hole. Use a hole punch sized for your new eyelet, or an awl for leather and canvas. The hole should be just large enough for the eyelet barrel, not oversized.
Step 3, install the new eyelet. Insert the male piece through the hole, place the washer on the opposite side, then seat the parts on the anvil. Hold the setter vertical and strike firmly but controlled with the mallet until the collar flares and clamps the fabric.
Finish tips, file any rough edges, trim stray threads, and apply a dot of fabric glue or Fray Check for thin materials. For leather boots, use a thicker grommet and a leather punch for cleaner results. Test with the lace to confirm smooth movement and a clean, durable repair.
Permanent fix: sew or patch fabric eyelets
If the metal eyelet is gone and the fabric is torn, stitching or patching gives a true permanent fix for how to fix broken shoelace eyelets. Start by trimming frayed threads, then apply a small dab of Fray Check or clear fabric glue to stop further unraveling. For canvas or denim, use a denim or ripstop nylon patch on the inside, about 1 centimeter larger than the hole.
Stitch types that hold up to lacing stress include backstitch for hand sewing, whipstitch around the patch edge, and a bar tack across the top and bottom of the eyelet for extra reinforcement. Use heavy polyester or waxed thread and a size 90 or 100 needle for thick fabric. If you have a machine, set a narrow zigzag stitch, width 3 to 5 millimeters, and sew multiple passes.
Place seams just outside the original hole so the lace rubs against the patch, not raw fabric. For a cleaner look, install small fabric grommets after patching, or use leather patches on boots for added abrasion resistance. Test by tightening laces gradually, then retighten after 24 hours.
Preventing future eyelet damage
After you learn how to fix broken shoelace eyelets, prevent a repeat with simple habits. Use metal grommets or silicone washers at holes that see the most wear; they absorb friction and are cheap at craft stores. Swap thin round laces for waxed or flat laces, they resist fraying and cut less into eyelets. Try parallel or lock lacing to reduce sideways tugging. Clean salt and dirt monthly, trim frayed lace tips, and replace laces at the first sign of wear to extend eyelet life for good.
When to seek professional repair or replace your shoes
If you wonder how to fix broken shoelace eyelets, hire a cobbler when damage is structural, like torn leather, split welt or sole separation. DIY works for one eyelet, but if repair costs approach half shoe price, or multiple eyelets and lining are ruined, replace. Professional repair suits vintage shoes.
Conclusion and quick repair checklist
Quick recap of the fastest fixes and permanent options for how to fix broken shoelace eyelets. For a fast fix, thread a safety pin or tie a small loop in the lace, or glue the raw hole with fabric glue to stop fraying. For a lasting repair, install a metal grommet with grommet pliers, sew a reinforced patch, or take the shoe to a cobbler for professional replacement.
Quick repair checklist
Assess the damage, metal or fabric
Choose temporary or permanent repair
Gather tools, pliers, grommet kit, heavy thread, fabric glue
Install fix, test lacing strength
Replace the shoelace if it is damaged
Fix it now, or schedule a cobbler visit this week.
