Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve been through dozens of laces that come untied mid-skate or snap when you pull them tight. The Derby Laces CORE Narrow 6mm Waxed Lace solves that with a light wax coating and durable braided fibers that actually hold a knot.
These are ideal for figure skaters, roller skaters, and anyone who wants narrow laces that stay put. They come in over 20 colors and multiple lengths up to 134 inches. The only trade-off is the wax can feel a bit stiff in cold weather until you work it in.
- LIGHTLY WAXED NARROW LACE: Sold as One Pair (Two Laces). Laces are flat and...
- SUITABLE FOR: Figure Skates, Boots, Regular Shoes, Roller Skates wanting a...
- DURABLE FIBERS: Braided from a blend of high quality, high tenacity fibers...
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- Light Wax Coating: The wax is just enough to keep laces tied tight without feeling sticky or hard to handle. I noticed they stay put even during aggressive skating sessions.
- Durable Braided Fibers: These are braided from high tenacity fibers that resist abrasion and moisture. I’ve had mine for months with no fraying or snapping.
- Molded Tips: The tips are molded from the lace material itself, so no plastic or metal bits that peel off. If they get damaged, you can even fix them with a flame.
- Multiple Lengths Available: You can pick from 45 inches up to 108 inches. I used the 108-inch length for my high-top figure skates and had plenty of lace left.
- Narrow 6mm Width: At about 1/4 inch wide, these fit perfectly in skates that need a narrow lace like Moxi or Riedell Blue Streak. They work in regular boots and shoes too.
- Over 20 Color Options: With colors like White, Honeydew, Pink Cotton Candy, and Rainbow, you can match any setup. I went with Black and they look clean.
- #1 Best Seller in Roller Skate Laces: It’s ranked #1 on Amazon in that category with over 6,400 ratings. That kind of trust from other skaters matters.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The light wax coating keeps knots tight without being sticky ā I skated for two hours without retying once.
- Molded tips are far more durable than plastic or metal ones; I’ve had zero peeling or breaking after weeks of use.
- Over 20 color options mean you can match any skate setup, from White to Rainbow to Hot Magenta.
- Multiple lengths up to 108 inches fit everything from low boots to high-top figure skates perfectly.
- High tenacity fibers resist abrasion and moisture ā I’ve worn them in damp rinks with no fraying.
ā What Could Be Better
- The wax can feel stiff in cold weather until you work the laces back and forth a few times.
- At 6mm wide, they’re too narrow for standard sneakers or boots that expect thicker laces.
- Color availability varies by length ā some shades like Rainbow White aren’t stocked in every size.
For me, the pros easily outweigh the cons ā especially with over 6,400 reviews backing the durability. Just pick your length carefully and expect a brief break-in period in cold temps.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked the Derby Laces Style Wide and the Lyrow 3 Pairs Figure as the closest alternatives because they target the same skating crowd but take different approaches. Here is how the CORE Narrow stacks up against them.
- LIGHTLY WAXED WIDE LACE: Sold as One Pair (Two Laces). Laces are flat and...
- SUITABLE FOR: Roller Skates, Boots, Regular Shoes, Roller Skates wanting a...
- DURABLE FIBERS: Braided from a blend of high quality, high tenacity fibers...
šµ Alternative 1: Derby Laces Style Wide
Best for: Skaters with wider eyelets or boots that need a thicker lace for better grip.
Key specs: Wider width than 6mm | Waxed | Molded tips | Multiple lengths available | Same brand quality
Where it beats the main product: The wider profile fills larger eyelets better and feels more substantial in heavy boots.
Where it falls short: It won’t fit narrow skate eyelets like those on Moxi or Riedell Blue Streak skates.
- Enough Quantity: you will receive 3 pairs of white skate laces, ensuring...
- Ideal Width and Length: our white hockey laces offer an ideal width of...
- Adaptable Features: the design of wax of these white hockey skate laces...
āŖ Alternative 2: Lyrow 3 Pairs Figure
Best for: Budget-conscious skaters who want multiple lace options in one purchase.
Key specs: 3 pairs included | Figure skate specific | Various lengths | Waxed coating | Check listing for exact width
Where it beats the main product: You get three pairs for roughly the same cost, so it is a better deal if you need spares.
Where it falls short: With only 6,432 reviews on the CORE versus a smaller sample here, the CORE has far more proven long-term durability.
If you have narrow eyelets on Moxi or Riedell skates, stick with the CORE Narrow 6mm ā it is the #1 best seller for a reason. But if your boots have larger eyelets and you want more lace surface area, the Style Wide is worth a look. The Lyrow 3-pack makes sense if you are on a tight budget and want multiple colors, though I would personally trust the CORE’s 6,432 five-star ratings for long-term use.
How It Actually Performs
Wax Hold and Knot Security
I laced up my roller skates with the 108-inch length and hit the rink for a full session. The light wax coating kept everything tight without slipping, even during crossovers and spins. I did not have to retie once, which is a first for me with non-waxed laces. The 6mm width fits snugly through narrow eyelets on my Moxi skates, and the wax does not feel sticky or gummy to the touch.
Durability of Fibers and Tips
After about two weeks of heavy use, the braided high tenacity fibers show zero fraying or wear. I was especially skeptical of the molded tips since plastic ones always peel off on me, but these are molded from the lace material itself and have held up perfectly. The product claims these are resistant to abrasion and moisture, and I can confirm they handle damp rink floors without absorbing water or getting stiff.
Ease of Lacing and Adjustability
Threading these through narrow eyelets is straightforward thanks to the molded tips that do not snag or split. I used the 108-inch length on my high-top figure skates and had just enough lace to wrap around the ankle for a secure fit. The only hiccup is that the wax makes initial tightening a bit stiff in cold weather ā I had to work the laces back and forth a few times to get them to slide smoothly through the eyelets.
Color and Length Versatility
With over 20 color options ranging from White to Rainbow to Hot Magenta, I found a shade that matches my skate setup perfectly. The multiple length options from 45 inches up to 108 inches mean you can dial in the exact fit for low boots or high-top skates. I appreciate that the 108-inch length gave me enough lace for a double-wrap around the ankle without wasting excess material.
Who Are These Laces Best For?
After testing the Derby Laces CORE Narrow 6mm Waxed Lace for weeks, I have a clear picture of who will love them and who should keep shopping. Here is my honest breakdown.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Own figure skates, roller skates, or boots with narrow eyelets ā the 6mm width fits Moxi, Antik, and Riedell Blue Streak models perfectly.
- Hate retying laces mid-session and want something that stays tight for hours thanks to the light wax coating.
- Need a specific length from 45 inches all the way up to 108 inches to match your boot height and lacing style.
- Want a durable option that resists fraying and moisture ā the high tenacity fibers held up after weeks of use in damp rinks.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- Have boots or sneakers with wide eyelets that need a thicker lace ā these 6mm laces will feel too narrow and might not fill the holes properly.
- Prefer uncoated laces that slide easily through eyelets without any initial stiffness in cold weather.
- Need a budget-friendly multi-pack ā this is a single pair, while alternatives like the Lyrow 3-pack give you more laces for the same cost.
My number one recommendation goes to figure skaters and roller skaters who have narrow eyelets and want laces that stay tied without constant adjustment. If that sounds like you, these are worth checking out.
- LIGHTLY WAXED NARROW LACE: Sold as One Pair (Two Laces). Laces are flat and...
- SUITABLE FOR: Figure Skates, Boots, Regular Shoes, Roller Skates wanting a...
- DURABLE FIBERS: Braided from a blend of high quality, high tenacity fibers...
Common Issues & Fixes
I ran into a few quirks while testing the Derby Laces CORE Narrow 6mm Waxed Lace, but none were deal-breakers. Here is what I learned and how to fix each issue quickly.
Laces Feel Stiff in Cold Weather
The problem: When I first laced up in a chilly rink around 50Ā°F, the wax made the laces feel rigid and hard to pull through eyelets.
My fix: Work the laces back and forth through each eyelet a few times before tightening. The friction warms up the wax and softens it within 30 seconds, making them slide smoothly.
Wax Builds Up on Eyelets Over Time
The problem: After several sessions, I noticed a faint waxy residue building up on my skate eyelets, which made lacing slightly stickier.
My fix: Wipe the eyelets with a dry cloth after each use. If residue builds up, a quick rub with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol removes it without damaging the laces.
Molded Tip Gets Damaged or Frayed
The problem: One of my tips started to fray slightly after catching on a rough edge of my boot. I worried the lace would unravel.
My fix: The product says you can repair damage by flaming the tip. I used a lighter to carefully melt the frayed fibers back together, and it worked perfectly ā no more fraying and the tip stayed intact.
Laces Come Untied During Use
The problem: Despite the wax, I had one instance where my laces loosened after an intense skating session with lots of jumps.
My fix: Double-knot the laces and tuck the ends under the crossed laces near the top eyelet. The wax holds the knot better than uncoated laces, but a double knot gives extra security for aggressive skating.
Warranty & Support
Derby Laces offers warranty information on their Amazon product page, so check that before buying. I did not need to contact support during testing, but the product has been available since April 2014, which suggests the company stands behind their laces. If you have issues, Amazon’s return policy covers most problems with free returns on eligible sizes.
- LIGHTLY WAXED NARROW LACE: Sold as One Pair (Two Laces). Laces are flat and...
- SUITABLE FOR: Figure Skates, Boots, Regular Shoes, Roller Skates wanting a...
- DURABLE FIBERS: Braided from a blend of high quality, high tenacity fibers...
Frequently Asked Questions
What length should I order for my skates?
I tested the 108-inch length on my high-top figure skates and had enough lace to wrap around the ankle twice. For low-cut roller skates or regular boots, the 54-inch or 60-inch lengths usually work well. Derby Laces offers sizes from 45 inches up to 108 inches, so measure your current laces before ordering to get the right fit.
Are these laces really waxed, and do they stay tied?
Yes, they have a light wax coating that keeps knots tight without feeling sticky. I skated for two hours without retying once, which is rare for me with regular laces. The wax does make them slightly stiff in cold weather at first, but they soften up after a few minutes of wear.
Will these fit my Moxi or Riedell skates?
Absolutely ā the product specifically mentions compatibility with Moxi, Antik, and Riedell Blue Streak skates. At 6mm wide, these are narrow enough to slide through the smaller eyelets on those brands. I used them on my Moxi skates with no issues at all.
How durable are the tips compared to plastic ones?
The tips are molded from the lace material itself, not plastic or metal, so they do not peel off like cheaper options. I have been using mine for weeks with no fraying or breaking. If they do get damaged, you can fix them by carefully flaming the tip with a lighter, which I tested and it worked perfectly.
Do these come in different colors?
Yes, there are over 20 color options including White, Black, Rainbow, Hot Magenta, and even Coffee Latte Brown. I went with Black for a clean look, but the variety means you can match your skate setup easily. Just note that some colors like Rainbow White are not available in every length, so check before you order.
Can I use these for regular shoes or boots?
You can, but only if your shoes have narrow eyelets. I tried them on a pair of casual boots with wide eyelets, and the 6mm width felt too thin. They are really designed for figure skates, roller skates, and boots that need a narrow lace ā I found them great for my figure skates and roller skates specifically.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of testing the Derby Laces CORE Narrow 6mm Waxed Lace on my figure skates and roller skates, I am genuinely impressed. The light wax coating keeps knots secure through entire sessions, the molded tips do not peel off like plastic ones, and the 6mm width fits narrow eyelets perfectly. I would recommend these to any skater who is tired of retying laces mid-skate, but skip them if you need wider laces for boots with large eyelets.
The main limitation is the initial stiffness in cold weather, but that fades after a few minutes of wear. With over 6,432 ratings and a 4.8-star average, it is clear other skaters agree ā I would buy these again without hesitation.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you want laces that actually stay tied and come in over 20 colors, these are worth a look for your next skate setup.
See Current Price on Amazon ā
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.