Breaking in new skates – heat molding skates

Breaking in New Skates

Breaking in new skates can be quite uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. The leather or material used is initially stiff and needs to mold to the skater’s feet. A proper fit is essential for the figure skater to get the most out of their training.

Tips for the First Ice Sessions

Lacing: The skates should not be laced too tightly during the first ice sessions. Leave the top hooks unlaced, meaning do not lace all the way up. If you still want to keep the shoes together there, you can place a hair tie or an Edea strap (an elastic band that holds the shoe together) over them.

Adjust During the Session: Sometimes the skates need to be relaced during the ice session as the material begins to give way.

Protection Against Pressure: Bungeegel, silicone pads, and foam rings may be necessary to avoid pressure and prevent blisters.

Socks: Always wear dry, clean socks for your ice session. Make sure the socks are smooth, and preferably use skating socks, which are slightly smoother and more slippery than regular socks.

Limit Your Training: Limit jumps and spins during the first ice sessions in your new skates. Always tell your coach that you have new skates so they can adapt your training accordingly.

Heating Skates (Heat Molding)

If your skates can be heated (so-called heat-moldable skates), this is a convenient way to achieve the perfect fit. Heating molds the material to your foot and significantly speeds up the break-in process.

Heating at Tinas Figure Skating Shop

All leather boots can be heated in our skate mold. We can also heat synthetic Jackson boots in models from Jackson Evo and above. When you purchase skates from Tinas Figure Skating Shop and have them fitted by us, heating in our skate mold is included.

Here’s how it works:

• We heat the boots for approximately 4–8 minutes, depending on the model
• The skater puts on the boots, and we lace them tightly
• After lacing, we press and shape the boot so that the inner lining molds to the foot
• We can shape the heel to make it tighter and reduce pressure on areas such as bunions, the big toe, and the toes
• The skater needs to sit with the boots on for approximately 10–15 minutes so they can cool
• The skates should not be used for the next 24 hours, but after that, you can start using them

Perfect when new skates need to be purchased for, for example, a camp, or when the skater needs stiffer boots that are not very comfortable to break in from the start.

Heating Skates Yourself at Home

You can also heat your skates yourself in a regular oven or with a hair dryer.

Important to Know:

• Genuine leather boots can be heated in an oven
• Jackson’s Fusion series can also be heated safely
• Edea boots must NOT be heated, nor should boots with plastic heels
• Heating is carried out entirely at your own risk, and you need to carefully monitor the skate throughout the process

Skates are padded, and the padding molds to your foot when heated. This allows areas that press against your foot to give way, making the boot immediately comfortable to use. It is best to heat the boot after the blade has been mounted.

Step-by-Step: Heating Skates in an Oven

1. Place a towel on an oven rack and put the skate in a thoroughly cleaned oven while it is cold
2. Set the oven to 100 degrees, using both top and bottom heat
3. Leave the skates in the oven for approximately 15 minutes
4. Remove the skates and watch out for all metal parts, such as the hooks and blade—they are hot! Sit down
5. Put on skate guards
6. Put on the skates—first make sure to move your foot firmly forward toward the toes, then press your foot back toward the heel. Make sure your foot is all the way back and that your heel is in place
7. Lace the skates firmly and tighten them properly. Do not overtighten them over the ankles and toes
8. Sit still for approximately 10 minutes, then unlace the skates
9. Let them cool completely and do not use them for at least 12 hours
10. The process can preferably be repeated if it has not had the full effect

Do you have questions about heating skates? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help!