Breaking In New Skates

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By John Harmata

askmredgeThis year should be no different than any other as thousands of parents will once again buy their children new ice skates. Some kids will have no problem breaking in their new skates, while others may experience the pain and blistering that sometimes accompanies the initial break in period.

Let us now take a look at some common and rather unique ways in how people are breaking in their new skates.

Alternative Suggestions for Breaking in New Boots

Soak both boots in hot water for an hour or so before mounting the blades, then proceed
to walk or skate in them while the boots are still wet. Note: Be aware that soaking boots for any amount of time in water will damage them, especially if nothing was done to seal the soles and heels before soaking.

Other suggestions:

• Heat boots in a home convection oven at 180 degrees for three – five minutes and wear them around the house. Note: Never use a conventional kitchen oven, because it applies direct heat to the boots and dries out the natural oils in them. A convection oven will circulate warm heat in and around the boots.

• Soak boots in ice water for an hour before skating.

• Spray boots with leather stretch prior to skating every time until boots are broken in.

• Rub insides of boots with a leather conditioner or softener, or with Vaseline.

• Place “animal fat” gel pads around the ankles.

• Use gel sleeves around both the heels and ankles.

• Wrap ankles with an ace bandage or gauze.

• Skate with plastic wrap or Reynolds turkey-sized oven cooking bags wrapped around the feet.

• Soak lightweight socks in hot water and wear them while skating.

• Have someone else wear the boots first.

Common Sense Steps to Breaking in New Boots

figureskatesStart by tying laces to the second hook, leaving the top hook untied. Note: Use all-nylon laces when breaking in new boots; these stretch more, making it easier to bend at the ankles.

• Switch over to cotton-nylon fifty-fifty blend laces after a couple weeks.

• For the first hour, do crossovers and stroking.

• During the next two to three hours, begin mixing in spins.

• During hours four and five, lace boots to the top and begin jumping.

• During hours six and seven, increase jump and spin time.

• After seven hours of breaking-in time, resume a normal routine.

No matter which method a skater chooses to break in new boots, the first line of defense against injury is a correctly fitted boot. Proper alignment of the foot inside a good but not overly supportive boot also will help to prevent injury.

– Guest author, John Harmata