How to Break in Your Figure Skates

With the advent of heat-molding, figure skates are no longer a nightmare to break in. Some people are lucky enough to have a perfect fit as soon as they put on their new skates. Others need more time, particularly if their skates aren't heat-molded. Whether your new skates feel like slippers or cement boots, a conservative approach to breaking them in will lead to improved performance. (See Reference 1)

Things You'll Need

  • Figure skates with blades gel sleeves or sponges (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lace your skates, leaving the top two hooks unlaced. The first time you use them, skate for a short while, such as a half-hour. Avoid doing anything that requires a deep knee bend or that puts a lot of pressure on the boots, such as jumps or spins. Each subsequent time you skate, you can increase the amount of time you wear your boots.

    • 2

      Continue skating with the top hooks unlaced for at least four hours.

    • 3

      Spend another few hours skating with just the top hook unlaced. After that, you may lace the boots all the way or leave the top hook unlaced, depending on how the boots feel.

    • 4

      Pay close attention to how your feet and ankles feel throughout the break-in process. Use gel sleeves or sponges to ease pressure through the ankle if necessary.

    • 5

      Return with your skates to the place of purchase if the boots press painfully on an ankle bone. Show the skate technician the painful spot. Most skate shops can punch out (stretch) the leather a bit to make your skates more comfortable.