How to Break in or Stretch Leather Skate Boots

With the cost of new skating boots running anywhere between $300 and $800, it’s adding insult to injury when you consider how much they hurt when you first put them on. Breaking in new skates can be painful and cause lasting injuries to both foot and boot if done incorrectly. While getting the right kind of skating boot sized up and fit by a professional will go a long way toward shortening break-in time, it’s impossible to step on the ice in a new pair of skates without making at least a few adjustments.

Instructions

    • 1

      Buy your boots from a trusted skating professional. Boots vary in size, shape, width, weight, padding amount and protection. With so many variables, it’s crucial that you get skates that fit properly from the start.

    • 2

      Have your skates heat-molded to your foot. It may cost a little more, but heat molding will cut your break-in time in half. A skate pro shop will put the skates in a special oven to warm, then put them on your feet so the insides mold to the contours of your feet.

    • 3

      Consider having the leather punched out at the ankles if that part of your foot is sore or black and blue when you first get on the ice. Often times, the shop you bought the boots from can do this for you; or, go to a reputable shoemaker for the service.

    • 4

      Lace up your boots tightly near the toes, but leave the first two hooks open. After a week or two, lace the boots all the way to the top.

    • 5

      Focus on doing back crossovers on both edges for the first week. The position your feet and knees take and all the deep bending needed to do the crossovers will help soften the leather.

    • 6

      Limit your time on the ice for the first few times. A half-hour for the first day is plenty. Gradually increase to an hour, or to your regular practice time.