Quickest Way to Break in Hockey Skates

Breaking in new skates is one of the most dreaded aspects of playing hockey. It takes a lot of effort, time and pain to break in a pair of skates, but there are a few things you can do at home to speed up the time that it take for new skates to form to your feet. The inside of a hockey skate, where there is ample padding, is manufactured to mold to the size and shape of your foot. This process can be increased by heating the inside of the skate and wearing the skates while hot.

Things You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Metal rack
  • Stovetop
  • 2 rubber skate blade covers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill up a large pot with water. Put the pot on your stove and turn the burner on high. Place the metal rack on top the pot and bring the water to a boil. You may have to turn the heat down if the water begins to boil over, but keep the water at a steady boil.

    • 2

      Loosen your skate laces up so that the tongue of the boot can open widely. Place the skates on the metal rack over boiling water so that the steam and enter the boot. Leave your skates on for about ten minutes.

    • 3

      Shut off the burner and carefully remove the skates from over the pot. Place the two skate blade covers on your blades securely. Allow to cool for a minute.

    • 4

      With socks on, slide your feet carefully into the skates and tighten up the laces beginning at the first laces over the toe. Be sure that you lace the skates tightly, paying particular attention to the ankle area. They will be stiff, but persist anyway.

    • 5

      Stand and walk around your home until the skates cool completely (about thirty minutes). The skates will not damage your floors as long as you keep the blade covers on.

    • 6

      Repeat the process at least once more before skating in your new skates. The more you steam your skates before stepping on the ice, the better it will feel once on the ice.