How to Tie Hockey Skates

Ice hockey skates must be fitted correctly to help a player make all the quick starts, stops and cuts that are needed during the game. For a snug fit, the boot should be a half size to a full size smaller than the player's normal shoe size. Proper lacing is important to guarantee that the boot supports the foot and ankle.

Things You'll Need

  • Properly fitted ice hockey skates
  • Laces
  • Lace tool
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Instructions

  1. How to Tie Hockey Skates

    • 1

      Pull the tongue of the skate boot up as far as possible and insert your foot. Make sure your foot is comfortable before beginning to lace the boot.

    • 2

      Loosen the laces all the way down to the toe if the boot already is laced. Otherwise, you can begin to lace the boot and tighten the laces as you go along each time you put on skates.

    • 3

      Start at the bottom. Push the toes down as you pull up on the laces. Make sure the back and sides feel comfortable. Repeat the process as you place the laces through each boot eyelet until you reach the top. Laces are placed through the eyelets on each side of the boot in a crisscross pattern.

    • 4

      Prevent any slack in the laces. At each interval, tighten each section down to the toe by pulling it tighter so that the boot closes snugly around the foot. You should not be able to squeeze your finger under any part of the laces.

    • 5

      Make sure the boot is tight against the entire foot when you reach the top with the laces. Check again for lace slack and adjust all the way to the top as necessary.

    • 6

      Stand up and walk. The foot should be snug and comfortable in the boot.

    • 7

      Tie knots to finish the job. Cross the laces at the top and loop one lace twice around the other. Pull to tighten. Wrap both laces around the back of the boot. Cross them and bring them back to the front. Cross them again at the top of the boot and then wrap one lace twice around the other. Pull tight. Create a loop with one lace and wrap the other lace around it twice and pull to tighten.