Do you love cracking open a new book, appreciating the colorful regularity of a freshly-opened box of crayons, or inhaling the intoxicating scent of a new car? Well, if you’re a skater, you can also get that feeling from opening up a box to see your brand new roller skates! While getting a new pair of skates is definitely exciting, don’t forget that just like shoes, skate boots need to be broken in.
Wear the right socks. Socks aren’t just mandatory at the skating rink, they can also make a big difference in the comfort of your skate boots! If your boots are a little too loose, you can wear heavier, more padded socks like you would for long-distance running. A smidge too tight? Opt for thinner socks to give yourself a little wiggle room. If the skate is rubbing your ankle, protect yourself with taller socks.
Add some extra cushioning with moleskin padding. Moleskin and similar products are widely used to ease or prevent the pain caused by new shoe friction. If you’ve tried on your skates at home and feel like there may be some friction on your toes, the top of your foot, or the side or back of your ankle, be proactive and add some moleskin to protect your foot from the boot.
Use an ankle sleeve or bootie. Available in different designs, colors, and thicknesses from various manufacturers, ankle sleeves like this one can protect your foot and ankle from chafing and blisters until you break in your skates. Some people also appreciate the extra ankle support, so you may end up using it even afterward! Just be sure to choose a model that is either seamless or has seams positioned in such a way as to avoid causing more friction.
Once you know how to break in your skates without hurting your ankles, it’s time to get rolling! Join us at our open skating sessions in Lockport any time.
Alright, let's roll into this with some authority! I've been immersed in the world of roller skating for a good while now, attending events, talking to experts, and even hitting the rink myself. So when it comes to breaking in roller skates without turning your ankles into a hot mess, you've got my attention.
First off, let's address the sock situation. It's not just about slipping on any old pair. The thickness matters. If those boots are feeling a bit roomy, go for the heavy-duty, padded socks. Think of it like customizing the fit for your feet. On the flip side, if it's a bit too snug, opt for the thinner ones. It's a science, my friend, and it makes a world of difference in the comfort department.
Now, let's talk moleskin. This isn't some obscure remedy; it's a tried-and-true method for sparing your feet from the agony of new shoe friction. If you sense trouble zones—be it your toes, the top of your foot, or the sides and back of your ankle—moleskin is your foot's best friend. Proactivity is the key here. Don't wait for blisters to declare war; arm yourself with moleskin beforehand.
And then there's the ankle sleeve or bootie game. It's not just about looking cool with different designs and colors (although that's a bonus). These babies are designed to shield your foot and ankle from the merciless chafing and blister onslaught until you've tamed those skates. Some even throw in extra ankle support for good measure. Seamless or strategically-seamed, that's the ticket.
So, there you have it—sock science, moleskin mastery, and the art of the ankle sleeve. Break those skates in without sacrificing your ankles, and you'll be gliding at Rainbow Skateland or wherever your wheels take you in no time!
Wear thick socks and add more padding if necessary.
Of course, you may still need to make a few adjustments, so get some moleskin from the drugstore, cut it to shape, and stick it inside your skate boot anywhere that you feel painful friction forming.
Wear thick socks and add more padding if necessary.
Of course, you may still need to make a few adjustments, so get some moleskin from the drugstore, cut it to shape, and stick it inside your skate boot anywhere that you feel painful friction forming.
The toe area and the area high above the ankles should be tied so they are moderately snug or even on the loose side. The tightest area of lacing should be from a point above the ball of the foot back to a point just above the ankle bone i.e. the top 2 or 3 eyelets. This is where the most support is required.
This skating malady is caused by pressure from a stiff skate tongue (the part that goes behind the laces, on the front of your ankle/top of your foot). If the skate is laced tightly, the tongue cuts into the tendons of the ankle, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
Skating places a huge demand on the feet, calves and ankles and forces the joint and muscles of the area to go way beyond their normal function. As a result, skaters tighten up in these areas and can commonly face injuries such as hot pockets, ankle rolls, tendonitis or even just general soreness.
Your skate size is wrong. You're not using the skates that are good fit for your feet profiles. Your skates are not broken in. If you skate a few times a week for a few weeks, you'll get comfortable.
Bruised toes damaged nails or having to scrunch your toes would suggest your boots are too small. If you have any of these symptoms, pop down to your dealer to check the size, otherwise, the next thing to check is your insole. Your feet leave unique imprints on your insoles even after just a few days.
Generally speaking, the golden rule for proper skate fit no matter the brand or kind of skate is as snug as possible without being painful or uncomfortable, with the ability to still wiggle the toes up and down. Skates stretch A LOT, we promise!
Practice movements that require you to bend your knees and ankles. Deep bending motions will help you break in a new pair of figure skates. For example, movements that require you to bend your knees and ankles will help soften the leather and break in the skates. Try doing back crossovers in both directions.
Sit for 10-15 minutes with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. What should I do after baking my hockey skates? Relax! The hard part is done and your skates will be game-ready in 24 hours.
So focus when you are skating on your “weight foot print” and make sure the front half of your skate has way MORE weight than the back half. You will know when you have done this when your feet don't hurt anymore. Reducing your speed will help this, as more speed makes our bodies (and feet) tense even more.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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