Getting a new pair of skates is an exciting moment. Unfortunately, breaking them in is often uncomfortable, and even painful. It’s no surprise that many skaters wish they could rush through this process! However, breaking your skates in slowly through shorter sessions spanning several weeks is the best way. This minimizes foot pain and creates better flexibility in the boot, which, ultimately, leads to superior performance. In this blog, the Figure Skating Boutique explains how to break in new skates like a pro. Why You Need to Break In Your Skates If you were hoping to slip on your new skates and glide away without any discomfort, then we’re sorry to say that usually doesn’t happen. Even custom skates, moulded to the specific shape of your feet, will not fit like Cinderella’s slipper right away. Every pair of skates needs to be properly broken in to create that perfect fit. Skates are not like ordinary shoes. They’re made with stiff materials and intended to fit tightly to provide the necessary ankle support for spins, jumps, and intricate footwork. Your skates are designed to make it easier for you to balance, distribute your weight correctly, and maintain proper angles on the ice. The stiffness of skates is essential for performance, but it can make the first few wears uncomfortable. In the long term, taking time to break in your skates properly leads to less foot pain, fewer blisters, better flexibility in the boot, and enhanced control and mobility on the ice. Skipping or rushing the break-in process, on the other hand, may cause more difficulties down the road. Your skates may never fit quite right and your performance may suffer. The Importance of the Right Fit Your skates will feel better and perform better if they fit you properly. This seems obvious, right? However, many skaters purchase ill-fitting skates that compromise their performance and cause endless discomfort. If your skates are the wrong size, no amount of “breaking in” will fix them. Skates that are too small lead to pain and numbness, whereas oversized skates can create instability and/or blisters. Just as with regular shoes, different brands of skates fit differently. There’s a good chance you’ll wear several different sizes of skates, depending on the brand. Whenever possible, stop by your local skate shop, like the Figure Skating Boutique, to test how a pair of skates fits in person—even if you’re ultimately hoping to purchase them online. Consequently, it’s very important to take the time to determine your true size. Start by talking to the experts. When you visit the Figure Skating Boutique in Toronto, one of our seasoned experts will get you fitted properly. You’ll leave having found your perfect skate fit! If you’re unable to visit our store for a fitting, fill out our online PDF form and send it to info@skatingboutique.com. We’ll give you a call to help find skates that best fit your size and level. Our team can also help guide you on how to break in your new skates effectively and efficiently. How to Break In New Skates on the Ice 1. Start with short sessions Trying to break in your skates all at once is a recipe for pain, blisters, and misery. Take it slow. There is no award for suffering through a multi-hour practice session in brand-new skates! Instead, start with short sessions of 20–30 minutes. You may want to take a day to rest in between sessions, too. Gradually, over the course of a few weeks, your skates will break in and form to the shape of your foot. This gradual approach allows you to notice any pressure points without overdoing it. Once you’ve identified hotspots, friction points, or other areas of discomfort, you can address them specifically. You can use gel pads, moleskin, or skate-specific padding to alleviate pressure in troublesome spots. 2. Don’t lace up the top hooks The tighter you lace your new skates, the more pain you are going to experience. Of course, they need to be laced tightly enough to fit securely during your practice sessions, or else you’re setting yourself up for injury. But they still shouldn’t be laced as tightly as you would with worn-in boots—at least at first! Keeping the laces slightly looser allows for extra flexibility, particularly around the ankles. Don’t lace up the top hooks for the first few sessions. Tie the laces just below the top hooks instead. As the skates begin to conform to your feet, you can begin tightening them for better support. 3. Bend your knees and ankles Basic movements, like bending your knees and ankles, help with breaking in figure skates. Manoeuvres that require deep bending motions soften the skates and create flexibility. Crossovers, one-foot glides, edges, and jumps also help with the process. Some moves (like jumps) are more painful than others. 4. Be patient Exactly how long it takes to break them in depends on the stiffness of the boot and the fit. Some skates, particularly beginner skates, may start feeling comfortable in as little as 6 hours. However, we suggest mentally preparing for 10–15 hours of dedicated breaking-in time on the ice. That said, you can speed up this process by combining off-ice techniques with regular skating sessions. Off-Ice Tips for Breaking In Figure Skates 1. Wear them around the house You don’t have to hit the ice to break in your new skates. Wearing them around the house is a great way to speed up the process in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Put hard guards over the blades, lace up the boots a little looser than normal, and do a few laps around your house. Alternatively, you can also leave your skates on while watching TV or reading. Simply sitting with your boots on for 20–30 minutes a day helps your feet adjust to the snug fit without the added strain of skating. 2. Consider heat moulding Professional heat moulding gives you a head start on the break-in process. The skate’s outer leather and inner lining become more malleable when warmed, so they form to the shape of your foot much faster than wearing them alone. Although you can find plenty of online tutorials for how to heat mould your skates at home, it’s best to leave this to the professionals. “Baking” your skates may break your skates in faster; however, doing so incorrectly can damage them permanently. Furthermore, not all skates are heat-moldable. 3. Wear thick socks Thinner socks are preferred when skating, yet thicker socks can be very helpful during the initial breaking-in phase. Thick socks help stretch the boot slightly while providing extra cushioning that protects your feet from discomfort. The sock minimizes friction, so you’re less likely to develop blisters. Just make sure you switch back to your regular socks after the first few wears. The Figure Skating Boutique: We Help You Find Your Perfect Fit! The Figure Skating Boutique is your one-stop shop for everything figure skating. We sell a wide range of new and used ice skates for all skating levels, from beginner to competitive. Additionally, we offer extra services to help you find and maintain the perfect pair of skates. Our online boot-fitting assistant makes it easier than ever to find your perfect fit. You can also visit our Markham boutique to receive professional guidance from one of our skating experts. For more information on how to break in new skates, and for all your figure skating needs, call the Figure Skating Boutique at 1-866-957-0396 or contact us here.
