If you’re a skater, you know the struggle of trying to break in new skates. It’s often an uncomfortable and time-consuming process that leaves you longing for your old, worn-in pair.
But have you ever wondered if wearing skates around the house can help speed up this process? In this blog post, we will delve into different methods and techniques used to break in ice and hockey skates more comfortably and explore whether walking around your home with a pair of blades on can truly make a difference.
Quick Takeaways
- Wearing skates around the house for short periods of time can help gradually break them in and make them more comfortable to wear.
- It’s important to use other effective methods like using a skate stretcher or heat treatment in combination with wearing skates at home, as this method alone may not fully break in the skates.
- Taking breaks during the break – in process is crucial, and using a blade protector can help protect your skate blades from damage while walking around indoors.
- Ultimately, finding the best way to break in new skates depends on personal preference and type of skate being used.
Breaking In New Skates: Different Methods
There are several methods to break in new skates, including wearing damp socks under the skates while walking around the house, skating in them at the rink, and wearing them around the house.
Wearing Damp Socks Under Skates While Walking Around The House
One popular method for breaking in new skates is to wear damp socks under your skates while walking around the house. The dampness of the socks helps to soften and stretch the material, conforming it better to the shape of your feet.
For example, I tried this method when breaking in my latest pair of hockey skates. I soaked a pair of thick socks in water, wrung them out so they were just damp, then slipped on my new skates over them and tightened up firmly.
As I walked around my home wearing these damp-sock-clad ice skates, I could feel the skate’s stiffness gradually decreasing.
Skating In Them At The Rink
Another method for breaking in new skates is by simply skating in them at the rink. This is a very effective way to break in hockey or figure skates since it requires using them for their intended purpose.
Skaters can start with short sessions and gradually increase the time they spend on the ice until their feet adapt to the skates’ stiffness. It’s important to note that during this process, one may experience discomfort or pain due to blisters or pressure points.
However, this should not discourage you from continuing with the break-in process as once your skates are broken in, they will be more comfortable and provide better performance on the ice.
Wearing Them Around The House
I’m a firm believer that wearing your new skates around the house can help break them in. While it may not be the most effective method, it’s certainly convenient and comfortable.
However, it’s important to note that wearing skates around the house does come with some downsides. You run the risk of damaging floors or carpets if you’re not careful, and there are limitations to how much stiffness can be softened through this method alone.
Pros And Cons Of Wearing Skates Around The House
Wearing skates around the house can be convenient and comfortable, but it’s important to consider the limited effectiveness of this method and the increased risk of damage to floors and skates.
Pros: Convenience And Comfort
For me, one of the biggest pros of wearing skates around the house is convenience. Instead of having to make a trip to the rink every time I want to break in my new skates, I can simply put them on and go about my day.
Another pro is comfort. When you wear your skates around the house for short periods, you start breaking them in gradually which decreases stiffness and helps mold them to your feet over time.
It’s important however not to mistake convenience with effectiveness as there are other methods that may be more effective at breaking in your new skates such as using heat or using a dedicated skate stretcher.
Cons: Limited Effectiveness And Increased Risk Of Damage
While wearing skates around the house may seem like a convenient way to break them in, it’s important to note that this method has its drawbacks. Firstly, this technique is limited in its effectiveness and may not fully break in the skates as quickly or efficiently as other methods.
Secondly, wearing skates on hard surfaces like tile or wood floors can increase the risk of damaging both the blades and the flooring itself. It’s also worth noting that prolonged use of skates off-ice can cause unnecessary wear on certain areas of the skate boot that wouldn’t normally receive pressure during actual skating.
Other Effective Tips For Breaking In New Skates
Use a skate stretcher to help expand the skates, take breaks during the break-in process, use heat to soften the material and protect the blades with a blade protector.
Use A Skate Stretcher
Another effective way to break in new skates is to use a skate stretcher. This device helps stretch out the material of the skates, making them more pliable and comfortable over time.
Using a skate stretcher can also help address any pressure points or areas where the skates may feel too tight.
To use a skate stretcher, insert it into the skate and gradually turn it to apply pressure until you reach your desired level of stretching. It’s important not to overdo it with the stretching process as this could cause damage to the material of the skates.
A good rule of thumb is to stretch them out gradually over several sessions rather than trying to do it all at once.
Take Breaks During The Break-in Process
I highly recommend taking breaks during the break-in process of your new skates. It’s important to listen to your body and give it time to adjust to wearing the skates, especially if you’re not used to skating regularly.
For example, if you notice any discomfort or pain in your feet while wearing new skates, take a break and remove them for a few minutes. You can also try stretching your feet or massaging them gently to relieve any tension.
Remember, breaking in new skates is a gradual process that requires patience. Don’t rush it or push yourself too hard without giving yourself enough time to adjust properly.
Use Heat To Soften The Material
Another effective method for breaking in new skates is to use heat to soften the material. This can be done by using a hairdryer or a heat gun on low heat and directing the warm air towards the areas that feel stiff or tight.
It’s important to use caution when using this method, as too much heat can damage the skate material or cause discomfort when skating. Be sure to test the warmth of the skates with your hands before putting them back on and begin slowly stretching them out while still warm.
Use A Skate Blade Protector To Avoid Damaging The Blades
I highly recommend using a skate blade protector to protect your skates from damage when breaking them in. Blade protectors are small plastic covers that fit over the blades of your skates, ensuring that they don’t get damaged or dulled when you’re walking around in them indoors.
It’s important to note that blade protectors should only be used when you’re not skating and not for long periods of time, as they can trap moisture and lead to rust on the blades.
However, they are great for quick trips around the house while you’re getting accustomed to new skates or waiting for your turn at the rink.
The Final Verdict: Does Wearing Skates Around The House Help Break Them In?
After trying different methods to break in new skates, including wearing them around the house, I can confidently say that it does have some benefits.
– Wearing skates around the house for short periods can help loosen up the material and make them more comfortable to wear.
– Walking around in skates may also help improve balance and posture on ice or roller rinks over time.
– However, wearing skates at home is not a substitute for skating in them at the rink or using other effective tools like a skate stretcher or heat treatment.
– It’s important to take breaks during the break-in process and avoid causing damage to blades by using a blade protector if necessary.
– Ultimately, breaking in new skates may require patience and using multiple techniques depending on the type of skate.
Overall, while wearing skates around the house can be helpful as part of a larger strategy for breaking them in, it should not be relied upon as a sole solution.
Can Wearing Skates Around the House Help with Breaking Them In?
Yes, wearing skates around the house can be an effective way of breaking in roller skates at home. This allows the skates to mold to the shape of your feet and helps to soften any stiff or uncomfortable areas. Just be careful to avoid scratching or damaging your floors while doing so.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various methods to break in new skates such as wearing damp socks or skating at the rink. However, wearing skates around the house can be a convenient and comfortable option.
While it may not be as effective as other methods, short periods of wearing them off-ice can help loosen up the material. It’s important to keep in mind that this method does come with an increased risk of damage to the blades and limited effectiveness compared to other techniques like using a skate stretcher or heat.
Ultimately, finding the best way to break in skates depends on personal preference and type of skate being used.