Boot Molding
Speed skating boots can be molded to fit your foot closely. This page contains instructions on how to do so.
Unless indicated otherwise at skate pickup, mold your child's skates before they wear them to their first practice! The skates are often very uncomfortable if not fitted properly, and blisters can form in a very short time! It is common for boots to need to be moulded twice or more before getting a good fit. When skating, wear a knee or crew sock (not anklets) to help protect the ankle. If fitting problems persist ask about trying another brand of skates--some are better suited to different foot shapes. Consider wearing neoprene ankle guards (those with narrow ankles, or prominent anklebones may find these very helpful); they help stabilize the ankle and protect against blisters when there is too much space in the fit.)
Unless indicated otherwise at skate pickup, mold your child's skates before they wear them to their first practice! The skates are often very uncomfortable if not fitted properly, and blisters can form in a very short time! It is common for boots to need to be moulded twice or more before getting a good fit. When skating, wear a knee or crew sock (not anklets) to help protect the ankle. If fitting problems persist ask about trying another brand of skates--some are better suited to different foot shapes. Consider wearing neoprene ankle guards (those with narrow ankles, or prominent anklebones may find these very helpful); they help stabilize the ankle and protect against blisters when there is too much space in the fit.)
BEFORE YOU START ...
...check with the equipment manager; some of the skates should not be heated in the oven!
Heat the Boot in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180 F.
Once the oven is preheated, TURN THE OVEN OFF. With soft guards on the blades (plastic guards have been known to melt), place skates on a cloth or hand towel, on top of the rack. Close the oven door and set a timer for 20 minutes. Once the boot has been in the oven for 20 minutes, remove.
Molding the Boot to Your Foot
There is a five-minute window of time while the thermoplastic is cooling but still very malleable. The thermoplastic should fully harden in 20 minutes. Cold packs can be used to accelerate the hardening.
Loosen the laces and ensure the buckle strap is out of the way. Do not use the buckle during the molding procedure; it will damage the boot.
Ensure that the person being fitted is seated to prevent blade mounts bearing weight while the thermoplastic is malleable. While inserting the foot into the boot, hold the top of the boot very tightly around the Achilles area. This will ensure the integrity of the counter.
Lightly tighten the laces. It's important not to over tighten the laces during the molding procedure because this can damage the eyelets and eyelet area.
Begin the thermoplastic shaping by pressing very hard around the heel area, behind the ankle bones. While remaining seated, flex the ankles forward as you would in basic position: knee as far over your toes as possible.
It's important during the shaping process to intermittently pull up in the arch area, if you have a high arch.
During the molding procedure, it's also very important to take the ankle joint through a range of motion. Go from the forward flexed position to a fully extended position and back, applying pressure around the heel lock the whole time. Do this every four minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180 F.
Once the oven is preheated, TURN THE OVEN OFF. With soft guards on the blades (plastic guards have been known to melt), place skates on a cloth or hand towel, on top of the rack. Close the oven door and set a timer for 20 minutes. Once the boot has been in the oven for 20 minutes, remove.
Molding the Boot to Your Foot
There is a five-minute window of time while the thermoplastic is cooling but still very malleable. The thermoplastic should fully harden in 20 minutes. Cold packs can be used to accelerate the hardening.
Loosen the laces and ensure the buckle strap is out of the way. Do not use the buckle during the molding procedure; it will damage the boot.
Ensure that the person being fitted is seated to prevent blade mounts bearing weight while the thermoplastic is malleable. While inserting the foot into the boot, hold the top of the boot very tightly around the Achilles area. This will ensure the integrity of the counter.
Lightly tighten the laces. It's important not to over tighten the laces during the molding procedure because this can damage the eyelets and eyelet area.
Begin the thermoplastic shaping by pressing very hard around the heel area, behind the ankle bones. While remaining seated, flex the ankles forward as you would in basic position: knee as far over your toes as possible.
It's important during the shaping process to intermittently pull up in the arch area, if you have a high arch.
During the molding procedure, it's also very important to take the ankle joint through a range of motion. Go from the forward flexed position to a fully extended position and back, applying pressure around the heel lock the whole time. Do this every four minutes.