How to Bake Ice Hockey Skates
No one buys a pair of ice hockey skates that fit perfectly. Your performance on the ice hinges on how well your equipment fits, and that's especially true of skates. All feet are different, and a perfect ice hockey skate fit differs from person to person. Memory foam inside the skate conforms to your foot over the course of time, but wear can result in uncomfortable pressure or blisters. To get the best fit quickly, you can "bake" your hockey skates. Baking melts the glue and foam, getting you a better fit and enhancing your in-game performance.
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Instructions
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Set a conventional oven to 180 degrees F. Turn it off when the temperature has been reached. Make sure your skates are laced loosely. Lace the skate string through every eyelet, but leave enough slack to let your feet easily slide into the skate. Remove any skate insole.
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Place the skates on a baking sheet and place it on the oven rack. Let the skates sit in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. When the boot feels soft and pliable, the baking is done. Grab the skates by the tongue to avoid touching hot metal parts. Replace your insoles.
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Place the skates onto your feet. Kick your heel into the floor, which will push your heel into the back of the skate. Tighten the laces by pulling them outward; pulling upward might disturb the metal eyelets, which are hot and can easily fall off during this procedure. When snug, use your hands to form the boot around your foot. Remain sitting--with the skates on--for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Tips & Warnings
Many equipment retailers own a skate oven, and this process can be completed at some stores under professional supervision.
Lacing skates tighter than you normally would after baking will result in a closer fit.
Many skates come with instructions on heat molding, which contains actual baking times for that specific model.
"Baking" is a term that really means "heating." The oven should be off while your skates are inside.
Damage to skates due to baking them at home may not be covered by warranty. Be careful, especially when tightening laces so you don't disturb and pull out the eyelets.
Avoid touching hot metal at all times.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Justin D. Henry (License: Creative Commons Attribution)
