How Does Lacing Make a Difference in my Figure Skates?
We all know the importance of having high-quality figure skates. But have you ever stopped to think about the importance of lacing ice skates correctly? When you incorrectly lace up your boots, you not only put yourself at risk of being uncomfortable, but you could also potentially injure yourself. A properly laced boot helps keep your foot in the right position and helps the boot work at its full potential while maximizing your performance.
How to Lace Ice Skates
Here is a breakdown of how to properly lace up your boots:
- Start out by loosening the laces when you place your feet on the boots.
- Make sure your feet are comfortably snug in the boot before beginning to tighten your laces. Make sure your heel is in place inside the boot.
- Start tightening the laces from the toe up. The herringbone pattern (or crisscrossed) is the most common way to lace. Make sure you’re pulling snug, but not too tight.
- Once you get to the bend in your ankle, begin to tighten your laces a little more. We recommend using a couple of cross twists in your laces at the top of the eyelets before lacing the hooks. This keeps your foot’s heel firmly in place while allowing maximum flexibility at the ankle joint.
- Next, you’ll lace around the hooks. You can either lace them over and under, or under and over—whichever you prefer..
- Finish with a secure bow. Laces that are too long create a tripping hazard, so make sure that you have the correct length of laces with our lace chart.
- When you are finished skating, unlace your boots from the hooks, and loosen up the eyelets all the way down. This releases tension on the boot and helps it dry properly before your next ice session..
The Safety Behind Properly Laced Figure Skates
Having properly laced figure skates is vital for maximizing performance and preventing injuries. When your boots are incorrectly laced, you are risking injury and poor performance. With proper lacing, you’ll be able to advance your skills and technique quicker and safer, providing sufficient support around your ankles so you may better avoid foot injuries. Lacing up your boots correctly also prevents premature breakdown of your boots and extends their life.
Extra Tips for Safety’s Sake
Here are a few extra tips we recommend when lacing up your boots:
- Make sure they aren’t too tight or too loose. The lacing pattern of the entire boot should be uniform.
- The tongue of the skate should be straight and not slip too low.
- Make sure you have the right fitting boots. If you don’t, properly lacing up your skates will not be able to prevent discomfort or even potential injury.
- Avoid socks that are too thick or too small, but just the right size to prevent blisters and achieve a snug comfortable fit.
- If your skates feel loose or insecure after being laced up, redo your lacing.
Custom Fit Figure Skates From Riedell
Lacing up your boots is important—but it can only go so far. When you don’t have the right skates for your feet, lacing up your boots properly can’t prevent injuries or discomfort from happening. The right custom figure skates can prevent injury, blisters, and improve overall performance, especially for skaters who are prone to foot and ankle injuries.
Get to Know Our Sizing Guide
When it comes to custom figure skates, however, there are several factors to consider. These include the amount of time you spend on the ice, your foot measurements, skill level, and stiffness of the boot. Having your feet fitted by an authorized dealer is the best option for a properly fitted boot.
When determining which boot model is best for you, it all comes down to your skill level. As you learn new techniques and skills, your figure skates will need to advance with you. Don’t wait any longer to skate at an elite level and get your stock or custom figure skates from Riedell! We have stock boots and skates for every skating level, or if you’re looking for custom boots, our master craftsmen will create the perfect skate for your feet. Contact us or head to one of our authorized dealers today!