It can be quite uncomfortable to break in new skates. But it should not hurt. The leather/material used is initially stiff and needs to mold to the skater's feet. Correct fit is necessary for the figure skater to get the most out of their training.

For the first ice sessions in new skates, they should not be laced too tightly. Leave the top hooks unlaced, i.e., do not lace all the way up. If you still want to keep the skates together there, use a hair tie or an Edeastrap. Sometimes the skates need to be relaced during the ice session. Bungagel, silicone pads, foam rings may be necessary to avoid pressure and to prevent blisters. Always use dry, clean socks for the ice session. Make sure the socks are smooth and preferably use skate socks that are a bit smoother and slicker than regular socks. Limit yourself regarding jumps and spins during the first ice sessions in the new skates. Always inform your coach that you have new skates, so the coach can adjust your training accordingly.

If your skates are heat moldable, this is a convenient way to achieve the perfect fit,

Heating of skates

All leather skates can be heated in our skate oven. We can also heat synthetic skates from Jackson in models from Jackson Evo and up. When you buy skates at Tina's Figure Skating Shop and try them on with us, heating in our skate oven is included. If needed, we heat the skate and mold it to the skater's foot. This is an effective way to speed up the breaking-in process. Additionally, we can shape the heel to make it tighter, reduce pressure on areas such as ankle bones, hallux, and toes. We heat the skates for about 4-8 minutes, depending on the model. Then the skater puts on the skates and we lace them tightly. After lacing, we press and shape the skate so that the inner lining molds to the foot. The skater needs to sit with the skates on for about 10-15 minutes so they can cool down. The skates should not be used for the next 24 hours. But after that, you can start skating. Perfect when new skates are purchased for, for example, a camp. Or when the skater needs stiffer skates, which are not so comfortable to just start breaking in.

You can also heat your skates yourself in a regular oven or with a hairdryer.

Genuine leather skates can be heated in an oven. Jackson's Fusion series can also be heated. Skates from Edea should not be heated, nor skates with plastic heels.

Heating is done entirely at your own risk and you need to closely monitor the skate during the process.

Skates are padded and the padding molds to your foot when heated. This means that areas causing pressure give way and the skate immediately becomes comfortable to use.

It is best to heat the skate when the blade has been mounted.

•  Place a towel on a rack and put the skate in a well-cleaned oven that is cold.
• Turn the oven on to 100 degrees Celsius, top and bottom heat.
• Let the skates stay inside for about 15 minutes.
• Take out the skates and be careful of all metal parts such as hooks and blade. Sit down.
• Put on skate guards.
• Put on the skates, first make sure to push the foot firmly forward towards the toes and then press the foot back towards the heel. Make sure the foot is all the way back and the heel is in place.
• Lace up the skates firmly and tighten properly. Do not over-tighten over the ankles and toes.
• Sit still for about 10 minutes and then unlaced the skates. Let them cool completely and do not use them for 12 hours.
• The process can be repeated if it has not had full effect.