Heat molding your speed skates
The shell of your boots is heat-moldable in some areas. The shell becomes pliable for a short time when heat is applied, the shell can then be pushed out to relieve pressure on ‘sore spots’.
We recommend skating in your boots for 2-3 weeks before deciding if they need molding.
If you’re not confident molding your boots yourself, arrange for SkateBag to mold your boots for you.
USING A HEAT GUN
- Remove frame, mounting bolts, buckle, index strap and laces from the boot.
- Use aluminium foil to cover areas of the boot that are not being molded, to protect them from heat.
- Apply the hot air from a heat gun to the area to be molded, keeping the tip of the gun moving and always maintaining a minimum 15cm from the boot surface.
- Check the boot applying pressure with a tool to the desired area every few minutes.
- Once you feel the shell’s characteristics change from rigid to slightly pliable, stop applying heat.
- Fit the frame with mounting bolts to the boot before performing any molding.
- Use a tool to push any pressure points outward from inside the boot, taking care to prevent unintended molding of adjoining or larger areas.
- Allow the boot to cool before re-fitting the buckle, strap and laces if necessary and trying it on.
USING AN OVEN
- Remove frame, mounting bolts, buckle, index strap and laces from the boot.
- Set oven to 65 degrees celcius and place boot inside on an oven rack.
- Check the boot by squeezing the boot together at the ankles every five minutes.
- Once you feel the shell’s characteristics change from rigid to slightly pliable, remove the boot from the oven.
- Fit the frame with mounting bolts to the boot before performing any molding.
- Use a tool to push any pressure points outward from inside the boot, taking care to prevent unintended molding of adjoining or larger areas.
- Allow the boot to cool before re-fitting the buckle, strap and laces if necessary and trying it on.
Fitting your speed skates correctly
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