How to bake hockey skates? Most complete guidance you should follow

Baking hockey skates is becoming popular for athletes to improve performance and level. Skate baking is the process of using heat from an oven or dryer to custom mold a skate boot to the exact shape of your foot. So, how to bake hockey skates?

In this blog post, Adam Matter will delve into all of the specifics behind this answer. Let’s read on to explore the best benefits of baking hockey skates!

How to bake hockey skates?

Putting hockey skates in the oven is a common way for players to make sure their gear fits perfectly on their feet. This technique can help reduce heel slippage and improve skating performance. Here’s how to bake hockey skates in the oven:

Step 1: Start the oven up

Preheat the oven to 175°F (79°C), which will take about 15 minutes depending on your oven. This is the best temperature for softening the materials without damaging the skate. Always use an oven thermometer because some ovens don’t show the right temperature. You should also squeeze the boot before putting it in the oven so you know how stiff it is before the baking process.

Step 2: Get ready to skate

Put the skates on an ungreased baking sheet. Make sure they are sitting flat and in their natural shape. Do not put any other items on the same sheet, as this could cause the temperature to rise too high or cause damage to your skates.

Step 3: Collect everything else you’ll need

Gather the rest of your supplies. You’ll need an oven mitt, a timer, and some thick socks or shoe inserts (which will act as insulation between your feet and the warm skates). Make sure to have all of these items nearby so you don’t risk burning yourself once the baking is finished.

Step 4: Time to bake

How long to bake hockey skates?  The baking time will depend on the material of your skates, but it should typically be between 8 to 12 minutes. As soon as you put them in the oven, set a timer and keep an eye on the temperature.

Step 5: Just add skates

Once your timer goes off, use an oven mitt to remove the skates and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, put on your socks or shoe inserts and quickly slide the skates back onto your feet while they’re still warm. Make sure you fit them correctly; if there is any extra room, you can add more socks as insulation.

Step 6: Put on your skates.

Let them cool and put your skates are on, and adjust the straps so they fit snugly.  You can refer to how to lace hockey skates to know to adjust properly. You should be able to stand and walk around in them without much discomfort. If you notice any tight spots or slippage, you can repeat the baking process if needed. Finally, take some time to enjoy the perfect fit of your newly baked hockey skates!

Choices other than the baking method for hockey skates

Baking skates is risky because it weakens the adhesive that holds the bottom of the boot to the upper part of the boot and causes the stitching to fray. If you can’t bring them to a pro shop, you can heat the material inside and out with a hairdryer until it softens and can be molded.

There is no alternative to simply lacing up a new pair of skates and putting in the time on the ice. However, each hour of ice time should make you feel a little more at ease until you have six or eight skates behind you.

In addition, you can use dryer sheets or with hair dryer to soften the skates. The trick is to get the dryer sheet completely saturated with water, then place it inside the skate and leave it there for a few hours.

You can also use an oven-heated towel on your foot while trying to break in your skates. This method entails wrapping a damp towel that has been heated in the oven around your foot while on the skate. This promotes flexibility and helps to break in your skates. You can also use a blow dryer on the outside of the skate, or add an extra layer of leather to help with break-in time.

Best benefits of baking hockey skates

There is no denying the benefits that baking hockey skates bring to athletes. It not only improves the skates’ fit but can also enhance performance on the ice. Here are some of the best benefits of baking hockey skates:

• When you heat your skates, the sole becomes more flexible, allowing you to mold it to the unique form of your foot. You’ll be able to find the perfect fit, making playing much more bearable.
• Luxury brands anticipate this usage pattern and develop their products accordingly. If you want to get the most out of your new appliances, the manufacturers suggest baking them.
• Secondhand skates can be fitted perfectly with this method. Used footwear usually has the drawback of having been formed to the contours of the former owner’s feet. If they have lost their shape, baking them may assist.
• The boots must be broken in gradually if this procedure is skipped. Because they’re so rigid, to begin with, this may be a really uncomfortable process. A few practice sessions on the ice will be all it takes to make them feel at ease.

Necessary items for baking hockey skates

Hockey skates must be baked in an oven (which should be preheated to 140-160°F) and with the following items:

• Foil
• Pan or sheet tray
• Baking paper
• Skate baking oven box or protective box
• Heat gun or blow dryer
• Cleaning supplies.

Before baking your skates, ensure that all of the necessary items are available. Therefore, you should prepare the oven and the items beforehand. This will make sure that baking hockey skates are a professional and smooth process.

Will used ice hockey skates bake in the oven?

That will be dependent on the specific model. If the shoes are the type that can be heated in the oven, you shouldn’t have any trouble re-heating them to achieve a custom fit.

You’ll essentially repeat the procedures we outlined before, with one change. Before entering, please ensure that they are spotless. Soil and debris won’t get baked on.

FAQs: How to bake hockey skates?

Can you bake hockey skates at home with the oven?

First and foremost, you can bake your skates in your own oven at home. However, I wouldn’t recommend that (nor would Glen), because you can ruin your skates if you don’t know what you’re doing. Glen utilizes a cold oven, which heats each piece of the skate to about 200 degrees and makes it very moldable.

Is it really necessary to wait 24 hours after baking skates?

Let them sit for 24 hours. The adhesives must be re-set. You could skate after a 12-hour cooling time if you absolutely had to, but it is not suggested.

Is it necessary to bake hockey skates?

It is vital to note that baking is not required. In fact, some players prefer the old-fashioned method of breaking in skates, which is simply wearing them. While choosing intermediate to advanced level skates, cheap Hockey recommends ‘baking’ ice hockey skates.

Ice hockey requires very specific technical skills performed in hockey skates; previous research has shown a high dependence of forward skating on skating technique

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Is it possible to break in skates by baking them?

Baking breaks in the skates faster than simply going into it. It should only take a few skates to get a new pair of skates feeling comfortable by heating up the skate and molding it to your foot!

Conclusion

Hockeyheritage.org wish you hopefully enjoy an increase in your skating performance as a result of baking hockey skates! If you have any questions or concerns about how to bake hockey skates please do not hesitate to contact us and we will guide you on this journey. In addition, you can understand about how to stop on ice hockey skates when visiting our website! Thanks for reading!