Punching vs. Baking vs. Break in

[Rustybender 0]

I finally got to skate in my new (used) 8090's last night. Everything fit perfectly and felt great with the exception of a tight spot on the inside front of my foot (basically at the base of my big toe) The skate is just a tad too narrow there.

I figure I have three options:

• Have the skates baked and molded
  
• Wait for the area to stretch naturally through regular break in
  
• Have the area puched out
  

Each of these options brings with it questions and concerns

I am very hesitant to get them baked. It's my understanding that skates tend to get slightly bigger after baking. These skates fit me so well everywhere else I am afraid that baking might mess that fit up. Am I understanding the dangers of baking correctly?

I'm not sure how punching works, is the whole skate heated or just the area that needs stretching? If it is just spot heating, this sounds like my best bet for quick relief.

Normal break in is easily the safest choice for my skates. How long do you think it will take these skates to stretch naturally? If we are talking 4 or 5 hours of skating, I'll probably tough it out.

Bonus question: How the heck does Bauer make these skates so stiff?

[jjtt99 0]

As long as the area that needs attention is before the toe box it sounds like punching will do the trick. That process is simple. The area that needs to be punched is heated and a special tool is used to push that area out a bit.

Punching will solve small "hot spots". If the area that's sore is larger than a nickle, you may be looking at a larger problem.

Or, if you can bear the pain, you could tough it out. Up to you depending on the level of discomfort.

On the stiffness -- chalk it up to modern day technology. Some like, some don't.

JJ

[chippa13 1844]

Punching is the option for you since the rest of the skate fits well. Your LHS should only heat the boot around the area where you still have a problem.

[Rustybender 0]

It is a small area, and it is before the toe box.

I'll give it a couple more skates, if it doesn't get better, I'll have it punched out.

Thanks.

[Miike 1]

It may be just your foot getting used to the new skate. When i first skated in my XXX i had a few points on my foot where it hurt. But now its fine.

[cobrAA 0]

Is their a way to keep the stiffness the longest way possible?? i heard bake-in a skate can decrease the stiffness on a skate after sometime...more than not baking them!

[Sven 1]

Sorry if thats a stupid question, but it is possible to stretch the 'middle' of the skate, just some centimetres before the toecap starts. I got weird formed feet, and the most problems (widthwise) i have is a bit below the pinky, there where the small hinge (?) of the toe is.

I own a pair of Bauer XX, if that does matter in any way.

Thanks.

[joshy207 15]

Rusty--punching involves spot-heating and creating a small pocket to accomodate the bump on your foot. The pocket may disappear over time, but the skate wall will be softer in that area and will not push so hard against your foot.

Sven--yes, you can stretch a skate where yours bother you. See if your LHS has a boot stretcher. If they do, just tell them where the skates hurt, and they should be able to solve your problem. For the best results, have them leave your skates on the stretcher overnight.

[roadkill34 0]

i would just bake them, you said in your original post that they get bigger, this is true, the padding is softer, but that is going to happen anyway as you break the skate in. i always tell my customers to bake, then skate for about 2 weeks, if you still have trouble, then punch.

[sogaduch 0]

id have it punched out you dont need to heat a skate to punch it out

[TheBert 0]

Thread resurrection, but relevant. LHS here charges $30 for punching/stretching. Is that in line with other stores?

[Fletch 219]

id have it punched out you dont need to heat a skate to punch it out

I thought it's best to heat a skate before punching.

[Hockey DeVoTee 1]

Leather no.....with Synthetic material it's best to apply heat! Synthetic boot exteriors also foams have a memory. Heat Is needed to permanently change the shape. After a boot is punched the spot is usually prominent, but diminishes over time. you can also reapply heat to lessen the punch.

Hope this helps!

[Fletch 219]

So with a skate like the One95 I assume it would be best to bake it first....

[Hockey DeVoTee 1]

If you have not baked, I would start with that!

[YouTuuk 0]

Thread resurrection, but relevant. LHS here charges $30 for punching/stretching. Is that in line with other stores?

In my opinion thats a little pricey, but LHS has to put gas in his car too.

People must be paying it or else LHS would lower it, If you bought the skates there, sometimes its "on the house" if you show them the reciet and its within a couple weeks of purchace. Maybe if you need a stick or something, tell them "..I will buy that Easton shaft, if you punch my skates for 1/2 price..." That being said I would say to a stretch, punch and widen maybe $20 - its really hard to put a finger on price, I mean some LHS charge $50 for a bake, while others charge $10....Supply and demand rules!

If your concerned about price and accuracy of stretch, because only the person who wears the skate know what and how much to streach, punch. I would do it myself with one of these.

and then give it a good "punch" for your "Bauer/CCM/Graf Bump" in your heal