Lace-bite

[Derek 0]

I have new skates, with a deep boot. Every skate I have owned has always come with a case of lace-bite. It always starts with my right foot. There is what I believe to be a myth that lace-bite results from a boot that isn't deep enough. This assumption has not held up in my experience; moreover, lace-bite as caused by a deeper boot, in my judgment, is more painful. I pass the pencil test every time; doesn't matter. All of my skates have had deep boots, except one. In that one, lace-bite also developed. I am beginning to think lace-bite is unavoidable with some people. My first case of lace-bite begat my upgrading my skates, but the new skates didn't alleviate the pain. It went away one day. I have no idea how. The pain had been excruciating for a long time but I played through it because I was pissed off. The pain just suddenly stopped once my foot had reached the summit of its pain. I even tried Phil Maltese's lace-bite pads, but they didn't work for me; they only aggravated my foot more. I was skating today, and, when I skated hard, or power skated, my right foot hurt terribly.

It is possible, albeit unlikely, that my skate isn't quite the right fit still. I have the G70; it is possible the G35 is my proper skate. I never got to try it. It hardly matters, though. You can't really test a boot without skating on it, but skating on it will ensnare you into keeping the skate. Buying skates is a ludicrous task. Even more ludicrous is the skate retailers. Owning a device to measure mere foot length is asinine; it scarcely ever tells you what skate is right for you even with regard to just length. It's all about a system, like the one Graf's got. If Graf obtains the measurements of your foot, they can appoint you a skate based on those measurements because it's all part of the same system. The moral here is: if you have a skate that fits you comfortably, count yourself lucky and keep it forever. If not, just pray you aren't one of those prone to lace-bite.

I wish I could just take corizone shots for this.

[gxc999 7]

 I'm sorry to hear about your problem, bro. I've got bad feet so skate fit is a bit of an adventure for me as well. I can share a couple thoughts with you, 1) have you tried Bunga pads? 2) Have you tried different ways of lacing up your skates? 3) Have you tried the Bauer Supreme line? If you've already done everything conceivable and nothing has helped, I know they cost a whole lot, but I think custom might be your best option. I also have to agree, lacebite isn't solely caused by a boot not being deep enough overall, but that has been the cause for me in the past.  

[Chadd 916]

Get away from the felt tongue, you're almost guaranteed to get lace bite if you use them long enough and lace your skates tightly.

[flyers10 57]

Get away from the felt tongue, you're almost guaranteed to get lace bite if you use them long enough and lace your skates tightly.

The thinner style tongues like on X60's will reduce the chance of lace bite happening? I'd have thought the other way around.

[Chadd 916]

The thinner style tongues like on X60's will reduce the chance of lace bite happening? I'd have thought the other way around.

Inserts make a big difference, until you crease or break them. Felt will eventually break down, no matter how thick it is.

[Larry54 243]

This post might help. The simple change in lacing made a world of difference for me with both RBK 5K and Bauer Flexlites.

http://www.modsquadhockey.com/forums/index...51151&st=15

[WBGMike 2]

look at Maltese Hockey, www.maltesehockey.com they sell gel lace bite pads

[vek 0]

I had a problem with lacebite on my old flexlites - I just took one of those insulated beer cozys, cut it in half, and shoved it under my laces on each skate. Problem solved.

[Derek 0]

I think I may have found a simple solution, and I thank you for all of your feedback. I stuffed a wad of super soft comforter filler in my sock. For the most part, it was great. It didn't even soak up sweat and become ineffectual as I had predicted it would. It didn't even feel wet after. Some of these other ideas are certainly worth consideration, as well, and I just may try the mouse pad.

I think it's unlikely it's the felt tongue, as I have had lace-bite tenfold worse with other tongues, especially the thinner ones.

[ReggieDunlop 3]

I always had lace bite with all skates - doesn't matter what tongue in my case - - inserts such as bunge pads sometimes do work but a pain to add every time or forget them or late to dress - tried other inserts too - koozies, sponges - pain - $15 from a repair shop solved all my problems - 6 inch piece of leather - (can be doubled up at the top) is my only cure by adding skate leather to the tongue - stiffens the boots up a little but after a break in - I'm able to crank down on my laces to a nice tight fit without lace bite or adding inserts.

[epstud74 24]

Where is the lace bite happening?

[Derek 0]

Where is the lace bite happening?

I'm not sure who you're addressing, but mine occurs just above the curve of the foot (heel instep), like the lowest part of my shin. Hurts like a bitch. This comforter filler has been working great, though. It's incredibly soft and is resilient to sweat, so it stays dry.

[TheHerminator22 0]

My roommate was telling me about MLX skates, a new company with a new product that should hit the market this summer. NHL players like Malkin, Talbot, Gonchar, and Byfuglien tried them this year. I poked around on their website... http://www.mlxskates.com/about.php ..... and it says they are designed by former olympic speed skaters that know all about lace bite. Supposedly because of the material used, these skates won't give you lace bite. And apparently the tongue is removable so that if they wear out you can replace them easily.

I had a pair of Bauers with the special pad on the tongue that was supposed to cut down on lace bite but it didn't really work for me.

[Derek 0]

Wow, intriguing. I applied to be a tester. Thanks for the link.

[TheHerminator22 0]

Yeah no problem. I applied to be a tester too.

[TheHerminator22 0]

I really hope they come out soon cause I'm in desperate need of some new skates. Even if I don't buy them I want to at least put them on to see how they feel.

[Derek 0]

Yeah, and they look promising.

[TheHerminator22 0]

I found out they have a facebook page too...But then again who doesn't these days?

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pa...32494094?ref=ts