Not getting heel lock in skates

[z1ggy 81]

So, for ice I have Vapor's and have a slightly narrow foot. I am skating roller in some Mission AC4's, which are a touch too wide for me. I'm experiencing some heel lock issues, and I end up having to retighten my skates like 4-5 times during a game to compensate for the skate being too wide. Yes, the obvious solution is to get new skates, but I can't afford that.

Is there anything I can do here? I've baked them once, so I'm thinking maybe another re-bake and then put some pressure on the heel area to push in the sides a bit to lock my heel in more. Also, I've considered wearing two pair of socks, but I'm thinking that may lead to blisters.

[ChunkyThunder 2]

I had the same problem with my reeboks. I got superfeet and it helped a little but not completely, still find myself having to tie my skates again whenever I play hard.

[z1ggy 81]

I've already got superfeet in there.

I'll probably try a bake then press in the sides of the heel region (that works on Mako's and a few other skates). Otherwise, I can try two pair of sock...If none of that works, guess I'll be re-lacingtwice a period until I can afford Vapor's again.

[Hills 717]

Perhaps try Stable 26 socks?

My gf had issues with her heel moving around and causing blisters, these solved that.

[ChunkyThunder 2]

I've already got superfeet in there.

I'll probably try a bake then press in the sides of the heel region (that works on Mako's and a few other skates). Otherwise, I can try two pair of sock...If none of that works, guess I'll be replacing twice a period until I can afford Vapor's again.

Let me know if that works

[IPv6Freely 2100]

Stable26 is pretty much the only somewhat likely solution because it literally makes your ankles "bigger".

Otherwise, I'd suggest the one thing you don't want to hear: buy skates that fit :)

[z1ggy 81]

I will look into those.

Mehhhh, I only play once a week to keep my hands fresh, and to socialize with friends. It's an outdoor league so we only play from may-October. I always buy fairly decent skates, and I can't stomach spending another 3-400 bucks for something I only do once a week for 5 months. If I end up playing more often in a real indoor league, I'd consider new skates.

[Gefiltefish 9]

Might want to try EZeeFit's.

I have (what I feel) is an odd foot shape or at least odd preference on comfort. I like a super wide toe box area, somewhat what wide forefoot and regular/somewhat narrow heel. Without buying custom boots, I usually end up buying wide skates and using the booties to take up space in the heel area.

[z1ggy 81]

I'll check them out, but overall I like a very snug fit in all parts of the skate, out of the box. I loved the Mako's I tried on this year at HM, but I just don't trust Easton skates in the durability area. I made a compromise with the mission's I have now.. They aren't too bad, just feel my heel slipping around and overall the skate is a bit big on volume.

[z1ggy 81]

Just an update- The socks worked great! My skates were a bit snug, but honestly I'll take that all day over something too loose. I felt much more connected to the skate and overall I felt like my skating improved a lot. Might even try these in my ice blades, even though those fit me almost perfectly. Might just wear the socks with no padding in them.

Thanks MSH!

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Glad the Stable 26 socks worked for you. Any questions on mods to them let me know!

[IPv6Freely 2100]

I need to give those a try. I dont really have any heel lock complaints or anything right now, but who knows - maybe I'm missing out on having the fit being just that much better and not realizing it.

[z1ggy 81]

This is what I aim to find out Thurs at my ice game. Going to wear the socks with out any padding to see if they offer any enhanced feel for me. I may try just a 2mm in the outside of each foot the following time if I feel there's any more room. I could really tell a difference with these socks in my roller boot, the skate felt like an extension of my foot, instead of this thing holding my foot inside it.

[beedee 227]

I have an older pair of Mission Helium 3500's that I bought a few years ago...one size too big. :o/ They have only been worn for one complete indoor roller season, then I took a couple years off to play ice again. Well fast forward to dipping back into the roller side of things, I played my first two roller games (had a double header) last night for the first time in two years, same skates. After our first game I could tell that the rear portion of the arches on my feet were starting to blister. I retied my skates to get them snug, but still was experiencing some heel lift.

These Stable 26 socks seem like a great fix in the mean time. I'm not sure if I will stay committed to roller, as I enjoy ice much much much more, but roller is 1/3 of the price that ice is. If I do decide on staying with the roller I may buy some new skates. I wear a size 9 street shoe and bought size 9 Mission's, total noob move a few years back. My hockey skates are Graf Ultra G5's, size 7.5 and fit nicely, no heel lift at all.

C/N, I'm going to try out Stable 26 socks, thanks for the reviews.

[beedee 227]

**Quick update**

I used these for the first time last night in their default form, 4mm and 2mm inserts on each sock. My skates are about 3 years old or so, Mission Helium inline skates with next to no heel lock padding in the boot. Someone else on another thread commented that the medium size fit a little awkward, not allowing the silicone inserts to sit in what should be the proper position. I quickly discovered this to be true with my medium socks as well (size 9 street shoe and size 7.5 skates). The inner inserts positioning seemed to be fine and aligned with my ankle, but the outer one sat kind of cattywhompus, off center, and well below the ankle bone, almost sitting on the outer round portion of my foot where it meets the bottom.

First impression once I laced my skates up were, yikes, this feels too snug. Perhaps I didn't have the sock positioned perfectly? I toughed it out and after the first period or so, the "discomfort" I was experiencing eventually subsided. Honestly it was hard to tell if they did provide more heel lock for me because I was more focused on getting through the discomfort. I'm going to go back to the youtubes and watch some more video on these to see what I can try to do to reduce the discomfort. My foot isn't narrow, but it isn't really uber wide either, I'm typically on the cusp of a D and E.

I think I will try taking out the 4mm insert at home tonight and try my skates on again and see how they feel.

[oldtrainerguy28 478]

Try taking out the inside 2 first.....just the outside 4 and try again. that doesnt work try the 2 on the outside...

[beedee 227]

Im concerned they dont sit correctly on my foot. My foot is tilted in both shots so i could get a good picture of them. Seems like they sit too low.

Outside right foot.

Inside right foot.