Amazinmets73 69 Report post Posted February 16, 2018 I often skate lace-free which causes the top of my skates to cut into my posterior shin. Are there any protective products to protect sensitive areas and alleviate discomfort? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IPv6Freely 2093 Report post Posted February 16, 2018 Laces. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vet88 674 Report post Posted February 16, 2018 Haha, don't listen to the sceptics. Couple of things you can do. Gel pads but you have to tape them on to keep them in place. Also ezyfit booties (I found the 2mm thick ones were the best option) over the top will help as they add an extra layer of protection and help to stop the boot rubbing against the gel pad and tape meaning it stays in place easier. Or use a heat gun to heat the edge of the skate and roll it outwards, this will ease the edge cutting into the shin. The boot is cutting into your shin because your foot is rolling in the boot too much (eg as you accelerate or plant your foot in a transition). This will reduce over time as you become better balanced over the center of the blade and muscle memory takes over. You may also want to consider rebaking your skates at some stage as they will widen excessively in the ankle area during this learning period, especially in the early stages as you learn to skate again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz_LightBeer 969 Report post Posted February 16, 2018 You could do all that, or you or you could put laces in and keep them loose. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazinmets73 69 Report post Posted February 17, 2018 3 hours ago, Buzz_LightBeer said: You could do all that, or you or you could put laces in and keep them loose. Not nearly as effective; the goal is no support Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IPv6Freely 2093 Report post Posted February 17, 2018 18 minutes ago, Amazinmets73 said: Not nearly as effective; the goal is no support Why? That’s just silly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vet88 674 Report post Posted February 17, 2018 Because its a training tool that should push you to your limits and beyond. The ultimate goal is no laces because with the tongue hanging out the top of the foot is open and the foot is completely free to roll and lift in the boot. Add laces and even with them loose, the tongue is partially restrained and will rest upon the top of the foot. This provides assistance for the foot to sit in the skate (ergo heel in pocket) but with the tongue hanging out it forces you to skate differently (smoother with much less foot lift and if skating backwards you have to be a bit more neutral instead of a front of foot bias) otherwise your foot will most likely slip up and down in the skate (even with a good heel lock). There is much more room for error, you have to nail your edges every time otherwise you fall off them in a big way. But... you need to have a good fitting skate for width, especially in the heel. If your foot slips from side to side in the boot then it makes it really difficult to consistently hit your edges correctly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
