How do I get better ankle support while ice skating?

Question

I grew up playing roller hockey and aggressive inline skating - I have no problems with ankle support when inline skating. However, whenever I ice skate, I have significant difficulty due to a narrow foot.

Do they sell Men's Ice Skates with the same ankle strap that many inline skates have, or is there a different approach I should take?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Most decent ice/figure skates don't have a strap like inline skates. Are you planning on buying ice skates or continuing to use the rentals? They sell figure skates in many different widths, so if you go to a pro shop they can size your feet so you can get the proper length and the proper width so your feet don't have problems sliding around and you can get better support because you have a proper fit. You also need to make sure that your skates are laced fairly tight so that you can get that ankle support. If you plan on continuing to use rentals you can ask if they have skates with narrower widths, but most likely they will not. The best thing you can do is to stick with the smallest skate possible (but not so it's uncomfortably small) and then make sure your properly lace the skates as tight as possible. Rental skates usually aren't the best quality and usually lack proper ankle support. Good luck!

Answer 2

Well if you are a figure skater like me, just buy an expensive pair like jackson gold stars or riedell gold stars.

Answer 3

What kind of skates are you interested in?  I'm sure you know hockey skates are going to be more like inline skates, which are more built for speed and being able to push efficiently.  A better figure skate will probably offer more support in the ankle area.  As an inline skater, I'd assume you'd rather have a hockey skate.

Try Softecs (rainbosports.com).  They have skates with hockey or figure blades, but have more of a ski boot or inline skate ankle with a locking strap.  

If the problem is being caused by width, I would go to a shop and get professionally fitted.  Skates, like shoes, come in various widths.  If the problem is support, be sure to tie the ankle of the skate tight or try taping it with hockey tape for added support.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Talk to a cobbler about adjustments to any shoe (that's their job).

Some claiming ankle support of the support built into the shoe.

Answer 5

Cheapest resolution = tape your ankles