My new ice figure skates make my feet ache all over. What can I do? I can only skate for 15 mins at a time!

Question

I'm a beginner skater. This is the second pair of skates I've bought. The first were too big. These ones are Riedell Blue Ribbon (121) wide. The arch of the boot feels like it is too close to my heel and the boots are tight on the bottom of my foot, at the sides. I think they may be slightly too long. I have used them for 3 hrs and they have a mark on the toe. So I can't exchange them. Should my feet hurt all the time, will breaking the boots in stop the pain? Should I sell them and try another pair? I need some advice!

Answer 1

i know, this is going to sound mean.

but im just being blunt.

everyone has to break in skates.

and every skater has pain so suck it up a little and focus on breaking them in! once you break them in they will feel better.

sorry, i just couldnt sugar coat it.

Answer 2

Breaking in new boots is never a fun process, but it has to be done.  If you feel that the boot is too tight on the sides of your feet, then you may need a wider boot.  However, if your foot slides forward in the boot, then the boot is too long.  If neither of these are true, then go to a skating website like www.skatebuys.com and look at the break in kits.  These do help.  I would put some more time into the boots before going out and buying another pair.  One trick to help break in new boots is to not lace up to the last hook, just leave that one undone.  This allows the boot to bend more and break in quicker.  Good Luck and Hope this helps.  Email me if you have any other questions, [e-mail]

Answer 3

If your foot is able to slide around in your boot then your skates are too big and you should get some that are the right size.  If not, you just need to break them in.  It can be a sorta of painful process at first, but it gets better.  Try using bunga pads for the areas that are most affected, like where you got the mark on your toe.  Also, since you have riedells they are heat moldable, meaning that if they are heated in a special oven (your rink should have one) and put on your feet they will form to the shape of your foot as they cool.  Good Luck and Happy Skating.

Answer 4

Your feet should not ache all over and this model should not have much 'break-in' time.  If it feels like the arch of the boot is too close to your heel, you may not be getting your heel into the back of the boot.  Make sure that you kick your heel into the back of the boot before lacing them (bang the back of your blade on the floor after putting your foot into the skate).  Then when lacing, make sure that the laces are tightest where your ankle bends (about 2 eyelets and 1 hook) that will 'lock' your heel into place as well.  

Were you measured and fit by a professional boot fitter and Riedell retailer?  If not, find one and have the fit of your skate checked.

Answer 5

You could try breaking them in by wearing them around the house, with skate guards on of course.

And if that doesn't help you could always bring them to the store you bought them at and they maybe be able to do something about the pain.