Skate Damage?

Question

I was just wondering what are some common things that happen to skates that damage them. Like do they ever rip or do the seams ever break or anything? I know that sometimes things happen to the blades or the laces break, so I'm really wondering if anything ever happens to the boot. Even if you know of something less common and more unusual that happened, I'd like to know. Best Answer gets 10 Points!

Answer 1

I can think of a few things happened to me . . . but they're probably somewhat common . . . and all my fault.

An almost "hole" in the boot from too many lunges.  

I literally did so many lunges that it did scrape off that particular spot in the boot.  Now it's real thin there that I can feel my foot if I press my finger on it from the OUTSIDE!!  I ended up putting Sk8tape there and it stopped it from any further damage . . . but I should have done that sooner.  

Rotted heel/sole - serious water damage.  

One day I went on the ice for my lesson and I was wondering what was going on with one foot.  Well, the blade literally slid off the bottom of the skate . . . half screws had nothing to be secured to.  I had to have the heel/sole rebuilt - luckily our skating community had a shoe guy who had many years of experience repairing figure skate boots.  

The foam thingie under the tongue totally withered away.

My tongues were just pieces of sick looking leather after that - my friends would just laugh when I put on my skates!  It kept moving to the side, which I know could have been easily stopped if I had finally gotten the foam replaced!    

And here are a couple things that have happened to friends, but not me personally:

One of the top hooks came off the boot.  

The boot actually separated from the sole on the inside edge.    

I would think that the boots are made pretty sturdily for the most part.  I thought your other question about the tongue was interesting - never heard of that happening!

Answer 2

Well, the blade can rust if you don't clean it. To clean it: after skating dry the blade off really well with a cloth or paper towel. Then with the paper towel or cloth, rub olive oil on the blade this will prevent rusting. Wipe the olive oil off before storing.

Answer 3

I've seen high level skaters skate tongs   rip right off the skate.

It's repaired usually at the shoe maker or boot manufacture.

Answer 4

Well, the skating boot receives many cuts from jumps and spins.  For instance: I just got new skates, and after awhile, the boot gets worn down, and the brown part *sorry, i can't remember what it's called, LOL*, starts to become worn down as well.  As the skates break in, they acquire a certain shape from where the laces have been tied. :)  

I hope this helps!

Answer 5

I am not sure about hockey skates, but I can speak from experience about figure skates.  Strictly speaking about boot damage, damage to the boot usually occurs over time through wear and tear.  A common problem is wearing down of the boot at the ankles which causes the boot to crease and not provide enough support to complete certain skating elements.  Also, if boots are not properly cared for (ex. regular waterproofing, aired out to dry), skate boots with a wooden sole may rot.  This can cause problems with the mounting of the blade onto the boot (loose screws).  I had a coach as well as a student who had their skate heels completely detached from the rest of their boots because of this water damage.  Also, freak accidents (although rare) occasionally cause damage to the boot itself.  One guy I used to skate with sliced through his other skate on a jump landing and tore his skate apart (not to mention he received several stitches).   I have known a few people who have had their seams tear but they managed to patch it up with some skate tape.  Keep in mind this damage occurred on stiff, high-level, extremely high quality figure skates.  I would assume damage would only be more pronounced on  cheap skates from a regular store (as opposed to figure skating stores where boots and blades must be purchased separately).