How to make skates tight around ankle | HFBoards - NHL Message Board and Forum for National Hockey League

How to make skates tight around ankle

FlyingEagle

Registered User
Apr 7, 2012
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Any tips on making skates tight around ankle? I noticed that I often have too much space around ankle when skating. It's not fault of skates because I have this problem with ice-hockey skates and roller too. I think the problem is in tying. I appreciate any help
 
Do they start off tight and then get loose? Do you use a lace tightener like this? http://www.hockeymonkey.com/ar-hockey-accessory-lace-tightener.html

I bought one when I got a couple of pairs of new laces as I've found that my skates either don't have enough ankle support/laces get too loose during an hour of using them.

No never heard of this :D I should find it somewhere in local store and try it because its so annoying when you are in key position and you can't control the skates. Thank you
 
Here's what I do, I'll try and explain it without pictures. But when you get to the second to last eyelet, instead of crossing over, go to the top on the same side and put the laces through from the outside to make a loop, THEN cross them over and tie them through those loops. I've used this for years and it keeps my skates the way I like them. Snug but not constricting.
 
Waxed laces will prevent your skates from loosening a bit during play. My pet peeve was having to retie my skates on the bench since I like mine super tight. Waxed laces were the answer.
 
Here's what I do, I'll try and explain it without pictures. But when you get to the second to last eyelet, instead of crossing over, go to the top on the same side and put the laces through from the outside to make a loop, THEN cross them over and tie them through those loops. I've used this for years and it keeps my skates the way I like them. Snug but not constricting.

This's an excellent method, the floating knot will stay in place longer and won't put as much pressure as a regular knot. Try this and see if it helps.
 
Yes, waxed laces help a lot in this regard.

Here's what I do, I'll try and explain it without pictures. But when you get to the second to last eyelet, instead of crossing over, go to the top on the same side and put the laces through from the outside to make a loop, THEN cross them over and tie them through those loops. I've used this for years and it keeps my skates the way I like them. Snug but not constricting.

Huh, I tie my running shoes like this, but it never occurred to me to try that with my skates. I'll have to try that out.
 
Here's what I do, I'll try and explain it without pictures. But when you get to the second to last eyelet, instead of crossing over, go to the top on the same side and put the laces through from the outside to make a loop, THEN cross them over and tie them through those loops. I've used this for years and it keeps my skates the way I like them. Snug but not constricting.

^ I do the same thing
 
Here's what I do, I'll try and explain it without pictures. But when you get to the second to last eyelet, instead of crossing over, go to the top on the same side and put the laces through from the outside to make a loop, THEN cross them over and tie them through those loops. I've used this for years and it keeps my skates the way I like them. Snug but not constricting.

Awesome tip, thanks!
 
I definitely need to try the floating knot out. I tie as tight as I can with wax laces and tape around the ankles. Without fail, about 20-25 mins in, I have to un tape the left skate and re tie it at least once.
 
I used to go with cloth laces and could never get them to stay tight. It was also a pain to get them tight to begin with. I switched to wax laces and stopped using my lace tightener, I now get the laces much tighter. I should try that floating knot trick though, looks interesting.
 
That floating knot thing is so simple and brilliant. Can't wait to test it out tomorrow at stick and puck.
 
Oh that thing, yeah I tried it, it ended up screwing my ankle mobility up even worse. I must just have godawful technique. But I can't even try that now with my Grafs, it won't make a difference.

I have the opposite problem, with my skates being way too tight on the foot but then they keep loosening near the ankle. Think I might go back to unwaxed laces next week and see how that goes.
 
I always have found if you can get the boot to have the heal lock on the foot then pretty much very little matters except for consistency.

Wax laces are helpful and I also had some skates that had some lace bite. I got some of those gel things you put around your ankle (above the ankle bone) and now I love them. They make the skate so comfortable and even the pucks don't sting

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Yep my skates have insanely great heel lock and there's no issues. So important, #1 thing IMO for skates.

Every time I take a kid out skating for the first time I try to get them to get that part tied in correctly. It is hard to explain it to them.

The rinks need a how to tie your skates sheet!
 
I was more referring to the fit of the skate.

One of the Wild board mods I skated with is a great skater and his coach used to make him skate without laces. Wow.

I saw a video of an NHL player doing this but I can't remember who it was. it sure was impressive.
 
Oh that thing, yeah I tried it, it ended up screwing my ankle mobility up even worse. I must just have godawful technique. But I can't even try that now with my Grafs, it won't make a difference.

I have the opposite problem, with my skates being way too tight on the foot but then they keep loosening near the ankle. Think I might go back to unwaxed laces next week and see how that goes.

I had the same experience with the floating knot this weekend. Really cut down on my ankle forward flex and actually caused some pain. I think I just need waxed laces.
 

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