Blisters, callouses, corns; just another day in the life of a dedicated Ice Skater. But even newbies can get sore feet ice-skating.
Balancing on ice is hard work for feet. In tough ice skating boots it doesn’t take long to get sore feet. Feet need special care to avoid developing painfully sore hot-spots. Here are the top tips for reducing the burden on your Plates of Meat (Feet).
Rookies in hire skates, you need to tie the skates correctly. We’ve got a TikTok to help you with that!
It is vital to take care for our main sport tools. Here’s a reminder of the top priorities.
From the start
- Play it safe – Get your ice skates/boots professionally measured and fitted.
- You’re unique – Choose boots that suit your feet (width, length and heel shape), your skating intensity level, your height and weight. You love the look of those boots the skaters doing triples are wearing. Unfortunately that model may be too stiff for you if you’ve a low body mass and are still working on your singles!
- Personal touches – Take a good look at your feet. You may have prominent bones at various points on your feet or ankles. If you do, some skate shops offer a “punching out” service. Shop experts will place your boot in a vice and stretched to alleviate pressure on any problematic areas.
- Hot Stuff – Did you know some boots are specially made to be able to mould to your feet? Do check (before you roast your boots on Gas Mark 4) that they’re compatible with the process. It really is best to get the skate shop to do this. You have been warned!
Ooo! Pretty! But are they right for me?
Breaking in new boots (or precautions for a really long training sesh!)
- Protect any areas that start to feel sore immediately.
- Gel pads absorb friction in pressure point. Beware that they add bulk, so are not always the answer. Most skaters find they are very handy to have in their kit!
- Compeed is great for blisters if you keep an eye on it and replace the plaster if it puckers
- Laces; sometimes changing wide laces for skinnier laces can give a foot a little extra room, and vice versa.
- No Gel Pads? Try Bubble Wrap. Cut into strips and wrap a single time around ankle as you would a bandage. Secure with a little sticky tape. Pop the bubbles at the sole of the foot under your arches or you run the risk of cramping arches. You’ll sound like popcorn cooking as you skate, but if you’ve got no gel pads it will do.
- Applying an Ice Pack. This can really soothe away your aches once training is done for the day. Be sure to limit exposure to 10 minutes.
Regular Foot Maintenance
- Captain Obvious – Keep toe nails trimmed neatly. Even slightly long toe nails can get impacted from take offs and toe steps leaving you with painful tootsies.
- Size Check for Kids – Growing children should have regular checks to make sure boots are still sized correctly. It’s important to remember that feet and hands grow first, then the long bones of the limbs. If your youngster has pinching skates they likely going to shoot up in height.
- Full Service for High Milage – Ice Skaters training multiple daily sessions over 4 to 5+ days a week. You need to consider a monthly or bimonthly visit to a Chiropodist. This is not a cosmetic pedicure, it’s like a regular health check for your feet. A good Chiropodist will ensure any pesky callouses or corns are tamed. That should to keep you rocking your deep edges.
- Night time foot treat – Slather your feet and ankles in your favourite foot lotion, pop on a pair of bed socks and fall asleep dreaming of wearing strappy sandals in summer
Chiropody, Foot Massage, Treat your feet! Dream of wearing Flip Flops in Summer
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