Heat molding skate boots is essential to making a skate fit properly and make the skate more comfortable from the beginning for the skater. It allows the leather in the heel to open up for a better fit in the toes. It also helps to press down the toe box of the box widening the width area.
Rainbo strongly recommends that you let a professional technician heat mold your boots for you. However, if you wish to heat mold your boots yourself, you can follow these instructions.
The ideal way of heating molding boots is to heat them in a convection oven. This allows for even distribution of the heat. Regular household ovens are not recommended because the heat from the radiant elements is too direct and may damage the boots voiding the warranty. If you do not have a convection oven, you can use a hair dryer. Before beginning, make sure the skater has on tights or very thin socks. Failure to wear some kind of stocking may lead to burning of the feet.
Convection Oven Instructions
1) Set the oven to 180 degrees or on the warming function. Let the oven preheat and then turn it off. At this point you can put the boots in the oven for approximately 3-5 minutes until the boots begin to become pliable. You may want to use a cookie sheet or other pan so that they can be set upright in the oven.
2) Remove the boots from the oven taking care not to burn yourself on the blades or lace hooks. Let the boots cool slightly so that you can handle them.
3) When the boots are cool enough to handle, place them on the feet pushing the heels all the way into the heel cups. Lace the boots up very snuggly; slightly tighter than normal so that the boots will wrap around the shape of the feet. For Jackson boots, press down on the toe box slightly where the laces start. This will open the toe box slightly allowing for a better fit.
4) Let the boots cool on your feet while sitting or standing for about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not walk around because the way you walk is different than the way you skate. Do not do deep knee bends as this can deeply crease the boot in the wrong way.
5) Remove the boots and let them cool down to room temperature (another 10 minutes).
6) Put the boots back on after cooling to room temperature. You may now walk in them to determine whether the boots fit properly or whether they need any other adjustments. In the case of boot and blade sets, please wear had guards to protect the blades and your floors.
Hair Dryer Instructions
Using a hair dryer set to high, move the heat back and forth over the entire outer surface of the boots. Do not leave the heat source in one spot for a long time or the boot may burn. It will probably take 7-10 minutes for the boots to become pliable. At this point, follow directions 2-7 above.
Precautions
Beware of hot blades and lace hooks
Do not do molding barefoot
Do not walk in warm boots
Do not bend your knees while the boots are warm
Do not use a regular oven
Make sure heels are all the way back in the heel cup before molding
