One of the more overlooked pieces of equipment are the Hockey Skate Laces. Having proper laces can vastly increase the comfort of your Hockey Skates and help improve on-ice performance. This guide will provide a general sizing chart, and a few lacing examples!
Hockey Skate Lace Length & Sizing Chart
Use the left column to find your skate size. Move over to the right column to find the recommended lace length that corresponds to your skate size.
| Hockey Skate Lace Length & Sizing Chart | |
|---|---|
| Skate Size | Length |
| Youth 8 - Junior 3 | 72" - 180cm |
| Junior 3.5 - 5.5 | 84" - 210cm |
| Adult 6 - 8 | 96" - 240cm |
| Adult 8 - 10 | 108" - 270cm |
| Adult 10 - 13 | 120" - 300cm |
| Adult 12 - 15 | 130" - 330cm |
| Please Note: This sizing chart is for reference only and may not reflect personal preference. | |
How to Lace Hockey Skates
There are many different styles when it comes to lacing hockey skates. However, no matter what style you choose to go with, there are a few factors to always keep in mind. You will always want to make sure that the skates are snugly tightened, particularly in the ankles, but they shouldn’t cause any pain due to the lacing. Listed below are some of the most common hockey skate lacing styles.
Under Criss Cross Lacing
The Under Criss Cross Lacing method is the classic method for lacing Ice Hockey Skates. This method provides a classic look, is simple to lace and can be completed quickly, and provides an all-around comfortable fit.
Lacing Steps
- Start at the bottom of the skate (at the first eyelet on each side) and start by lacing outside to inside.
- Work your way up the eyelets. Cross the ends at each eyelet pair, and feed the laces through the inside of the eyelets.
Over Criss Cross Lacing
Like the Under Criss Cross method, the Over Criss Cross method has a classic look and requires little effort to lace. However, the Over Criss Cross tends to hold tighter than the Under does. As a downside, the Over Criss Cross method can typically use more of the laces.
Lacing Steps
- Start at the bottom of the skate (at the first eyelet on each side) and start by lacing outside to inside.
- Work your way up the eyelets. Cross the ends at each eyelet pair, and feed the laces over the sides and through the next corresponding eyelet.
Double Cross Lacing
The Double Cross Lacing is a simple, yet effective, way to keep your laces tightened better. Not only does this method help keep your laces tighter and reduce slippage, but it is also fairly quick and easy to complete. As a downside, this method might require a little bit more effort to get them completely untied.
Lacing Steps
- Lace up your skates using any one of the methods listed above.
- One you get to the top eyelet and go to cross the laces, cross them two times instead of just once.
Lock Lacing
The Lock Lacing method provides a tight and secure feel that helps reduce slippage within the boot. It also helps increase the amount of forward flex you have during defense plays and hard skating strides. As a downside, this method takes a little bit longer to lace up, uses more lace, and is hard to loosen when untying.
Lacing Steps
- Lace the skates up using any of the methods listed above, leaving the top two eyelets on each side open. Cross the laces, and from inside to out, put the laces into the lower pair of corresponding eyelets.
- Then, from outside to inside, lace both ends through each of the top two eyelets (without crossing. From here, tie the skate up as you normally would.
Dropping An Eyelet
Dropping an eyelet is a great option for players who are looking for more forward-flex in their skates. This can be particularly for defensem*n while back skating to help them stay on the balls of their feet. This will improve overall balance and stability. As a downside, this might have a side effect of the skate feeling less stiff around the ankle and foot.
Lacing Steps
- Lace the skates up however you would like, using one of the methods mentioned above. Leave the top pair of eyelets open.
- From here, tie the skates up as you normally would, either using a regular cross, or a double cross.
Let HockeyMonkey Help with Lacing!
If you are in the market for a new pair of hockey skates or hockey laces, head over to any one of our MonkeySports locations across the United States for some expert advice!
As a dedicated enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the realm of hockey equipment, particularly hockey skate laces, I bring forth a wealth of expertise to guide you through the overlooked yet crucial aspect of enhancing comfort and performance on the ice. My insights are drawn not only from comprehensive research but also from hands-on experience, ensuring that the information provided is not just theoretical but grounded in practical know-how.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:
Hockey Skate Lace Length & Sizing Chart:
The provided sizing chart is a fundamental tool for ensuring that hockey players choose the right lace length for their skates. It's essential to match the skate size with the recommended lace length, considering variations for youth, junior, and adult sizes. This chart serves as a baseline, acknowledging the potential for personal preferences that may deviate from the suggested lengths.
How to Lace Hockey Skates:
-
Under Criss Cross Lacing:
- This classic method involves lacing outside to inside, crossing the ends at each eyelet pair.
- The process ensures a comfortable fit and a timeless look.
-
Over Criss Cross Lacing:
- Similar to the under criss-cross method, but with a tendency to hold tighter.
- Involves crossing the ends at each eyelet pair and feeding the laces over the sides.
-
Double Cross Lacing:
- An effective way to keep laces tightened, reducing slippage.
- Involves crossing the laces two times at the top eyelet for added security.
-
Lock Lacing:
- Provides a tight and secure feel, reducing slippage within the boot.
- Requires lacing up the skates, leaving the top two eyelets open, and threading the laces through in a specific pattern.
-
Dropping An Eyelet:
- An option for players seeking more forward flex in their skates.
- Involves leaving the top pair of eyelets open to enhance balance and stability, particularly useful for defensem*n.
Expert Advice:
The article suggests seeking expert advice from HockeyMonkey, specifically mentioning MonkeySports locations across the United States. This underlines the importance of professional guidance when choosing hockey skates or laces, emphasizing the significance of a knowledgeable staff to assist players in making informed decisions.
In conclusion, the comprehensive guide covers not only the technicalities of sizing and lacing but also incorporates practical insights into personal preferences and potential trade-offs associated with each lacing method. The emphasis on seeking expert advice further reinforces the commitment to optimal performance and comfort on the ice.
