Maintenance Tips for Liners in Inline Skates
The liners – also known as inner boots – are the heart of your skates when it comes to comfort and fit. Especially during intense use, such as offroad skating, freeskating, or aggressive skating, your feet sweat heavily, and the liners absorb moisture, skin particles, and odors. To keep your liners hygienic and comfortable for a long time, you should follow a few simple care tips.
1. Air Out After Every Session
Moisture is the number one enemy – it promotes odors and material degradation.
Here’s how to do it right:
Remove liners after skating: Fully open the skates and take out the liners to let them dry.
Don’t store in closed bags: Damp liners in a sealed backpack or case will trap odors and encourage bacterial growth.
Air drying is enough: Place them in a well-ventilated area – but never on a heater or in direct sunlight!
2. Prevent and Neutralize Odors
You can’t always prevent sweaty smells – but you can control them.
Our tips:
Dry shoes = fresh shoes: Use newspaper or special shoe dryers (e.g., with UV light or fans).
Odor removers or shoe sprays: There are biologically based sprays that neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
Natural helpers: A tea bag or a sachet with baking soda, activated charcoal, or cedarwood inside the liner works wonders overnight.
3. Washing – With Care
Not all liners are machine washable – always check the care label first.
If allowed:
Prefer hand washing: Use lukewarm water with mild detergent or sports detergent.
No spin cycle, no dryer! Otherwise, liners may lose their shape and padding.
Rinse thoroughly: Leave no detergent residues behind, as they can irritate the skin.
If not allowed:
Clean the surface with a damp cloth, some soapy water, and a brush – then let them dry completely.
4. Maintain Padding and Shape
Pressure points and misshapen liners can cause blisters and reduce control.
Our recommendation:
Check liners regularly for wrinkles and pressure spots.
Use shoe trees: Especially when not skating for a while, shoe trees help retain the shape.
Inspect inner padding: If it comes loose, replace or repair it in time.
5. Replacement & Lifespan
Even the best liners have a limited lifespan – typically around 1–2 years with regular skating.
Signs you should replace your liners:
Noticeable loss of support or cushioning
Cracks or hard pressure points in the inner material
Persistent odor despite good care
Conclusion
Well-maintained liners mean better comfort, improved hygiene, and longer-lasting skates. With a little attention after each session, they’ll stay fresh and ready – whether on asphalt, trails, or in the skatepark.
Tip:
In our shop, you'll find replacement liners, shoe dryers, deodorizing sprays, and care accessories for all common models – feel free to take a look!
