How to Properly Care for Your Softboot Ice Skates – So You Can Enjoy the Ice for Longer!
Softboot ice skates are comfortable, lightweight, and ideal for recreational skaters – but to enjoy them for many seasons, they need a bit of care. In this article, we’ll show you how to treat your skates properly and what you should absolutely avoid.
After Skating:
How to Dry Your Skates Correctly
After your time on the ice, you should remove moisture from your skates immediately:
- Thoroughly dry the blades with a soft, lint-free cloth. This helps prevent rust.
- Wipe down the softboot exterior, especially if snow or salt from outdoors is stuck to it.
- Open all buckles, loosen the laces, and pull the tongue forward – this allows the inner boot to air out better.
- Never dry them directly on a heater! Let the skates dry in a well-ventilated area at room temperature.
Regular Maintenance:
Small Checks, Big Impact
Regularly checking your skates helps prevent major damage:
- Have the blades sharpened once they become dull – usually after 10–15 hours of skating. We recommend professional sharpening services (ask at the ice rink you trust).
Check screws and rivets:
- Is everything tight? Any cracks in the plastic? Better to tighten or replace them in time.
Air out the insole:
- If your skates smell musty or feel damp, it helps to remove the insole and let it dry separately.
Storage During the Off-Season:
How to Do It Right
When the season is over or you don’t need your skates for a while:
- Always store them in a dry place, not in the basement or a damp garage.
- Use blade guards – soft ones for storage, hard ones for transport. This keeps the blades sharp and your gear protected.
- Avoid extreme temperatures! Never leave skates in the car, whether in winter or summer. Cold makes plastic brittle; heat can loosen the glue.
What to Do About Bad Odors:
Anyone who skates regularly knows the issue:
Sooner or later, skates don’t smell fresh anymore. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Dry thoroughly after each use.
Optional:
- Use shoe deodorant or antibacterial spray.
A simple trick:
- Stuff newspaper in the skates overnight – it absorbs moisture and odors.
- If needed, replace the insole – you’ll find matching spare parts in our shop!
When Should You Replace Your Softboots?
Some damage just can’t be repaired. Time for a new pair if:
- The blades are badly rusted or damaged.
- The softboot material is torn, deformed, or the support inside the skate is clearly diminished.
- The fit is no longer right or comfort has noticeably declined.
Our Conclusion
With a bit of care, softboot ice skates last significantly longer – and you can skate safely, comfortably, and cleanly. If you have any questions about maintenance or blade sharpening: We’re here for you! Message us or visit our shop – we’ll be happy to help.
Tip:
In the SkaMiDan online shop, you’ll find blade guards and, of course, new ice skates for the whole family.