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.
Discover Care Accessories Now
In the SkaMiDan online shop, you’ll find blade guards and, of course, new ice skates for the whole family.
