Care Tips for Softboot Inline Skates
Keep your skates comfortable, clean, and ready to roll
Softboot inline skates are especially comfortable and breathable – perfect for relaxed rides, fitness sessions, or your commute to work. But just like any sports equipment, regular maintenance extends their lifespan and improves the skating experience. In this article, we’ll show you how to properly clean, maintain, and store your softboot skates.
1. Why Is Maintenance Important?
Skating exposes your skates to dirt, dust, sweat, and moisture – not just on the wheels but also inside the boot. Without care, this can lead to the following problems:
Poor ventilation & unpleasant odor
Wear on materials and stitching
Blocked wheels or rusty bearings
Loose screws or damaged buckles
With a little attention, your skates will stay functional longer – and smell better too!
2. After Every Ride: The Quick Care Routine
A short check after each session helps prevent bigger damage:
Wipe outer shell & wheels with a damp cloth
Air out the liner – ideally remove it from the boot
Check buckles, ratchets, and lacing systems for tightness
Listen for noise or feel resistance in the bearings
Store skates dry – never leave them wet in a bag!
3. Deep Cleaning – Step by Step
- Clean Wheels & Bearings
Remove the wheels using an Allen key.
Take out the bearings and clean them with isopropyl alcohol or bearing cleaner.
Let them dry thoroughly and lubricate with skate oil or bearing grease.
Clean the wheels separately with water and a cloth.
- Clean the Softboot (Outer Material & Liner)Wipe the outer material (mesh, synthetic) with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
If the liner or fixed inner boot smells strong, treat it with sports hygiene spray or hand wash it (follow manufacturer instructions).
Dry soles and insoles separately – do not place them on a heater!
- Check Lacing & Buckles
Regularly test all closures and replace them if worn.
For quick lacing systems (e.g. BOA or speed lacing), use a little silicone spray if they become stiff.
4. How to Store Your Softboot Skates Properly
Dry, airy & at room temperature: Avoid damp basements or hot car interiors.
Don’t leave skates in your backpack or bag: always dry them thoroughly.
Take pressure off the wheels: Don’t leave skates standing on the wheels for months – this can cause flat spots.
Storing liners separately (if possible) helps them stay fresher longer.
5. When Should You Replace Parts?
Even softboot inline skates have wear-and-tear components. Check regularly for:
Wheels: worn flat, cracked, or heavily used
Bearings: noisy, rough, or blocked
Liners: compressed, permanently smelly, or lacking support
Buckles / Lacing systems: broken or stretched
Axles & Screws: loose, rusty, or damaged
Conclusion
Softboot inline skates offer comfort and fun – especially when you give them a little care. With a quick check after each ride and occasional deep cleaning, they’ll stay hygienic, smooth-rolling, and safe. That way, you can enjoy every skating session to the fullest – season after season.
Tip: In our online shop, you’ll find cleaning products, bearing oil, replacement wheels and Other spare parts – perfect for the complete care of your softboot skates!