Antik Heat Molding Instructions

Heat molding instructions provided by Antik

Depending on how you want your boots to fit, there are a few options for heat molding the counters and toe box.

Molding Tips
After molding, the metal components of skate boots may be very HOT! Watch out for buckles, eyelets, and aglets! After heating and lacing up the boot, try not to move around too much. Ideally you want to be in a skating stance so that your foot is as close to the shape that it would be while skating. Moving around in the boot will not allow the boot to cool in a uniform manner. Finally, after initial cooling, allow the boot to stand for several hours (up to a day) before any rigorous skating!

Option 1 (for specific "trouble spots"): Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
This option is for individual problem areas (toes, arch, outer foot), and lets you mold one section at a time. Keep the gun/dryer approximately 6-8 inches away from the boot, moving in a small circular pattern so as not to over heat one spot. This should take about 3 minutes with a heat gun and 6-7 with a hair dryer. Once the material is pliable, use your hands to massage & push out the problem spot, and hold until cool (blunt end of screwdriver can be used to push out particularly tight spots). This process can be repeated as many times as needed.

Option 2 (for general fit): Skate Bake or Kitchen Oven
This option allows you to mold all three spots at once. Mold only one boot at a time! First, pre-heat oven to ~175 degrees; do NOT exceed 200 degrees! Remove insole, laces, toe stop, wheels, and bearings (cushions can be left on). Place boot/skate in oven on rack or cookie sheet for 3 minutes. Remove boot (it will be HOT!). Insert insole, place foot in boot and lace up (wearing socks you wear while skating). Stand up in boots, in skating stance, and wait until cool. This proces can be repeated as many times as needed.

Bont Heat Molding Instructions

Heat molding instructions provided by Bont

Bont skates are the most heat moldable skates on the market. Our resin is developed in house and has been perfected over 36 years to be an extremely stiff resin that becomes pliable at relatively low temperatures. You may have tried heat molding other brands of boots and found that you needed to increase the temperature to try to get it to mold. That is not the case with your Bont boots and we urge you to start with low temperatures.

The base of the boot is moldable which means all stiff areas of the boot can be molded in a standard oven. You do not need to mold your boots if they fit you straight out of the box. To mold your boots, remove the plates and the innersoles. Pre heat the oven to 85°C/185°F. Place the boot in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Higher temperatures will void your warranty and may damage your boot. Caution: Do not place your feet in the hot boots or you may burn your feet. Let them cool a little and test the boot temperature with your hand before placing your feet in them. Tighten the straps/laces/buckles and allow to cool. If you have any lumps or bunions on your feet or if there are any areas causing discomfort, while the boot is still warm you can use the round end of a blunt object to press out any part of the boot. You can heat mold the boots as many times as you like. Please watch this quick video below to see how it's done.

Heat Molding FAQ: If the boots take 20 minutes to mold at 85°C, can I put them in the oven for 10 minutes at 170°C? The answer is no. Please stick to the guidelines and your boots will not be damaged.

Chaya Heat Molding Instructions

Heat molding instructions provided by Chaya

Crazy Heat Molding Instructions

Heat molding instructions provided by Crazy Skates

Heat molding the DBX is super easy. There are many ways to do this and there are even more adjustments that you can make to achieve a near perfect fit than with any other heat moldable standard boot on the market. Take note of the fact that your left and right boot may require different levels of attention. Our feet are not the same - so each boot can be custom fit to each foot. Firstly you have to identify which parts of the boots you'd like to adjust. Identifying "areas of concern" generally happens once you have worn the boots and done some skating. You will know which areas need attention once you have familiarized yourself with the boots while skating. If you have purchased boots only and intend to do the "break-in" process before you mount, we advise against this. You do not use the boots the same way when you are standing in them. We recommend that you skate in your new boots and identify any "areas of concern" while you are skating. The best way to do this is to mark the boots with chalk or rubber so that you can see the areas that you need to work on when you remove the boots for heat molding. Try not to do this through memory unless it is only one or two areas. With so much of the boot able to be heat molded, you can easily miss an area during the process. It is important to note that you should not heat mold your boots "just for the sake of it". Many people have tried the boots and not heat molded them because they were fine. There will always be a "break-in" process with or without heat molding. Regardless of changing the shape, your feet have to get used to new boots. There will be changes in pressure points and areas of discomfort in the normal course of getting used to your boots. There is no shortcut when getting used to new boots. Heat molding allows you to really form the boots to your feet if it is required.

The first thing you will realize when you use DBX for the first time is the level of support that these boots provide. It is important to note that you cannot heat mold that support away! DBX boots may not suit everyone, but the support is an integral part of the boot design and no amount of heat molding will reduce this feature!

Identifying the right width is the first thing that you must do before you start heat molding. DBX boots have a unique feature that allows you to heat mold the width of the boot. You can physically mold each boot wider or narrower if it is required. Please refer to the video for this technique.

Ways of Heat Molding
There are many ways to heat mold your boots. We have made and posted online a video that demonstrates how to mold your boots with a hair dryer at home. Please follow these instructions and remember you may do this as many times as is required to get the desired shape. To check out this video go to this address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ9xjO-GANU&feature=plcp. Alternatively, just search Crazy Skates in the search bar. We have a number of instructional videos online so just choose the heat shaping video!

Heat shaping your boots is a very easy process. Before starting this process, please set aside 30-40 minutes depending upon your climate. Where you live determines the amount of time it may take your boots to "cool down" once you have heated them. The "cooling down" process is very important because it allows the heat shaping material (ABS) in the boot to cool and harden to the shape of your foot. Once this material has cooled and formed a new shape, it will stay that way until it is re-shaped under heat.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The ABS material is activated by heat. Please avoid leaving your skates in a hot place. Leaving your skates in a hot car will activate the ABS material. This means that depending upon how your skates are packed in your skate bag, they will re-shape themselves. You will need to start the process once again if this happens.

If you follow the steps on the video using your hair dryer, you can identify "areas of concern" and heat shape those areas to your foot. If you require an "over all" heat shaping experience, you can follow these steps by using a conventional fan-forced oven.

Heat Shaping in Your Oven at Home
In order for you to heat shape your skates at home in your oven, please confirm that you have a Fan-Forced Convection Oven. Your oven should be fan-forced because it will distribute the heat evenly around the boot. If you place your boot into an oven with an exposed element, it will place heat directly onto the boot and most likely burn and destroy the boot. If you are not sure if you have a fan-forced oven in your home, please consult a professional electrical contractor who will confirm your oven type before heat shaping.

• 1. Once you have skated in your boots, identify the areas that you want to heat shape. Mark those with chalk or some other removable marking device. This will enable you to identify and manipulate this area once the boot is heated through. Do this for booth boots.
• 2. Pre-heat the oven to 80 degrees Celsius or 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
• 3. To prepare your boots for shaping (both boots), remove your toe stops, wheels and trucks. Also remove your pivot cups. There should be nothing but the plates and boots being placed into the oven. Loosen the laces on each boot all the way down to the toe. This is done because you need to be able to easily place your foot inside the boot when it is warm without distorting the ABS material. Loosening the laces will also allow the heat to circulate more easily inside the boot giving a consistent heat transfer.
• 4. Once the oven is pre-heated, place both boots in the oven on the middle shelf. Make sure that the boots do not touch the walls of the oven. They should be free standing on the shelf. Double check the temperature to make sure that you do not destroy your boots.
• 5. Once the boots are inside the oven, close the door and set the time for approx. 4-5 minutes. DO NOT WALK AWAY FROM THE OVEN DURING THIS TIME. Depending upon the size of the boots, you may need slightly longer time. It is fine to open the oven door and check your boots during the process. The best way to determine if your boots are heated enough is to "squeeze" the back of the boot around the heel area and the ABS material should be able to be manipulated. The best way for you to be sure is to squeeze this area before you heat the boot because you will feel how hard and stiff the material is prior to heating. Once it is heated through you will feel a definite difference and then you will know that your boots are ready to be shaped.
• 6. Put on a sock that you would usually wear when you skate and make sure that you have a comfortable chair in the immediate area. You will need to be comfortable during this process as it takes 30-40 minutes for the boots to fully cool before you can remove them from your feet.
• 7. Remove the boots from the oven and place on your feet. You will feel the instant warmth. If you find this to be too hot around your foot, remove it and allow it to cool for a few seconds, then place your feet inside the boots.
• 8. Once your feet are in the boots, start to tighten your laces. This begins the process. As you tighten your laces, the ABS material will start to conform to the contours of your feet. This material will shape to your foot as you tighten. Only tighten the laces the way you usually would. Over tightening the lace will lead to a firmer fit as the boot cools.
• 9. Lacing in the DBX boot also allows you to have variable widths. The toe box in the boot will also form to the shape of your toes so you can adjust the lace tension in that area differently to further up the boot if it is required. Variable lace tension is possible in the DBX boots because of the unique shape and cut of the material at the front of the boots.
• 10. Once you have your laces tightened on both feet, make sure that you can "wiggle" your toes comfortably in the boots.
• 11. Sitting on the chair and looking down at your boots, it may helpful for you to perform the following exercise to help shape the ankle areas of your boots. Place the end of the heels of your boots on the floor with the toes pointing towards the ceiling. Then with your heel staying on the floor, push your toes forward towards the floor. This will cause a "flexing" effect in the ankle area that will stretch the ABS material particularly around the Achilles tendon area. Once you have pushed forward and achieved the "flexing" - hold your feet in this position to achieve the desired shape. This action will help stretch that area of the boot if it is of concern to you.
• 12. Once the boots have cooled, loosen the laces significantly right down the length of the boot and gently remove your feet. The boot will still need to cool and harden. We recommend a full 24 hours before you attempt to skate.
• 13. Once 24 hours have passed, place the boots on your feet and lace them up accordingly. It is important to skate in the boots to see if the shape that was achieved is totally right for you. If you need to conduct further heat shaping in particular areas, we suggest using a hair dryer and manipulating that particular area(s) until you achieve the desired shape.

The process takes time. The process is different for everyone. Some people don't need to heat shape at all, and some people need to do some significant heat shaping that may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired shape. It is important to note here that the boot is designed to be manipulated. Don't be shy when manipulating the boot. Use as much force as you feel is necessary to achieve the desired shape with your hands. You will not damage the boots. In the past, people have not been able to achieve the right shape because they were simply being too gentle with their hands. Like kneading dough, you need to manipulate the material and shape it accordingly. Results will soon follow!

If at any time you are not sure of what to do, please STOP. Our retailers are fully trained in this process and can offer assistance. Alternatively, please email us here at head office and we will be very happy to "step you through" the process and offer advice. You are just an email away from help! We hope that this gives you the information you require to both understand and shape your DBX boots. As performance boots, you will love the "second skin" that DBX provides once shaped to your feet! ENJOY!

Luigino & Jackson AquaTech Molding Instructions

Heat molding instructions provided by Luigino & Jackson

Congratulations on your purchase of AquaTechª 'enhanced' Luigino Quad boots. Follow the simple steps listed below and get ready to experience the best fitting shoe ever with our revolutionary AquaTechª heat-molding technology. This process is 100% guaranteed under warranty.

• 1. Locate a large pot with lid (approximately 12 qt) that fits ONE boot/skate at a time.
  NEVER USE A CROCKPOT IT WILL DAMAGE THE BAG!
• 2. Locate your Aqua bags (2), provided with purchase of all Luigino quad boots - (also sold seperately)
  TO REMAIN UNDER WARRANTY - ALL MOLDINGS MUST BE DOUBLE BAGGED - If you do not have two bags contact Nistevo immediately or see your local dealer.
• 3. Fill pot 1/3 full, do not overfill. It is the steam that does the magic.
• 4. Bring water to a full boil.
• 5. Prep the boot, open laces from the toe up - making it easy to put foot inside, push tongue into the boot, open Velcro strap.
• 6. Place one into the bag HEEL first.
• 7. Place the boot & bag into the boiling water with the open end of the bag hangin over the edge - put the lid on the pot to hold and seal the bag during the molding process. the boot will not fully submerge under water. Secure the lid and patiently allow the steam to work its magic!
• 8. Leave boot in the water for a minimum of 7 minutes. (Do not stress, hot water will not damge your boots if you leave it longer.)
• 9. Remove the boot & bag being careful of the steam when removing the lid.
• 10. Remove the boot from the bag (DO NOT TOUCH THE METAL PIECES); be sure the tongue is positioned in the center of the foot to protect your foot from touching the hot eyelets.
• 11. Sitting on a chair, carefully place the heated boot on your foot. Keep in mind the upper materials are hot therefore, very pliable and conforming.
• 12. With your foot in the boot, tie it snug from bottom to top (LACES ARE WAXED AND STIFF BUT WILL BECOME SOFTER AFTER USE). Laces NEED TO BE TIGHT which will ensure a good mold/copy of your foot. (Note: DO NOT SKIP ANY EYELETS FOR THE MOLDING PROCESS.)
• 13. Still seated, position your foot under your knee, thighs parallel to the ground creating approximately 90 degree bend and hold that position for approximately 15 minutes. (Be sure your leg, foot and hip are even to ensure the shoe is being molded properly around the ankles, tendon and instep.
  Do NOT stand up during the molding process. The Aqua material is soft and needs to set on your foot before moving around.

Spot Molding:
For spot molding, use hair dryer on high heat in a specific area then follow steps 11-13.

Creating Additional Space:
For additional space in a specific area, insert a pad in that particular area during the molding process. After the shoe is cool remove the pad a enjoy your custom fit shoe.

Congratulations! You have successfully molded your Luigino Quad Shoe. If for any reason your feet go through changes or your shoe alters in shape, you can repeat these steps as many times as you like.

If you are going to resell Luigino Quad Shoes, you may also follow these steps to give the new owner the same custom fit. Warranties are non-transferable.

Mota Heat Molding Instructions

Heat molding instructions provided by Mota

Heat Molding By Oven

For complete and thorough molding around the entire foot.

This process takes very close attendance. Overheating can cause damage to the boots.

Keep in mind there are two different types of ovens, convection and element. ItÕs important you know what you have. If you are using an element oven you must be extra careful, making sure the boots is in the middle and not touching any of the elements which will melt your boot.

NOTE: you are baking your boots (NOT broiling)

One boot at a time, NO plate can be mounted on your boot.

Getting started:

Remove: Velcro straps and foot beds, unzip zipper if you have the lace cover.

Open laces up enough that you can slip your foot in easily after removing it from the oven.

Be sure tongue is pushed back inside the boot and laces are all tucked in.

Pre-heat oven to 200 Degrees, 93 Celsius

If not going barefoot, have sox or skate SOX on the foot you are molding.

Have chair ready

Heat molding your boot:

Leaving oven on,

Place boot upright, sitting on the rack or baking sheet, center rack, center of oven, leave in the oven for 10-15 minutes (CHECKING ON THE BOOTS EVERY MINUTE PAST 10 MINUTES),

Check it, by squeezing the lower ankle area, should be soft/pliable, if it is soft go to next step. If not soft leave it for one minute, repeat this step in one minute increments until soft,

carefully remove the boot from the oven (boot will be HOT),

sitting down, put boot on your foot, carefully putting the tongue in position, tighten laces from the very bottom. Do not over tighten the materials are hot and soft. After laces are tight, stay sitting with your foot flat and your knee bent 90 degree for 15 minutes. (DO NOT STAND UP),

ok to stand after 15 minutes, (DO NOT WALK OR PULL UP YOUR HEEL) takes about 1 hour for the boot to be 100% set. Ok to remove your boot after 25 minutes.

Repeat for second boot.

These are not walking shoes, your heel cup may open and the soles may break if you attempt to walk in them. After you mount them to a plate your Mojo boot and plate will work as one unit with your foot.

Riedell Heat Molding Instructions

Heat molding instructions provided by Riedell

Depending on how you want your boots to fit, there are a few options for heat molding Riedell skate boots.

Molding Tips
After molding, the metal components of skate boots may be very HOT! Watch out for buckles, eyelets, and aglets! After heating and lacing up the boot, try not to move around too much. Ideally you want to be in a skating stance so that your foot is as close to the shape that it would be while skating. Moving around in the boot will not allow the boot to cool in a uniform manner. Finally, after initial cooling, allow the boot to stand for several hours (up to a day) before any rigorous skating!

Option 1 (for specific "trouble spots"): Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
This option is for individual problem areas and is the recommended method for Riedell boots. Keep the gun/dryer approximately 6-8 inches away from the boot, moving in a small circular pattern. Be careful not to overheat the the boot as this can cause the leather to burn or delamination of the soles and uppers. Once the material is warm to the touch and pliable, use your hands to massage & push out the problem spot, and hold until cool (blunt end of screwdriver can be used to push out particularly tight spots). This process can be repeated as many times as needed.

Note: You can massage areas of the boot by hand until they are pliable. Without heat, this method takes significantly more time and effort, but runs less risk of damaging the leather from overexposure to heat or stretching.

Option 2 (for general fit): Skate Oven
This option allows you to mold all three spots at once. Remove insole, laces, toe stop, and wheels and place boots in skate oven, not exceeding 200 degrees. Do NOT use kitchen oven! Bake time should not exceed 8 minutes. Once boots are warm, lace skates tight to skater's feet and leave on for at least 5 minutes to allow cooling. If problem area persists, use Option 1.