By Crazy Skates Co. | 2019
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.
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.
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!
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.