Heat molding, also known as baking – is one of the best ways to break in your new hockey skates faster. By gently heating the boots, the inner liner molds to your feet, giving you a much better fit and increased comfort from the very first skate.

At ReXhockey, we offer free heat molding in-store when you purchase your skates from us. If your skates were bought online here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it properly! 

Why bake your hockey skates?

Brand new skates can feel stiff and uncomfortable – especially high-performance models with rigid shells. By heat molding your skates, you:

- Shape the boot to match your foot’s unique contours

- Reduce the risk of foot pain, blisters, and pressure points

- Significantly shorten the break-in period

Can All Skates Be Heat Molded?

Not every pair of skates is heat moldable. Here’s a general rule:

YES - High-end skates with carbon fiber or composite materials can be baked

NO - Entry-level or recreational skates made from plastic/nylon should not be baked

That’s because only carbon materials stiffen and hold their shape after baking. Plastic and nylon will either return to their original form or risk breaking down when exposed to high temperatures.

Not sure about your model? Contact our team, we’re happy to help you determine if your skates are safe to bake.

Step-by-Step: How to Bake Your Skates at Home

If you bought your skates from our webshop, here’s a detailed guide to heat mold them at home:

1. Preheat your oven to 80°C (175°F) with fan/convection for approx. 5 minutes

2. Place a baking tray at the bottom of the oven

3. Loosen all laces completely

4. Remove the insoles from both skates

5. Place both skates in the oven, leaning them together – avoid contact with oven walls

6. Let them heat for 3 minutes

7. Take the skates out, reinsert the insoles, and lace them up snugly on your feet

8. Sit still with your legs in a 90 degree position for 15 minutes while the skates cool and take shape

9. Loosen the laces and remove the skates – wait until the next day before using them

IMPORTANT: Follow the steps carefully – incorrect baking can damage your skates. Also note that once skates have been heat molded, they can no longer be returned.

Can used skates be baked again?

Absolutely. If you’ve purchased a pair of used skates that don’t fit quite right, heat molding them again may help. Most modern skate boots can be safely baked more than once. Have questions about the process or want to be sure your skates are bake-ready? Contact us through our live chat or give us a call – we’re always ready to help.