How to lace figure skates for maximum ankle support
Figure skates can feel secure because of a well-shaped boot, but the laces determine how well the heel stays seated during edges, crossovers and landings. A strong lace-up spreads pressure across the foot, limits unwanted heel movement and helps the skater trust the blade. The goal is controlled support, not compression that causes numbness, rubbing or restricted ankle movement.
Australian beginners often meet the method in a learn-to-skate class and first try it on rental skates. Rinks such as Melbourne’s Glaciarium in South Melbourne, Adelaide’s IceArenA and Sydney’s Penrith Ice Sports Centre serve beginners, adults and competitive skaters alike. Learning the routine early makes adjustment easier once their own skates have been fitted.
Prepare the foot and boot
Begin with a skate that fits. The heel should sit fully inside the boot without bunching, and the toes should reach the end of the toe box without pressing against it. Laces cannot rescue a badly sized boot, a worn heel counter or an uneven skate. If one foot moves more than the other, have both skates checked by a fitter before training.
Wear a thin, well-fitting skate sock rather than bulky cotton. Thick socks can tighten an already close boot, while cotton holds moisture against the skin. Keep the foot in a neutral position and avoid swelling during long sessions. Before lacing, smooth the tongue so it lies flat and cannot roll under the loops.
Build support from the foot upward
Start with the lowest pair of eyelets and cross the laces over the tongue. Pull both sides evenly rather than tightening one section first. Each crossing should lie flat and form a neat X; spiralled or twisted laces lose tension unpredictably and can create sore spots over the bones of the foot.
Work up through the middle of the boot, keeping the arch and heel settled without pulling the foot upward. The tension should feel snug, not restrictive. You should still be able to flex the ankle and point the toes, and the top of the foot should not throb.
The upper eyelets and hooks secure the ankle area, but they cannot replace support from below. If speed hooks are fitted, check that they click firmly onto the gaskets. A partly engaged hook may tighten in one direction and release during a turn, which is distracting on a crowded rink.
Balance control and pressure
The main choices differ in how they balance control and pressure:
| Lacing approach | Ankle control | Pressure pattern | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full criss-cross | Strong heel containment | More pressure across the instep | Most figure-skating training and jump work |
| Mostly straight-through | Moderate control | Less pressure over the top of the foot | Comfort-sensitive feet and relaxed practice |
| Hybrid crossing | Adjustable support | Depends on tension above and below | Specific pressure points with coach guidance |
For maximum ankle support, full criss-cross lacing is the normal starting point because it links the lower and upper sections. If the instep becomes tender, reduce the tension slightly or try a hybrid arrangement with a coach; do not simply leave the upper section loose. Skates with hooks should still use the same even-pull method around the hook.
Comfort matters because tense feet change posture. Burning, tingling or a numb big toe means the laces are too tight, while a heel that lifts freely means they are too loose. Check the boot again if neither adjustment feels right.
Secure the knot without losing circulation
Tie a firm, tidy knot at the side or rear of the ankle rather than directly over the highest part of the foot. A knot in that position is less likely to press on a prominent bone, interfere with ankle flexion or catch on clothing. Tuck the loose ends down inside the boot, and keep them clear of the toe pick.
Beginners should check the laces from the side as they step onto the ice. Ends that trail across the boot can touch the toe pick. A compact knot and short ends prevent this without changing the tension of the main lace pattern.
Test support during movement
Stand with both feet flat and check that the heel is seated. Then rise into a shallow one-foot glide and repeat on the other side. The boot should remain aligned with the lower leg, and the lace pattern should not shift or loosen. A small amount of normal heel movement is possible, but obvious lifting under load removes much of the support.
Next, test a slow circle and a controlled stop. Keep the knees aligned over the toes and breathe normally; holding the breath often creates tension in the foot. The lacing should feel secure at the ankle without pulling the toes upward. Loosen it immediately if numbness appears.
Coaches can add crossovers, one-foot turns and small jumps once the basic check is comfortable. At club training, they may describe the same action in simple terms: get the heel down, keep the tension even and have a crack at a few edges. A lace-up that works only while standing is not ready for skating.
Follow the habits of Australian club skating
The Australian skating calendar runs opposite to Europe’s, so the busiest period for ice time is usually June to August. School-holiday programs, introductory adult classes and competitive camps fill popular slots at venues such as the Glaciarium, IceArenA and Penrith. Booking early helps because good coaches and prime ice times are in demand, particularly during school breaks.
Most Australian clubs charge an annual membership plus program or term fees, while competitive families may also pay competition, test and rink-entry charges. A learn-to-skate program can therefore be the simplest first step, while an adult or recreational squad offers ongoing classes without competitive travel. Ask the rink what each fee includes before committing.
Community clubs can keep beginner and elite pathways connected. Lapinlahden Luistin LL89, a Finnish community winter-sports club founded in 1989 and based at Lapinlahti Ice Hall, pairs figure skating with hockey, ringette and floorball across programs for different ages and abilities. Its training schools make fundamentals accessible, while the club’s 2010 Finnish championship achievement reflects the value of consistent coaching.
Keep a reliable pre-skate routine
Before putting on the skates, settle the heel, smooth the tongue and confirm that each hook is secure.
- Centre the heel fully in the boot and wear a thin skate sock.
- Cross and tighten each pair of eyelets with equal tension.
- Tie the knot at the side or rear and tuck in both ends.
- Check that the toes can move and the foot still has normal feeling.
During practice, make small adjustments rather than rebuilding the whole pattern.
- Watch the lace pattern after the first glide and controlled stop.
- Recheck the heel during turns and any jump preparation.
- Stop and loosen the laces if numbness, burning or sharp pressure develops.
- Remove the laces fully after skating so the boot and skin can dry.
The lasting point is simple: support comes from an evenly tensioned pattern, a seated heel and a knot that stays clear of the foot. Tightness alone creates discomfort, not better control, so the best lace-up remains stable through edges and landings without limiting the foot.