JMS Hockey

Is anyone familiar with "punching out" a skate boot? Here's the scoop: I have used Bauer one40's for two years. Last season my inside ankle bone (medial talus) became quite sore. I thought it was because of waxed laces and wrapping too tight around the upper boot before tying. I switched to regular laces and tying more loosely, but no improvement. I also tried a gel pad ($25!) but that didn't help either. I went to Total Hockey (where I bought the skates) and the store manager suggested "punching out" the area to make more room... They thought the boot looked well broken-in. I'm reluctant to mess with my skates in such a way - I fear if it doesn't work, my situation may go from bad to worse. (Wish I could afford new thermo-moldable skates!) Is anyone familiar with "punching out" a skate? Or with this situation in general?

I highly recommend punching the boot if there is pressure on a certain bony area. I suffer from an accessory navicular on both feet and punching is the only way I can skate comfortably. Do a little at a time until the problem is relieved and there shouldn't be an issue. Good luck!

I also recommend it. I have wide feet and my big toe joints get really sore. Punching out where my skate puts pressure on the joint really, really helps. That and a gel insert relieves the pain completely.

Wes - It is a very common practice, and can happen with less, and more expensive skates - any competent skate shop will do this for their customers. There seems like little-to-no downside risk of making anything worse. It's not a big deal, and will likely provide you with the relief that you are looking for.

Thanks all! I got 'em punched and seems like a really good adjustment. I'll be on the ice tomorrow so looking forward to trying it out.

I think I've posted this before, but I've used a hand-held boot punch tool for many years on several skates. I bought it on eBay for about $15 from a leather boot shop in southern MN. Here is one that is sold from another place, but is much more expensive. http://www.pro-filer.com/bootpunch/ Heat up with hair dryer to make material more pliable. Punch with hand-held boot punch, and let cool for 2-4 hours or more. It works wonders for my pinky toes.

This is what I have, but I only paid $15ish for it. http://www.amazon.com/FootFitter-Bunion-Stretcher-Ball-Ring/dp/B000POHTOG