Choose hockey skate laces by length and material. Waxed laces hold tension well and resist loosening during play, while unwaxed laces are easier to tighten and adjust but can loosen more easily. The right length depends on your skate size and brand, typically ranging from about 72 inches for youth skates to around 120 inches for large senior skates. Lace your skates snug at the toes, tight through the middle for ankle support, and slightly looser at the top eyelets so you can flex forward. Replace laces as soon as they start to fray, since a broken lace mid-game can end your shift or your session.
Why laces matter
Laces hold your foot in the correct position inside the skate, which affects comfort, control and power transfer. Loose laces let the foot slide, reducing responsiveness and increasing the risk of blisters. Overly tight laces can restrict circulation and forward flex, causing discomfort and even foot pain. Good laces and a thoughtful lacing pattern help players get a secure, comfortable fit that supports quick starts, tight turns and hard stops.
Waxed vs unwaxed laces
| Feature | Waxed laces | Unwaxed laces |
|---|---|---|
| Holding tension | Excellent, stays tight | Good, may loosen more |
| Ease of tightening | Harder to pull through eyelets | Easier to tighten and adjust |
| Moisture | Resists water | Absorbs some water |
| Durability | Often durable | Can fray sooner in some cases |
| Feel | Stiffer | Softer and more flexible |
Many players prefer waxed laces because they lock in tension once tightened. Others prefer unwaxed laces because they are easier to adjust between periods. It comes down to personal preference, and trying both is the best way to decide.
Lace length guide
| Skate size | Approximate lace length |
|---|---|
| Youth | 72 to 84 inches |
| Junior | 84 to 96 inches |
| Senior 6 to 8 | 96 to 108 inches |
| Senior 9 and up | 108 to 120 inches |
These lengths are approximate. Skate models vary in the number and spacing of eyelets, and personal lacing style affects how much lace you need. Check the manufacturer’s chart or measure your old laces before buying new ones.
How to lace hockey skates step by step
- Start at the toe, lacing from underneath each eyelet so the lace goes over the top.
- Keep the laces snug but not tight over the toes for comfort.
- Tighten firmly through the middle eyelets to lock the heel and support the ankle.
- Loosen slightly at the top eyelets to allow forward flex.
- Consider skipping the top eyelet if you want more flex.
- Tie a secure knot and tuck the ends so they do not dangle.
- Check the fit by standing and bending your knees; your heel should not lift.
Lacing for comfort and performance
Different lacing strategies suit different players. Some players lace tightly all the way up for maximum support, while others prefer a looser top for more ankle mobility and deeper knee bend. Many players skip the very top eyelet to allow more forward flex, especially with stiff skates. Players who experience lace bite, a painful pressure on the front of the ankle, may benefit from loosening the laces around that area, using a lace bite pad or trying a different lacing pattern. Adjusting lacing is a simple way to fine-tune comfort without buying new skates.
How lacing affects skating
The way you lace your skates changes how they feel on the ice. A firmly laced middle section locks the heel into the back of the boot, which improves power transfer on each stride and reduces the risk of blisters caused by the heel moving. A looser top allows the ankle to flex forward, helping players get lower in their stance for better balance and more powerful strides. Players who want maximum support, such as those recovering from an ankle injury or skating in very stiff boots, may lace more tightly at the top. Experimenting with small changes over several sessions helps you find the combination that feels most natural.
Laces for goalies and youth players
Goalie skates have a different shape and cowling, and many goalies prefer laces that allow slightly more ankle mobility for butterfly movements and lateral pushes. Waxed laces are popular with goalies because they keep tension through long games. For youth players, laces that are easy to tighten are especially helpful, since young children may struggle to pull waxed laces snug. Parents often lace young players’ skates, and using a lace tightener can make the job easier and more consistent.
Caring for your laces
Laces last longer with a little care. After each skate, loosen the laces fully and pull the tongue forward so the boot can dry. Avoid leaving skates in a closed bag, since moisture can weaken laces and encourage odor. Check for fraying at the eyelets, where friction is greatest, and replace laces before they break. Some players keep laces clean by washing them occasionally, although waxed laces may lose some of their wax coating with repeated washing.
Colored and specialty laces
Laces come in many colors, and many players choose laces to match team colors or personal style. Some specialty laces include reinforced sections or patterns designed to grip better in the eyelets. Whatever the look, the most important factors remain length, material and durability. A lace that holds tension and fits your skate properly will serve you better than one chosen for appearance alone.
Avoid wrapping laces around the ankle
Some players wrap extra lace around the ankle before tying. This can cut off circulation, reduce ankle flexibility and increase the risk of discomfort. It is better to buy laces of the correct length and tie a secure knot. If laces are too long, tuck the excess into the top of the skate or under the tongue rather than wrapping them around the leg.
When to replace laces
- When laces fray, especially near the eyelets.
- When they become thin or stretched and no longer hold tension.
- When the plastic tips (aglets) break, making lacing difficult.
- When they become very dirty or stiff from moisture.
- Before important games or tournaments if they show wear.
Keeping a spare pair of laces in your hockey bag is a simple way to avoid missing ice time if a lace breaks.
Lace tighteners and tools
Lace tighteners, small hook-like tools, help players pull laces tight without hurting their hands. They are especially useful for waxed laces and for younger players who may not have the hand strength to tighten skates properly. Some players also use lace locks or special eyelet designs to maintain tension. These accessories are inexpensive and can make lacing faster and more consistent.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Lacing too tight at the top, which restricts forward flex.
- Wrapping laces around the ankle, which can cut circulation.
- Using laces that are too short, making tying difficult.
- Ignoring frayed laces until they break.
- Lacing loosely through the middle, which lets the heel slip.
- Not adjusting for lace bite. Small changes can relieve pain.
Frequently asked questions
Are waxed laces better for hockey skates?
Many players like them because they stay tight, but it is a personal preference.
How long should hockey skate laces be?
It depends on skate size and model; check the manufacturer’s chart or measure your old laces.
Why do my skates hurt at the front of the ankle?
This is often lace bite; try adjusting lacing tension or using a lace bite pad.
