Finding the perfect set of roller skates can be complicated. Even after finding the right pair for myself, I dreaded having to break them in and being uncomfortable. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. There are several ways to widen roller skates and make them fit you like a glass slipper.
So, how can you widen roller stakes? Some of the ways I use to widen my rollerskates are by applying heat to them, tying them properly, using socks or padding to shape them, or by simply settling into them.
However, you need to follow the methods correctly to achieve the desired results. So, if you want to know more about how to widen roller skates, read on!
Can You Stretch Out Roller Skates?
Yes, you can stretch out roller skates. Moreover, you can even mold them to take the shape of your feet.
Roller skates naturally stretch a significant amount from how they fit you the first time you wear them. But if you feel as though the size of your roller skates is still too small, you can use different techniques to widen them and fit you comfortably.
Even the right size of roller skates can feel uncomfortable at first. You can either wait for your feet to finally get used to your new pair of roller skates. Or you can use the simple tricks listed below to make any pair of roller skates fit you perfectly.
How Do You Widen Roller Skates?
Using roller skates that are too small for you can cause discomfort, pain, and injury. They can also make skating much harder than it actually is. You should never skate in shoes that don’t feel comfortable; they should be neither too big nor too small.
Here are a few ways through which you can widen your roller skates for a safe, comfortable and enjoyable roller staking experience:
1. Use a Hair Dryer
You can mold the inside of your roller skates to fit the shape of your foot by using a little heat. The easiest and safest way to apply heat to your roller skates is by using a hairdryer.
Here is what you need to do to widen and mold your roller skates using a hairdryer:
- Use the hairdryer to evenly apply heat to the insides of your rollerskates. Make sure that you don’t heat one spot for too long.
- Wear a pair of socks to protect your feet from the heat and put on your rollerskates. Tie the laces, and make sure you are comfortable.
- After ten minutes, the interior of your roller skates will take the shape of your foot. You will be able to wear them comfortably as they will get widened.
2. Tie Your Roller Skates Properly
Sometimes, the problem might not be the size of your roller skates. You may not be tying the laces properly, causing the roller skates to feel too tight and uncomfortable.
Here are some signs that you might be tying your roller skates too tightly:
- Your feet should feel relaxed when you are wearing your roller skates. There should be some space for your foot to move around inside your roller skates.
- If you can feel the front or the end of your feet pushing against the interior of your roller skates, you might have tied its laces too tight.
- Your feet should not hurt after you take off your roller skates. Tying your laces too tight does not mean you will be safer while roller skating, it may have the opposite effect.
- Your feet should not feel numb while skating. You should easily be able to lift your feet and bend your knees without feeling weighed down.
There is a simple trick that I use to check if my laces have been tied properly. Insert two fingers into the roller skate after tying the laces. If you are able to do so comfortably, you have tied your roller skates properly.
If you can’t, you might have tied your roller skates on too tight. Loosen the laces until there is enough space for you to insert two fingers while wearing the roller skates. Your foot should be able to move around in the shoe.
If you are able to insert more than two fingers into the roller skate while your feet are in them, you should consider getting a smaller size. Loose roller skates can make you prone to tripping and injuring yourself.
3. Settle Into Your Roller Skates
Brand new roller skates can feel uncomfortable at first, even if they are of the right size.
It takes time for a new pair of roller skates to mold and feels totally comfortable. If you are certain that a pair of roller stakes is the right fit for you, there is no need to widen them excessively. You will need to ‘break into’ them over time.
Also, note that it should not take more than a month for you to become comfortable with a new set of roller skates. If you experience discomfort or pain for weeks after changing your roller skates, you might not be wearing the right size.
Another way to make the transition to new roller skates easier is by doing it gradually.
Try to use your new roller skates for shorter distances first. As you get used to them, you can extend the time and distance that you use them for. Using a brand new pair for an extended amount of time can only result in discomfort and pain.
4. Use Socks Or Padding To Shape Your Roller Skates
Using extra thick socks, padding, or wearing two pairs of socks are some good ways to widen your roller skates.
They will push the interior of your roller skates to not only make them widen but also shape them to fit your feet comfortably. You will need to wear socks or padding with your roller skates for no more than a week to shape them.
Of course, you can always keep wearing extra thick socks with your roller skates if it makes your feet fit better into the rollerskates. It is also a good idea to add extra padding near your toes and ankles if your feet are sensitive or prone to being numb.
How Much Can You Stretch Roller Skates?
You can stretch roller skates to be much bigger than what they actually are. It is possible to stretch a slightly smaller size of roller skates into one that can fit you comfortably.
Even without any additional techniques, roller skates stretch out to be quite bigger than their original size as you break into them over time.
However, it takes a long time to achieve that result. You do not want to be wearing roller skates that are too small for you, hoping they will fit you right one day. You can always use these easy ways to widen your roller skates faster than they naturally would.
Hacks for Widening Roller Skates
As mentioned earlier, you can widen your roller skates as long as you know some quick tips and hacks.
I have listed below some easy and quick hacks for widening roller skates:
1. Applying Heat to Your Roller Skates Will Make Them Widen Faster
This does not mean you can put your roller skates into your oven at home and mold them to fit you. The easiest way to use some heat on your roller skates at home is by using a hairdryer.
2. Applying Pressure to Your Roller Skates Will Make Them Widen Faster
You can add extra pressure to the inside of your roller skates to make them widen faster. You can simply do this by wearing an extra pair of socks for a week while roller skating. Another way of doing this is by using padding.
3. The Way You Wear Your Rollerblades Can Change How They Fit You
Tying your laces correctly is as important as your roller skates being of the right size.
Or, tying the laces too tight or too loose can weigh your feet down and cause injuries. Knowing how to tie the laces of your roller skates correctly can be one way to make them feel more comfortable.
4. Your Roller Skates Will Loosen Over Time Anyway
A brand new pair of roller skates will not feel as comfortable as your old pair. You may not need to do anything extra to widen your new roller skates. As you get will use them over time, your roller skates will widen on their own.
Final Thoughts
Widening your roller skates is not a challenge at all. It happens naturally as you wear and use your roller skates over time.
But there are some simple ways, that you now know, can accelerate the process. You can also use these methods to mold your roller skates to be an even better fit for you.
I hope that as you reach the end of this article, you know several ways to make even an ill-fitted pair of roller skates the perfect fit for you!
Top Picks for Roller Skates
BEST ROLLER SKATES: OUR TOP PICK
We like: Riedell R3 Quad Roller Skates – I enjoyed every bit, from the lightweight, stability, and double-closure system. The leather lining makes all the difference. Very comfortable boot!
BEST ROLLER SKATES FOR WOMEN: OUR TOP PICK
Best Roller Skates for Women
We like: Roller Derby Candi Girl Sabina – These are our top pick for the fierce women skaters of roller derby. The skates fit great and break in very quickly!
BEST ROLLER SKATES FOR BEGINNERS: OUR TOP PICK
We like: Chicago Men’s Premium Leather Lined Rink Roller Skate – These are the best and give a good sense of balance.
BEST ROLLER SKATES FOR KIDS: OUR TOP PICKWe like: Xino Sports Kids Adjustable Roller Skates for Girls & Boys – My daughter instantly fell in love with them. Great quality and the light-up wheels are super cool!
