Nothing will ruin your roller skating fun like painful feet. If your skates are the right size but still don’t quite fit, it may be time to adjust your laces. Check out some ways to correct common problems with skates and how to re-lace to correct them.

By necessity, roller skates are sturdier than shoes. If you have high arches, you’ll probably notice pressure on the top of your feet, which can be slightly uncomfortable or quite painful depending on the height of your arches. Easing the pressure will lead to a much more comfortable experience.

If your heel is slipping, triple-check that your skates aren’t too big. Try a size down, and remember that one foot may be bigger or smaller than the other! If a size down is too small, then you’ll want to tighten your laces towards the back to keep your skates steady on your feet and prevent blisters. Consider also wearing thicker socks.

In the event your toes are what bothers you, you’ll want to lift them up a bit. This lacing technique (bottom left) is slightly tricky to master, but if you have corns, ingrown toenails, or other toe problems, you’ll find the extra effort is worth it.

Remember, if you have questions or concerns about your skates, don’t hesitate to talk to the staff at Skate World Center any time we’re open. We love roller skating as much as we love chatting with our customers, and we can’t wait to share our knowledge with you!