I need to "re-bake" (re-mold) my Graf 705 Top-Lights. Can I and how?

Question

I purchased my Graf 705 Top-Lights some 6 years ago and they are still in good shape (I only play in about 30 - 35 one hour games per year these days). However, as I have aged through my 30's, my foot has obviously gotten wider as I am now in agony wearing these skates. Skating in these skates has truly become an issue... Tying them loose does not seem to help... the boot is simply not wide enough for my foot anymore. It has become unbearable.
Can I re-bake (re-mold / re-shape) these skates so as to set them again to fit my current "Fat Feet"? If so, what temperature etc and how long? What is the best technique for doing so?

Answer 1

Ideally, you'd take your skates to a pro shop to have them heat molded. If you don't have access to a pro shop that provides this service, the standard molding procedure is as follows:

* Heat the skates at 200 degrees for 5 minutes in a convection oven.
* Do not leave the footbeds in the skates when heating and DO NOT forget to put the footbeds back in before putting on the skates.
* Put skates on over a thin sock and allow for the boot to mold to your feet while in a seated position. Apply slight pressure to bottom of feet if looking to expand the width of the boot. Walking around or flexing your knees to 'break' in the boot while it's still warm will result in creasing, eyelet pulling and premature breakdown.
* Molding process should take 15-20 minutes as the boot cools down. Removal of the boot while still warm may result in it returning to original form before being 'set' to desired fit.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Graf 705

Answer 3

I dunno about the other guy... but i dont think id trust a convection oven with my skates.
What i used last time on my graf's is just use a hair dryer in the skate. Put it on high, and on the hottest mode possible, and let it sit in there for a good.. 10 minutes or so. Then slip your foot in their with a sock you would use to play, and keep 'er on there for 5 minutes. That should do the trick.

Answer 4

Put them in the oven at a low temp (around 175 or 200) for about five minutes, then wear them around after they cool a bit. They will conform to your feet.