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Customized Orthotic Skates

Enjoy Customized Skates & Orthotics in your hockey or figure skates for more support and shock absorption, while giving you a better feel for the ice.

Orthotics for your skates can help with a wide range of issues from past knee injuries and more, to overall comfort. If you experience pain when you skate, or have difficulty with power, control or speed while on the ice rink talk to our Podiatrist's at your next appointment and ask your foot doctor if customized hockey skates would be beneficial for you.

Figure skating and hockey both require a significant amount of training on and off the ice. Orthotics can give these athletes a greater chance at reducing the quantity and severity of their injuries. A custom made orthotic that is moulded to the shape of the foot can have numerous benefits versus an over-the-counter insole. 

Make Your Feet More Comfortable

Applying custom hockey skates to your workouts and your overall athletic lifestyle will not only reduce the risk of injury, but make your feet more comfortable. 

They intent is to help to properly shift your weight and pressure off areas that aren’t designed to have rigorous pressure. Custom Skates help align and create stability for you while you are performing in the rink and on the ice.  

Custom Hockey Skates

Custom hockey skates  made for your arch type help eliminate collapsing of your arch and ankle and by preventing this collapse, the orthotics will also make your push off more powerful and improve your stride as it will give your foot better contact with the ice and, thus giving you much better and needed control.  Without orthotics, some of the power from your push would be lost through the arch, but with orthotics the full power of each push is transferred directly to the ice. In addition, skaters who experience difficulty maintaining power and control when crossing over or with tight turns may benefit greatly from custom orthotics.

Custom Figure Skates

You might not require hockey skates but the demand and need for a pain free solution with even more performance and precision is not missed by our foot care experts! Contact us for customized figure skates to meet your specific requirements. Whether its for training, competing or just general enjoyment, we are here to help! 

Custom Recreational Skates

Not looking for a gold medal or to put the puck in the net? Just want a pain free experience when enjoying the wind in your face on a nice leisurely skate at the rink or that beautiful hidden spot on a creek. We are here to help! Contact our team to review your options and customize skates for your specific needs.

 

Step Ahead Podiatry Is Committed To Helping You Gain The Freedom To Walk Pain Free Again...

What are custom orthotic skates used for in sports?

Custom orthotic skates are specially designed skating setups where custom orthotic inserts are integrated into hockey, figure, or recreational skates to improve foot support, alignment, and comfort during on-ice activity. They are primarily used by athletes who experience foot pain, instability, or biomechanical issues such as flat feet or overpronation. These orthotics help distribute pressure more evenly across the foot and reduce stress on joints during skating movements. By improving alignment, they also help skaters maintain better control, balance, and efficiency on the ice.

How do orthotic skates improve foot alignment during skating?

Orthotic skates improve foot alignment by supporting the natural arch of the foot and preventing excessive collapse inward or outward while skating. This is important because skating involves repetitive pushing, gliding, and edge control, all of which depend on stable lower limb mechanics. Custom orthotics help position the heel, arch, and forefoot in a more neutral alignment, which reduces strain on the ankles, knees, and hips. This alignment allows smoother energy transfer from the body to the blade, improving overall skating mechanics and reducing fatigue.

Who benefits most from custom skate orthotics?

Custom skate orthotics are most beneficial for athletes who experience discomfort, instability, or recurring injuries during skating. This includes hockey players, figure skaters, and recreational skaters with flat feet, high arches, or overpronation issues. Individuals recovering from ankle sprains, knee injuries, or chronic foot pain also benefit significantly. Young athletes in development stages may use them to improve biomechanics early and reduce long-term injury risk. Essentially, anyone who struggles with pain, balance, or control while skating can benefit from a customized orthotic solution.

Can orthotic skates reduce sports injuries?

Yes, orthotic skates can significantly reduce the risk of sports injuries by improving foot stability and correcting biomechanical imbalances during skating. When the foot is properly supported, it reduces excessive stress on ligaments, tendons, and joints in the lower body. This helps prevent common injuries such as ankle sprains, shin splints, knee pain, and overuse injuries. By promoting better weight distribution and alignment, orthotic skates also reduce fatigue, which is a major factor in injury risk during long training sessions or competitive play.

How are orthotic skates different from regular insoles?

Orthotic skates differ from regular insoles because they are custom-made medical devices designed based on a detailed assessment of a person’s foot structure and biomechanics. Regular insoles are usually generic, offering only basic cushioning or arch support. In contrast, orthotic skate inserts are molded specifically to the athlete’s foot and are engineered to correct alignment issues and improve performance on ice. They provide targeted correction, better pressure distribution, and enhanced stability, making them far more effective for individuals with specific foot or gait problems.

Do orthotic skates improve ankle stability on ice?

Yes, orthotic skates improve ankle stability by supporting the foot’s natural structure and reducing excessive rolling or collapsing during movement. This is especially important in skating, where the ankle is constantly under load during turns, pushes, and stops. By stabilizing the arch and heel position, orthotics help control unwanted motion and reduce strain on ankle ligaments. This leads to better balance, improved control over edges, and a reduced risk of ankle sprains or chronic instability during skating activities.

Can children use custom orthotic skates?

Yes, children can safely use custom orthotic skates, especially if they are involved in hockey or figure skating and show signs of foot misalignment, flat feet, or recurring pain. In growing athletes, proper foot alignment is important for preventing long-term biomechanical issues and injuries. Custom orthotics can also improve comfort, which helps children maintain better performance and endurance during training. Since children’s feet are still developing, podiatrists typically monitor and adjust orthotics periodically to ensure proper fit and effectiveness over time.

Are orthotic skates fully custom molded to the foot?

Yes, orthotic skates are fully custom molded based on detailed impressions or scans of the individual’s feet. This allows podiatrists to design inserts that match the exact shape, arch height, and pressure distribution patterns of the patient. The customization ensures precise correction of biomechanical issues rather than a generic fit. This level of personalization is what makes them effective for improving both comfort and performance in skating, as they directly address the user’s unique structural needs.

How long do custom orthotic skates last?

Custom orthotic skates typically last several years, but their lifespan depends on usage frequency, body weight, skating intensity, and wear patterns. For active athletes who train regularly, orthotics may need reassessment or replacement every 1–3 years to maintain optimal performance and support. Over time, materials can compress or lose structural integrity, especially under repeated pressure on ice. Regular follow-ups with a podiatrist ensure that the orthotics continue to provide proper alignment and injury prevention benefits.

Can orthotic skates improve athletic performance?

Yes, orthotic skates can improve athletic performance by enhancing stability, alignment, and energy transfer during skating. When the foot is properly supported, athletes can generate more efficient push-offs, maintain better balance during turns, and reduce unnecessary energy loss caused by poor biomechanics. This leads to smoother strides, improved speed control, and reduced fatigue over time. By minimizing discomfort and preventing injury, orthotic skates allow athletes to train more consistently and perform at a higher level with greater confidence.